Lately, the weather has been insanely hot. With outdoor temperatures well over thirty degrees Celsius, shooting on location in heavy daily wear is practically pushing physical limits. To survive and still produce quality frames, I ultimately decided on an indoor pool for this shoot, capturing Marin Kitagawa's swimwear styling.
For the wig, I picked a pale blonde with subtle pink undertones and gradient-dyed ends, paired with red contact lenses. In makeup, the under-eye red blending was slightly emphasized, kept over a lightweight base using waterproof and sweat-resistant products. The outfit coordination was straightforward: a black string bikini worn underneath a breezy, oversized white long-sleeve shirt, paired with raw-hem distressed denim shorts. Pink-framed sunglasses rested on my head—a crowning touch that shielded harsh shooting glare while adding visual layering to the hair.
First, about the underwater shot in Photo 1: underwater photography tests your composure. Due to buoyancy, stabilizing the body is tricky, and controlling facial expressions is just as tough. The secret is to exhale slowly rather than holding your breath so your face doesn't look strained. Caustic lighting through the water danced across my legs in ripple-like patterns, channeling pure summer energy. I suggest wetting the hair slightly before submerging, or the wig will float awkwardly on the surface.
Photo 2 captures a backward glance from the poolside, showcasing back lines and the denim shorts. Photo 3 is my personal favorite: sitting sideways along the edge, one hand supporting my weight while the other adjusts the sunglasses. The key here is relaxing the waist into a slight arch and extending the legs forward; the photographer shot from a low angle to make the legs look wonderfully long, set against soft bokeh of pool reflections and architecture. Photo 4 features a frontal pose pulling the collar, where the key lies in playful, interactive eye contact with the camera.
Shooting poolside, the greatest enemy is harsh overhead sunlight. Direct light easily casts unflattering, hard shadows across the face, so we specifically aimed for around 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the light was softer. Strong water reflections can also throw off facial exposure, requiring bounce boards or soft-focus filters. The white shirt turns translucent and clings once wet; be mindful of camera angles, or pull one side down to reveal the shoulder and collarbone for an airy feel.
The biggest pitfall in Swimsuit cosplay is stiffness. I usually soak in the water first to acclimate, chatting with the photographer to catch candid moments like flipping hair, adjusting sunglasses, or laughing. Natural, relaxed poses often resonate the most.
All in all, shooting summer swimwear is a fantastic choice. Though UV rays are strong and require rigorous sun protection and hydration, the resulting coolness and atmospheric photography are hard to match in any other season. That wraps up this Marin Kitagawa look—I hope everyone enjoys these sunny summer frames.