LEGO seems to be introducing amazing sets at a record pace and I’m losing track of what’s new and worthy of my limited funds. To help educate myself, I will be starting a new podcast theme: LEGO reviews. I’ve invited Marco Zanconi (@the_aphol) to join me on this podcast. Together we will take a deeper look at some of our favorite LEGO reviews as well as what goes into a great review.
New Podcast Theme
Marco is a moderator on BrickCentral, a LEGO Recognized Online Community. But more than that, Marco is an excellent LEGO toy photographer whose work I respect greatly. I’m impressed by his set reviews, his inventive photography and his product knowledge. I knew he would be an excellent co-host, and I was right!
Recently, Marco and I had a chance to connect over Skype (our first time “meeting” face to face!) and had a lively conversation about our favorite reviews, what makes a good review, and the sets we’re eyeing for future toy photography. Take a listen here:
Featured reviews and sets
Below you will find a list of the sets that Marco and I talk about in this episode as well as a links to our favorite reviews on both BrickCentral and on Toy Photographers.
Reviews Discussed
- Star Wars Resistance Transport Pod
- LEGO Ideas Dinosaur Fossils
- Fiat 500
- Tuning Workshop
- Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship
- Star Wars I-TS Resistance Transport
Sets Discussed
- Diagon Alley
- Ski Resort
- Pigsy’s Food Truck
- Donut Shop Opening
- Haggrid’s Hut: Buckbeak’s Rescue
- Barracuda Bay
What did you think?
Marco and I had a great time connecting over our mutual love of LEGO and a good review. We’re already brainstorming about future episodes on the collectible minifigures, LEGO-specific storage solutions, Ninjago as an inspiration, new sets for 2020, etc. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, what do you think of our new podcast theme: LEGO reviews?
- What sets do you want to see reviewed?
- Are reviews helpful when deciding how to spend your money?
- Do reviews inspire your own toy photography?
- Are there specific LEGO-related topics you want to see us discuss?
Please leave your comments below and tell us what you think!
~ Shelly
If you’ve listened to the podcast, you know Marco and I talk about the sets we look forward to purchasing. What set(s) are on your wish list?
That is great and interesting episode, thank You!
I was listening to Marco with attention because I have the privilege to own both pirate sets: Creator 3 in 1 and Pirates From Barracuda Bay and hey’re totally awesome in their own way. And I’ll be the devil’s advocate with the Creator set. Indeed, the island and inn are a smaller stes, but this compactness gives much opportunities for more “intimate” photos, shot from the closer point of view. And heck, they’re beautifully designed! Especially the island set.
And BTW, stay tuned, cause I’m cooking something related to this Creator 3 in 1 set, but different at the same time 😉
Thanks once again for discussing these awesome sets and reviews [including not so awesome made by myself ;)] and I’m looking forward to hear another episode!
That’s interesting. I’m not so much into tight closeup, that’s probably why i prefer the barracuda bay, but that creator is a great, awesome alternative and i’m glad we have the opportunity to discuss which pirate set is better!
Since you have both i can’t wait to see the “ultimate barracuda bay” with the Barracuda as a ship and the creator mixed together with the island!
Believe me me hearty, I shall do that! But first, I shall show wee surprise!
I wish lego would develope a toy photographer’s line. Generic movie style sets.
Great episode! It was very interesting to listen how other people choose which sets to get. My train of thought it similar, but definitely not as detailed as Marco’s. I noticed that I’m slowly getting there though. At first I was SO happy to find out this community and it made me free and I felt so free to buy any sets I want… that now I don’t have any space left 😀 So now I consider what to buy much more carefully 😀 Although, I must admit, that if it’s Harry Potter related, my filter is not very good and I buy (almost) anything 😀 And space. If it’s a rocket or a lander or a spaceman… Just take my money 😀 So I’m trying really hard with all other themes and sets to not buy them. I managed to save a LOT of money lately by buying only the pieces I really actually wanted from the sets. Like there is a set with purple long hair for minifigs and I only wanted that. So I bought it on Lego shop Bricks&pieces 🙂 And I bought a few animals there as well! I saved so much 😀
Thank you for keeping the podcast going, it always inspires me to create more. I’m not in the best headspace right now, so it’s mostly writing ideas on paper, but I will get back to it 🙂 Hopefully soon 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the reviews. I don’t read reviews much… but i must admit that i really enjoy writting them. I also agree that there is very little point in posting typical set reviews. Reviews should be geared toward an audience, the the audience here is photographers more than builders.