[Tokai Teio cosplay] Umamusume: Pretty Derby Convention Raw Photos Sorting: Sharing On-Site Shoot Details

After returning from outside Day 1 of Firefly ACG Expo, I sorted out the day's shooting results. This set of photos was mostly shot in the afternoon when the light quality was favorable; since outdoor lighting shifts rapidly, the reflector angle had to be adjusted constantly based on light metering. With heavy foot traffic on Day 1, to avoid cluttered backgrounds, we often had to find clear gaps on the lawn in backlit positions, using a large-aperture prime lens to blur the background for cleaner subject separation.

In total, I prepared three styling looks this time: Tokai Teio cosplay from Umamusume: Pretty Derby, Araga Kiwi cosplay, and Gongsun Li cosplay from Honor of Kings. Tokai Teio's plaid pinafore dress paired with a blue bow gave a very refreshing visual impression, matched with dark jeans. The shoot focused on capturing an airy, lightweight feel, utilizing a low half-squat camera angle to elongate body lines.

The army-green jacket and brown leather pants of Araga Kiwi cosplay looked richly textured. The military cap and golden tassels were demanding regarding camera angles, so we tested several slight low-angle perspectives to make the overall silhouette appear sharper and firmer. White lace trimmed the jacket's hem, which, paired with the belt and metal buckles on the shorts, created distinctive layering under the ambient light.

Gongsun Li cosplay's pink bunny-ear styling was exceptionally eye-catching on a sunny day, with the pink hair glowing brightly in the outdoor sunshine. The pink prop umbrella was easily blown around by the wind, so capturing candid moments required precise timing, which, paired with the pink thigh ring, delivered an entirely different sweet charm.

Many passersby on site remarked that my face in these shots barely needed editing. In reality, it was mainly because the base makeup was applied very cleanly beforehand, with eye and contouring details closely matching the original character designs. Combined with soft rim light created by reflectors, facial shadows were significantly minimized, allowing both front and profile angles to remain evenly illuminated before the lens.

During outdoor shoots, I usually alternate between medium and full-body shots, as roaming shoots require swift positioning adjustments based on wind direction and passerby obstruction. Although repeatedly changing outfits and adjusting hairstyles consumes physical energy, seeking light angles and experimenting with diverse poses is inherently one of the most enjoyable parts of convention photography. The camera's shutter speed was set relatively high to prevent instant expression distortion while preserving clarity and translucency under natural ambient light.

Accumulating experience through this shooting process yielded a high success rate for outdoor candid shots this time. Going through this complete routine lasted from morning all the way into the afternoon; all in all, this convention trip was immensely rewarding, both in gained experience and final photos. That wraps up this record, purely sharing on-site shoot details and my impressions at the time.