If you follow me on social media, you probably have noticed an increasing number of toy images. That is because I have been taking toy photography workshops starting last fall and this winter. I became fascinated with miniature photography at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, as I wrote about in an earlier blog. However, after meeting fellow Lensbaby Ambassador and my toy instructor, Shelly Corbett, I began to explore this genre in earnest. I am amazed at how many terrific and talented toy photographers there are. It is a real thing!
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/80 f4 ISO 640
I am learning many things about how to construct a scene, like how to get a fairy to fly, but at the heart of toy photography is storytelling. At first, this surprised me, but I understood the importance as I continued to explore and experiment.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/80 f4 ISO 1600
In all types of photography, the photographer is communicating a message to viewers. The same is true in toy photography. Choice of the toy, whether or not they interact, and the scenes you create invite viewers to connect.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/60 f4 ISO500
Shelly wrote an excellent blog entitled, Five Reasons to Photograph Toys. I encourage you to read it. Not only is it informative, but she also has lovely images that you can enjoy.
Here are some takeaways from my exploration of toy photography:
Buy toys that articulate. For example, LEGO toys have seven points of articulation: head, arms, hands, and legs. Trust me; there are seven. More movement means that you can pose them in a variety of ways.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/60 f4 ISO 1600
Be playful. It is not very easy to take images of toys and be serious, or at least in my opinion. I will admit that I can get very focused when trying to keep all the pieces working simultaneously, but if the image makes me smile, I know it works.
Lensbaby Sweet 35 with +8 macro converter 1/80 f2.8 ISO 250
Think of your audience. This is a new one for me because I ultimately take the photo for my own pleasure and hope that others will enjoy it, but it is helpful to keep your audience in mind. For now, I am trying to reach people who enjoy the whimsey and simplicity of a story told by toys. This won't include everyone who might be patiently waiting for me to return to landscapes or cityscapes, but there are some out there as several have encouraged me to do a children's book.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/5 f4 ISO 100
The setup doesn't need to be complicated. My frustration with miniature photography was that I needed to do it inside my home, and I didn't have a dedicated space or studio. I now take toys with me on my walks with a few tools to ensure that I can get them to stand up, and I found that a simple setup on my dining room table near a window works well for an indoor shot. Also, you can use any lens, including smartphone cameras. My Lensbaby lenses work wonderfully with toy photography since they create blur, unique focal points, and moods.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/60 f4 ISO 640
Mix up your toys. I gravitated to this naturally, but I learned that by combining toys from different lines, like Kermit with a LEGO stormtrooper, doing something different together is called a Mashup and by doing so it can tell an incredible story.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/60 f8 ISO 800
Selecting the story. Some people buy a toy with a story in mind, but I gravitate to certain toys and then devise a story about them, often when I am walking around my neighborhood. There are many ways to get ideas for photos: favorite quotes, song lyrics, art images, memories, and much more.
Lensbaby Edge 50 with +4 macro filter 1/80 f4 ISO 640
Seek out toy photographers. I am committed to my pursuit of toy photography and love the community surrounding them. Search for toy photographers on Instagram to find ones that resonate with you. Most of the toy photographers I have encountered bring their inner child with them when playing, shooting images, and talking about toys. It is so refreshing.
Lensbaby Sweet 35 with +8 macro filter 1/60 f4 ISO 1600
I am not abandoning my other photography passions, such as flower photography and capturing water reflections, but I love exploring the world of storytelling through these little peeps. And there is nothing more fun and relaxing than playing with your toys.
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 5% discount. I love hearing from you, so comment below, post on my Facebook page, follow me on Instagram, or send me an email at carol(at)carolvipperman.com. If you have any questions about photography, I would be pleased to answer them.
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