Also known as Toy Photography. I use action figures to create scenes born out of my imagination, or to re-create moments from pop culture that have inspired me.
A few years ago after stumbling upon some cool collectibles, I was having buyers remorse wondering why I just dropped money on this thing that was just going to sit on my shelf and collect dust after I got over it. Around the same time I had discovered this thriving online community of collectors on Instagram who were taking all kinds of amazing photos with their toys. Photos of their toys out in the wild, or on intricately build miniature sets. I thought to myself, I can literally do this. I had an old point and shoot camera and a cheap tripod sitting in my closet. I grabbed them and started taking horrible photographs on my kitchen table. But it was fun and I was hooked.
Fast forward 3 years later and here I am. Still going, practicing and shooting almost daily the entire time. I upgraded to a DSLR, taught myself lightroom and photoshop, bought a better tri-pod and a whole lot more toys.
Some of the backgrounds I’ve used are hand built dioramas or other times I’ll take trips locations near me, like a local beach, to get the shot. I’ll also use whats known as a “digirama” where props and toys are placed in front of a tv or computer monitor to create the background. None of these backdrops have been photshopped in over a green screen. Though some times they’re enhanced through Photoshop.
My favorite thing about toy photography is that really ANYONE can do it. You don’t need fancy equipment (But you might be inspired to get some), we all have a pretty powerful camera in our pockets attached to our phones. And there are a lot of toy photographers making a name for themselves using just that. Everyone probably has some toys in their house because of their children, or leftovers from when they themselves were children, or maybe you’re a hardcore collector with an impressive modern collection. What ever you have, you can use. You can go outside, use your imagination and create unique art.
If you’ve enjoyed this and want to see more of my work, you can find me @Shootingthegalaxy on IG or click the link right below
More info: Instagram
Behind the scenes of an outdoor shot
Behind the scenes of a digirama. The smoke effect here is pulled cotton
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