[Oguri Cap cosplay] Dashing Posture on the Track of Umamusume: Pretty Derby

Today's Studio shoot was for this Oguri Cap cosplay look. Since the character is from Umamusume: Pretty Derby, there were high requirements for the crisp structure of the outfit. The white-and-blue uniform jacket features structured shoulder tailoring, and the high-low asymmetrical skirt naturally carries an imposing aura when walking. The red necktie serves as the visual focal point of the upper body. To faithfully recreate the character, I wore a silver-white wig; the twin-tail styling combined with the specific head accessories naturally exudes the sharp edge of a competitor. Aiming for a handsome and cool aesthetic, I chose Black stockings and silver platform shoes. The silver shoes reflected the flash nicely, and pairing them with Black stockings also flattered my leg lines. In the studio, the backdrop was decorated with glass windows and ivy, and light filtering through the stained glass brought out the fine texture of this white uniform.

At that moment, the photographer asked me to do a few poses. Standing sideways with one hand on my hip, I deliberately relaxed my gaze, but he said I looked like I was intentionally trying to act cool. Honestly, I wasn't trying to act cool on purpose. Wearing this outfit naturally makes your posture more upright. When posing, your back and waist must stay straight, and the hair curves need to be maintained, which naturally brings out a cool, aloof demeanor. I feel this state aligns closely with the character's personality—after all, as a powerhouse on the track, one's gaze should always carry a sharp edge.

We encountered quite a few challenges during the shoot. For example, the white fabric gets dirty very easily and creases after long wear, so I had to steam it with a garment steamer before switching poses. The silver wig was also tricky to manage; under intense studio lighting, it reflected light heavily, requiring constant angle adjustments while keeping the roots voluminous to avoid looking flat. Fortunately, the lighting setup was very professional, utilizing the greenery and stained glass to sculpt clear facial contours without looking harsh.

This outfit is quite strict on body proportions; with the long jacket, Black stockings, and platform shoes, legs can easily look shortened if you're not careful. We used a subtle wide-angle lens during the shoot to slightly elongate the legs, which, paired with my posture, created a crisp and capable look. This handsome vibe isn't soft or cutesy, but resolute. In the moment captured by the photographer, my gaze wasn't directly fixed on the lens, but looking slightly diagonally forward, adding a deeper sense of depth.

To maintain this feeling, I continuously adjusted the angle of the skirt so that the high-low hem created a swallowtail-like effect. Because the structured fabric held its shape, turning created a clean silhouette. Reviewing the playback on camera, I felt the styling blended seamlessly with the backdrop.

The shooting pace that day wasn't very fast because I had to remain mindful of my posture and avoid unnecessary movements, which is probably why it looked a bit formal. Shooting is always a continuous process of adjustment and refinement, deepening my understanding of the character. Standing there in this outfit, you naturally absorb the pride and composure of a racer—which is what studio atmosphere is all about. A great cosplay is supported not just by the costume, but set by the expression and presence revealed in that exact moment.