Everyone has their own reasons to photograph toys. But where does the magic reside? Does it reside in recreating your favorite scenes from iconic movies? Or maybe it happens when you delve deep and pull from your own experience? Maybe you believe the magic resides in creating your own stories and mythologies? Or does the magic reside somewhere in your equipment?

New Toys

Many months ago I wrote a blog post on how to buy a camera. This was a dangerous topic for me because after my research I had instant camera envy. Luckily I had a birthday approaching so I could justify scratching that particular itch. I splurged and purchased a Sony Α7. My reasons behind this move into mirrorless cameras (is this an upgrade or a downgrade?) is the appeal of vintage lenses.

I enjoy the amazing bokeh that Joseph Cowlishaw captures with his collection of vintage lens and Tony is often extolling the virtues of the Olympus Zuiko Lenses: especially the 50mm f3.5 macro lens. While I’ve played with and enjoyed the Lensbaby, I was ready to strike out in new directions. Vintage lenses seemed to be a good way to go. And while I don’t believe that the magic lies in my camera equipment, I think certain equipment can help you get a little closer.

When Tony swung through Seattle for an all too brief visit, he left behind a Zuiko 50mm f3.5 macro lens with adaptor for me to play with. He knew I was interested in pursuing this direction of photography. Lucky for him, my own lack of confidence has kept me from exploring vintage lenses. While I don’t think the magic of photography lies in the equipment I do think there is something magical in the photographic process. I’ve been a photographer for over 30 years, and I can still be blown away by what the camera sees.

The Magic of Bokeh

Part of the magic of photography for me is capturing with a camera what is unseen by the human eye. Toy photography holds my interest because I’m interested in exploring the magic of imagination. I want to return to a time when my toys were alive and magic ruled my childhood world.

One of the tools I use to capture a feeling of magic residing in my photographs is the use of bokeh. I love a little bokeh. To be more accurate: I LOVE bokeh. I love photographing towards the sun and capturing the light refracting off water to see what crazy effects will be created. My camera is almost always set on a wide open aperture so I can capture the swirly background bokeh of trees and a blue sky that remind me of a watercolor painting. I’ve always said that I’m really a frustrated painter masquerading as a photographer. There is something to all that other worldly bokeh that lends itself to the magic of toy photography. There is a magic in all that bokeh that helps me to cross over into the land of imagination.

Would Mr Tumnus seem so real if you knew the mud pit that I actually took the photo in?

Or does the sparkles and circles of the white bokeh remind you of a world that you can only access through a mysterious wardrobe?

Lens Flare

JJ Abrams isn’t the only person who is a big fan of lens flare. Because I’m not looking for an image that is based in reality, I employ lens flare to push the viewer into a world filled with magic and where the toys are alive. Sure toy photography is about telling stories but it is also about photography. Photography is about capturing light, playing with the light, refracting it and bending it to your will. Its fun to play with the light. With toys as a subject, reality doesn’t need to be a consideration, so why not push the boundaries of light? Is there magic in perfectly capturing an image? Or does the magic reside in the flaws and aberrations?

Which image do you prefer? 

I used my hand to shade the lens to get the lens flare effect I wanted.

A more traditional angle with beautiful swirly background bokeh.

Where does the magic reside?

For me, the magic of toy photography lies in capturing the unseen light. It means opening my shutter up all the way to see what the world looks like when it is covered in bokeh.  I want to see the light flare and create rainbows across my image. My toys are not of this world and I want the images I create to reflect that. While I’m not a person who believes that your equipment will determine the quality of your imagery, I might make an exception for this Zuiko lens. Like the Lensbaby, the Zuiko captures a reality that is twisted in a way that suits my own sensibilities.

So maybe the magic doesn’t reside in the equipment, but it can certainly help you create the images you want to. In the past I’ve mentioned that lenses should be treated like brushes. I’m thrilled to have another brush in my tool box. I will place the Zuiko 50mm f3.5 next to my Sony 90mm, Lensbaby, Lens Ball and leave a little room for a Petzval lens. It feels good to know me collection of interesting glass is expanding. Who ever said that toy photography had to be realistic?

In Closing

Where does the magic of toy photography reside for you? Does it reside in a practical studio effects? Or maybe there is a particular background you find inspiring? Maybe you enjoy the way light filters through smoke or a perforated divider? Do you have a piece of equipment that you swear by? Or maybe you have a certain Lightroom preset that trips your creative trigger. We all have our personal magical sweet spot. The place were our toy photography magic lies.

I’ve told you were some of mine are, won’t you share where the magic of toy photography resides for you?

~ Shelly

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