Cosplay brings like-minded people together, and some fans of the hit anime series Free! wanted to show their admiration by bringing their favorite characters to life. The Splash Free! Cosplay Group had long been planning a photo shoot for months, and when it did happen, their group cosplay shoot became a fun and memorable experience for each and every on who took part in it, and we at arkadymac.com are glad to be able to share it with our readers as four of us got to cover it: Photographers Xtian Mack and Kami, our coverage partner Jillian Rose, and our editor processed the photos here, Keileen.
As would be expected, casting for the roles was difficult, but it was great that the main characters got filled up in the end. Photographer friends were invited and were good to go. Preparations were then made and a suitable location was chosen. Everyone had hoped for bright, sunny weather the scheduled day for the shoot, but dark clouds, chilly rain, and icy winds just had to make things more challenging for the group even if it was otherwise sunny the whole week. Despite the uncooperative weather, the group still decided to go through with it as not to waste the effort and worries of organizing the shoot.
Most of the group chose to meet up at a convenience store late in the morning. Everyone only got to know about each other through their online Facebook group so not everyone knew each other, but they all hit it off when they started telling stories and memories about the series. When everyone got there, they commandeered a jeep to take them directly to Pasig Rainforest Park.
It was still dark and rainy when the group arrived, so it was a bit tough to appreciate the many attractions at Pasig Rainforest Park. Free! is a series about a high school swimming team after all, so the water park with its Olympic-sized swimming pool was just perfect for the shoot, along with the other fun attractions there. The group settled down to their cottages. The cosplayers prepared their costumes and makeup as the photographers prepared their equipment, all anticipating a good shoot despite the perpetual drizzle. By then it was already past lunchtime, so everyone had a meal when they could. Of special note was Jenny’s spaghetti. It was tasty and saucy and I appreciated it very much, as did the rest of the hungry group.
The shoot then commenced and cosplayers and photographers split up into groups. Solos and group shots were taken as they tried to relive scenes from the series. It was just a little tough for the photographers as they desperately tried to protect their equipment from the rain. It was even tougher for the cosplayers as they were in swimwear all the time the icy wind made them shiver constantly. Getting wet from being in the pool didn’t help much either, but they still kept on posing as they really worked hard to make this shoot come true for the longest time.
It wasn’t always dire and serious. Everyone was still smiling, jeering, laughing, recounting scenes and jokes from the anime, and just fooling around the pool and teasing each other. Cosplay and cosplay shoots are supposed to be fun, and everyone did have an enjoyable time on and off character, on and off camera.
It rained practically all day. We never got to see the sunset. We only realized it was evening already when the dark sky got even darker. The cosplayers finally could finally get out of the pool and their wet clothes and wigs and take a much needed hot shower as the photographers packed their wet gear. The shoot then officially ended, everyone saying their goodbyes as they headed of into different directions, all delirious to have a warm meal, a hot drink, and lots of rest. All that was left was to wait for the photos to be posted by the photographers in the days to come.
Many thanks to those who organized this shoot and make it happen. The cast: Jennie as Gou Matsuoka, Jeff Emerson Ocray as Haruka Nanase, Reuel as Makoto Tachibana, Karlo as Nagisa Hazuki, Nel Nel as Rei Ryugazaki, Mamoru Akira as Rin Matsuoka, Karlonne as Sousuke Yamazaki, John Luigi as Nitori Aichirou, Ralz Allen as Momotarou Mikoshiba, and Mela as Miho Amakata. Photographers: Alphard Penetrante, Despairing Ronokuma, Ariel Pagulayan, Kuroro Taquiqui, Donnie Ai, Kami Kun, and Xtian Mack. Special mention to Jenny and Alphard who invited us to cover this event. Extra special mention to Jenny for the spaghetti. Thank you all very much.
Since this shoot was successful despite the horrible weather, they plan on holding another one this summer, when rain would at least be less likely to happen, so please look forward to it.
Thank you for dropping by, and do visit us again for more cosplay features here at arkadymac.com.
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