As most of you know, I love taking images while out walking, so it was a surprise to me when over the last six months I became fascinated with the tiny world of miniature photography. I follow a number of photographers and many of them over the long pandemic have turned to creating landscapes and portrait sessions inside using miniature people. The reason it has taken me over half a year to post a blog with my images is that it has been a real learning curve. I do enjoy playing, so hopefully my photos will make you smile.
One of my early captures - these guys are 1/2” tall. Taken with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
The first challenge I encountered was where to purchase the little peeps, as I call them. I searched in a variety of places, including Etsy, Amazon, and train hobby shops online. I also learned that there are a variety of sizes. The climbers are HO scale (1/2”). I have also purchased some figures that are O scale, which are about 1-1/4” high. It is easier for me to work with the larger figures, but I am still playing with the smaller ones. I also found some very fun figures that are 3-5.5” high. More about them later.
These are O scale figures that I got from a hobby store. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Velvet 28 lens.
The key thing I have learned working with miniatures is that it is all about storytelling. Photography is about telling a story, but I found it different to create indoor scenes that tell a story. I shot my images on my tabletop using vegetables, cookies, fruits and other items to create scenes. Some photographers have very creative props, but I am working with what I have, which has been interesting.
This little guy is telling his mom about a nightmare he had and asking to be let into their bed that is made of cheese and crackers. Shot using my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
The little guy is negotiating with his grandfather for another story before bed. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28 lens.
Since I don’t have the most ideal indoor studio for shooting these images, a friend suggested that I take some of my peeps with me on my walks. That was a real ‘ah hah’ moment for me. I had purchased some figures that are about 3” tall, and some pretend professionals that are 5.5” tall, so I stuff my pockets with a couple of them when I take off on my walks. They have added color and fun to these winter walks.
This worker is sitting on a ledge along my walk waiting for the bus. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
This capture generated a number of comments on Facebook and Instagram. People found it very evocative and had many stories that came to mind. Shot with Canon EOSR and my Lensbaby Spark2 with Sweet 50 optic.
I captured this little guy with his catch in a community garden. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
In my pretend professionals’ collection (I now have 36 of them) I found a photographer! That opened up so many more possibilities, such as the “professionals at work” series. In addition to my enjoyment, I have found that my neighbors who walk by love snapping quick photos as well.
One of the first photo sessions with a veterinarian. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
A professional tennis player who is ready to play at any moment. It is amazing what interesting shots you can create outside. Shot with Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
Honoring our medical heroes. Shot with Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
Women at work. Shot with Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
As I continue to experiment with creating stories with my little peeps, I am finding that my creativity is growing. I now see things and places on my walks that would tell an interesting story. I am also playing with ways to create a better indoor studio set-up to capture more images. Here are a few more that hopefully make you smile.
When I can’t get out for a walk, my little climbers take care of exercise for the day. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
Honestly, they will climb anything! A potato masher is a challenge to be met. Shot with my Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
And these hikers came across a photographer in the bok choy forest. Shot with Canon EOSR and Lensbaby Velvet 28.
I am still on quite a learning curve, which actually feels good. I love expanding my horizons and skills. There is so much more that I continue to learn about indoor lighting, how to keep those little ones to stand up (putty or glue stick), and what to use as props. I get inspiration from looking at what other photographers are doing. As you may have noticed, I primarily use Lensbaby’s Velvet 28 lens for these shots. Although it is wide-angle lens (28mm), I can get up to two inches away from the subject, which is a real advantage when taking photos of 1/2” and 1” miniatures.
If you are curious about Lensbaby lenses, take a look at their website, and if you are inclined to take the plunge, use my Lensbaby Ambassador code (wVipperman) for a 10% discount. I love hearing from you, so comment below, post on my Facebook page, or send me an email at carol(at)carolvipperman.com. If you have any questions about this journey with miniature photography, I would be very happy to try to answer them.
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