The toy photography community is a diverse group, and there are some incredible veterans out there, folks who have long been into both toys and photography. But what about the newbie toy photographer? Where to even begin? Well, we created this special series just for you—and perhaps for those out there who haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner!
In this first episode of a planned 8-part series, your hosts, Terri (@greenehenphotography) and Ariel (@those_wonderful_toys), both of whom have been photographing toys for less than a year, share their journeys thus far.
Toy photography might be one of those chicken-or-the-egg questions: Which came first—toys or photography? You might be surprised that some in the toy photography community began the hobby without ever being into toys (that’s the case for me, Terri), or that some loved toys but never had any experience with photography (true for Ariel). We all start somewhere, and perhaps being a beginner allows for a different level of freedom, creativity and excitement—or at least we think so!
Listen in as we discuss:
- our “origin stories” and what led us to toy photography
- the challenges, wins and surprises we’ve encountered along the way
- our approaches to developing our craft and the ways we’re developing our own creative process and practice
- where we get our ideas
- and so much more!
Future episodes of this special series focused on beginners will highlight:
- cameras & gear
- toys/props/accessories
- lighting composition
- setting up scenes
- editing and post-processing
- finding support, community and inspiration
- roundtable discussion with other toy photographers
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Are you new to toy photography? If so, what questions do you have? Not new to the gig? Share your insights and advice—we’d love to learn from you! Leave a comment below or join our communities on MeWe, Facebook or Instagram!
Very nice imagery Terri…..I particularly like your positioning of your figures …Doc Brown and the Inspector….liked that a lot….keep up the good work….looking forward to your future posts on here….
Regards Richard Dixon / TPD STUDIOS UK { http://www.richard-dixon-tpd-studios.co.uk }
Thanks for your comment and kind words, Richard!! The Inspector Gadget/Doc Brown shots are actually Ariel’s and not mine—and I agree, he does a great job with posing!
Excellent discussion. Talking about time goes by, this was podcast went by soooo quick I could have listened for another hour. Look forward to the next episode.
So glad you enjoyed the episode! And what a compliment—thank you for listening and taking the time to comment!
It was so great conversation!
Thanks Terri and Ariel for your thoughts and insights. I agree in terms of mediative factor of toy photography. Sometimes, especially when I shoot outdoors I just forgot about the world. And often I catch myself after way too long amount of time, spent behind the lens. I also agree with Behind The Scenes pictures as the kind of “back room” for similar future settings and pictures. I do not pay attention to the quality of these photos, because for me they are mainly illustrative, I rarely publish them other than as quick stories on IG and I really use them to remind myself the light setting and such.
I definitely have to try mashups more often, because it sounds like it’s a great fun!
Thanks once again for this episode and I’m looking forward to hear next!