Toy Photography is a really cool hobby and one that is seeing a huge rise in popularity.
This especially evident on by the rise of Facebook groups like Articulated Comic Book Art and Toy Crew Buddies. While their approaches are different, the main idea is the same; take toy pictures and bring them to life. With that said I'll give you some tips I've learned in my early toy photography journey. I'm sure everyone has a different approach but this is what's worked for me. So with out further adieu we begin.
1. Have an idea of the picture you want to take
Sometimes the ideas come out of no where. You may be watching a show or movie that have the figures you have and BOOM! Sometimes you may even have the figures in your hand you you find a cool pose. Don't let that go to waste, it can make for a great picture.
2. Make sure your figures have good articulation
There's nothing worst than having an idea in your head and not being able to pull it off because the toys just don't move the way you want them to. I mean there's nothing wrong with figures with little articulation, if used right you can create a really convincing scene. But once you get a feeling for posing them toys the possibilities are endless.
3. Bring the camera low to the level of the toys
When you take a picture of someone it's very rare that your take one over their heads. Unless you're on a balcony or just above them you're usually at eye level. Don't be afraid to bring the camera down to their level, it'll make the picture way better.
4. Try different types of lighting
Nothing sets the mood like some good lighting. The same goes for you photography. It doesn't mean you're going to have to shell out hundreds of dollars on lighting equipment. You'd be amazed to see how ingenious toy photographers are when it comes to lighting their shots. Also, if you manage to get some good lighting you really won't have to do much touching up on your computer or phone.
5. Have Fun
Just remember the feeling you had when you were younger and you'd play with your toys. I bet you had some awesome adventures back then. Just bring out that inner child and play with those toys and remember that you're never to young to play with them. Above all you're not old to take some really cool toy pics ;)
That's pretty much it. Like I said at the beginning of this post, everyone has their own approach to taking pictures of their figures, this is just what's worked for me and what allows me to take better pictures each time. There are many toy photography techniques out there and with time I hope to learn them.
How do you approach taking pictures of your toys?
