Cinematic. That’s the word that comes to mind with even a quick glance at Tom Milton’s (@tomtommilton) images. Look further, and you’ll probably have a question: how does he do it? A few parts vision and inspiration, a boatload of talent, a fair share of intention—oh, and a really big and heavy camera setup!
In this episode of the Toy Photographers Podcast, Shelly Corbett (@shellycorbettphotography)interviews Tom, someone whose work she’s admired for years. We’ll learn how Tom creates his images using two lenses (yup, two!!)—a fairly standard prime and ananamorphic lensbolted to that one. Manually focusing not only but two lenses and balancing a setup that weighs quite a few kilos, Tom’s images represent his style, vision, and intent.
Listen in as Shelly and Tom discuss:
- Tom’s background as an artist and his journey as a toy photographer
- How Tom’s setup and process forces him to slow down and how slowing down influences his craft
- The ways photography—and toy photography in particular—encourage you to look at the world differently
- The role of everyday objects, familiar places, and DIY ingenuity in Tom’s images
- His influences—from the cinematographer Roger Deakinsto Star Wars, LEGO, and popular culture
- The amazing year Tom had in 2021—including winning the Lego Build and Capture Photo Contest 2021on Flickr with this incredible image
- How Tom attributes his range and ability to a matter of choosing what’s right/best to tell the story he wants to tell
- Tom’s favorite memories of 2021 (and it’s such an inspiring answer)
- Tom’s take on social media and his creative vision
- The two blog posts he’s written in the last year that stand out to him the most: “How Far Would You Go to Photograph a Toy?”and “Welcome to Mustafar”
- Goals and vision for 2022
- Advice for new toy photographers
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts after listening to the episode; leave a comment below or join our communities on MeWe, Facebook, or Instagram! Also, please be sure to visit the blog for all things toy photography-related!
Images
Here are a few of the images discussed in this podcast.
Awesome. Love Toms work. I always feel sucked into his worlds, so majestic and inspiring.
You are too kind Paul. Quite possibly the first time I’ve had anything in relation to myself described as majestic, thank you.
Lovely chat, Tom and Shelly 🙂 It was so great to hear about your journey, Tom, and also to be a tiny part of it 🙂 It was great meeting you in London and then also virtually on our toy safari last year! Your workshop was jaw dropping 😀 Your kind of setup is very different from mine and I’m in complete awe that you are willing to take that monster with you when you are travelling. I hope that we will be able to meet again some time, with or without your monster 😀 I hope I’ll get to organizing another meetup in UK one day 😉
Thank you Jana. We definitely need another meet up in our part of the world when we can safely do so. The last one in London was great. And you are very true in your comments, my camera setup has certainly changed since then.
A very enjoyable conversation to listen to from 2 artists whom I respect. Tom you have a unique perspective and execution to your toy photography which makes you stand out, however you’re so humble in your words which makes you all the more inspiring to us.
Thank you for your comments Janan, you are too kind. I’m glad you enjoyed the podcast.
Tom and Shelly this was a wonderful episode. I was really excited when this one dropped. It’s so great to hear your story Tom and your views on toy photography I always learn a lot from your articles, so listening to you speak about toy photography is a gift.