I like to be inspired. I like to be challenged. So, inspired by posts by Father’s Figures and Jennifer, and challenged by Shelly during our last video chat, I’m putting toy photography back into Toy Photographers.
It’s been a while since I’ve photographed anything but LEGO. I scrolled back through my Instagram feed, and the last photo I’d posted was 10 months ago. Far too long!
We went down to look at war toys
But all the war toys were gone
Dead Milkmen – Wonderfully Colored Plastic War Toys
“Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na flat tyre”
But why so long?
I can only assume my reluctance to photograph toys that aren’t LEGO stems from sheer volume. My LEGO shelves outnumber the others significantly, giving me more choice and more ideas.
It can probably also be accredited to the fact that I resisted buying toys through fear of addiction. My friends, that I’d made through plastic, bullied me for so long to ‘get into’ the Star Wars Black Series figures. I resisted for as long as I could, knowing damn well that once I bought one, many would follow. And they have.(Thanks Mark and Tim!)
I also withstood temptation based of cost. If it weren’t for @suppaduppa666’s posts and lauding, I’d have never forked out the coin for a Revoltech Stormtrooper. (I regret nothing David!) It hardly seems fair that my revenge on him was to tempt him into getting a LEGO Ithorian!
“Trooping”
My foot-dragging when it comes to photographing toys that aren’t LEGO is based on fear. A fear that I’ll enjoy it so, that I’ll need more! Just like plastic crack!
“Sticks and stones won’t break my bones, but surface rust will hurt me”
Despite their bulk straining my pockets, I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoy shooting different toys. I enjoy the different challenges they throw my way.
There’s an S.O.S. from the land of the misfit toys
It seems the king’s turning his army into number 2 pencils
Voodoo Glow Skulls – Land of Misfit Toys
“EGG-CELLENT!”
(Shelly, I see your zero articulation dinosaurs, and I raise you a Medicom Alien egg!)
Thanks to those who’ve inspired, challenged, tempted and hassled me, when I think of toy photography, I’ll think of toy photography, not just one type of toy. I’ll push my fears aside and grab more than just LEGO from my shelves.
– Brett
Do you lean towards one type of toy to photograph? If so, why do you think that is?
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I will allow you may have ‘won’ this round for the toy with the least amount of ‘articulation’. It’s amazing how much ‘life’ you can bring to a toy with a little light. Really beautiful photo Brett! And the old car photo is a real gem! Fabulous work my friend!
Thanks Shelly. I had a hoot shooting something different. It had been too long between drinks! Thanks for challenging me to do so. 😉
I’m so honored to be named an inspiration. Your images are gorgeous.
Almost all of my photos are of Lego figures, and there’s a good reason for that: That’s how I discovered and was accepted into the beautiful IG community. I have been collecting them since I was a child, but only started to photograph them in a ‘scene’ after seeing so many inspiring shots from the community. Even though I collect other toys, none of them are as many as Lego figures and honestly, not as loved. However, I do take the occasional “other toy” photo because they deserve to be shared, too. I feel your fear of addiction, they are so amazing that you simply want to say “here, take all my money!” Unfortunately there are real life expenses to think as well.
Your article inspired me, I think I’ll take an “other toy” with me today when I go out!
Yay! More power to the “other” toys!! 😀
hahahahaha, oh man, I “blame” krash_override for getting me into the non-LEGO action figures! Your photos are amazing, I’m glad you’ve rediscovered your other toys.
Great write up, there are so many “other toys” that are a blast to photograph! My own toy photography started with plush toys and slowly moved to Lego. The sheer amount of different themes, minimal cost and ease of access made it a no brainer to explore the mini figure world.
I have focused on Lego because I am a fan of the interchangeability of all the accessories and parts. I love mixing parts to create easy custom characters. After doing this for some time going back to other toys seems to be limiting in a sense. I recently purchased a groot figure and found it quite difficult to make it look good in settings my minifigures excel in. It pushes my skills working with other toys – but I do like the design of the minifigure and the endless possibilities of Lego.
I agree! LEGO opens up more possibilities. Photographing “others” is more of a challenge.