4 Easy Ways to Better Toy and Figure Photos

 Forward

~Toy photography is an excellent medium to both show off your collection, and your creativity.  Toy photography is a great way to play with your collection in a more sophisticated manner.  Here are 4 easy ways to add more flair and pop to your toy photos.

1: Using a "Live" Background

~Some of us aren't the best artist or sculptors, and creating an "in-context" isn't exactly easy.  Luckily there is something we all have, T.V.'s and/or computer monitors.  It's as simple as finding a fitting image or video, or even static color, and placing your figure in front of it.  Expose for the subject's lighting, and start shooting.  Add extra lights to add pops of color to the figure to make it more believable.
 

Keep in mind that screens have a max brightness, so when setting your exposure, take a few tests shots to determine whats bright enough for you.  Any sort of direct light towards the screen will cause it to glare, ruining the illusion.

2: Colored Gels

~White light gets boring pretty quick, so why not add some color to liven things up.  Toys and figures naturally come from colorful fictional worlds, so adding some color to the lighting will place them better in the scene.  Placing them in front of lights for hair lights or even key lights can create some very interesting effects. Go nuts and have fun adding splashes of color wherever!

 

 3: Go ahead, Add That Extra Light

~We've all had that moment, where we finally get the shot we want, but we're quite not sure if we can improve it or not.  We aren't in the days of film anymore, so go ahead and add that extra light or 2.  Adding an extra light can bring more context, add more detail, or just separate your figure further from the background.  The worst thing that happens is you don't use the photos.

4: Practical Effects are Your Friend

~While I don't advocate taking fireworks to your collection, there are ways to add effects to change the mood.  From a simple spray bottle for rain, to artificial fog, and throwing dust, practical effects will breath life into your photos.  Have fun, experiment, and make sure you clean your figures afterwards.

And if you are into fireworks, best to have a "stunt double" figure for those situations.

 Conclusion

~ With these simple tips and techniques, you can take your toy photos to the next level.  Blur the lines of whats reality and fiction, and ultimately have fun.  I look forward to seeing more photos using these techniques.

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