Today's photo set was shot at an infinity pool with a wide-open view. The intense sunlight on the day brought quite a few hurdles to the live shoot. To align with the character's design, I prepared a blue inflatable swim ring along with this black-and-white outfit. The pink gradient wig easily blew out under the harsh sun, so during styling, I spent ample time refining its layers and subtle color transitions—especially the signature ahoge sticking up from the crown, which was fixed with generous amounts of hairspray to ensure it stayed intact through waterside breezes and dynamic movements.
Since shooting required being near or directly inside the water, I chose base makeup products with maximum waterproof and sweat-resistant performance, while fine-tuning the contrast of my bright green contact lenses to give the eyes that distinct robotic Angeloid texture. The black choker and metal collar chain around my neck were quite a challenge; prolonged exposure to chlorinated pool water easily oxidizes metal, and once soaked, the chain grew heavier and clung tightly against the skin. Yet that restrictive sensation actually helped me sink deeper into character. The over-the-knee black Stockings worn on the lower half clung snugly to the legs once wet, slightly restricting movement while demanding constant caution against snagging on fingernails or abrasive pool walls.
The shooting process was far more physically taxing than anticipated. Especially when leaning forward along the pool edge in the water, maintaining a steady upper-body posture demanded solid core strength, all while keeping facial expressions relaxed and free from strained tension. To capture the shimmering ripples across the water's surface, the photographer, Xiaoyu, continually adjusted camera angles in search of the best backlit and front-lit perspectives. In Photo 2 where I recline on the poolside edge, my legs were actually suspended freely underwater, bearing my weight solely through my hands on the rough stone coping while trying to project an effortless, slightly languid gaze. In Photo 4, sitting inside the swim ring proved tricky—the wet Stockings slipped on the smooth plastic, making the ring tip over easily. It took multiple attempts to find a stable center of gravity, finally pulling off that softly relaxed leg-crossed posture.
Between takes, breezes brushed across damp strands of hair, carrying the unmistakable scent of pool chlorine. Even though the outdoor sun was scorching and my skin felt warm to the touch, the resulting light-and-shadow rendering was delightfully luminous. I have always loved stylings with this sense of contrast—where a character's sci-fi, aloof persona clashes delightfully with everyday leisure elements like pools and swim rings. In posing, I avoided exaggerated motions, relying instead on nuanced gazes and subtle tilts of the body to convey emotion. Calming my breathing and relaxing my shoulders the moment the shutter fired allowed me to fully inhabit the present. I genuinely cherish this creative process of bringing a 2D character into the real world.