Creating Clever Toy Photographs and 5 Examples of Doing It Right

Art in general tends to be a highly niche category. Not only is it broken down into basic genres, but the ingenuity and will of the artist will inevitably trump any description that might have put it into a creative box. So you can find just about anything in any area, and photography is no different in this regard.

People like to photograph various types of objects or scenes, but it can go a step further. I have seen photographers who like to do landscapes, but only those that have certain types of tree lines. I have seen people who do photographs of children, but only wearing certain kinds of period costumes. It can truly run the spectrum from the ordinary and mundane, to the creepy and macabre.

Toy photography is one of these strange little niches that photographs often fall into. Loved by some and loathed by others, even the greatest dissenters have to stand in awe at some of the brilliant shots that have been taken.
Here are five examples of some of the best, before I cover how you can take your own:

Chris McVeigh

All of his stuff tends to be pretty impressive. But when it comes down to the truly phenomenal work from his selection of toy photographs, it has to be this one. Not only is it just a good photo, but he actually came up with an idea to make a toy ride a chipmunk, and then he actually got the creature to cooperate. Can you imagine how long that had to have taken? Much less the effort? If you want a general idea, just go to your local park and try to chase one of those critters down.
Not only that, but he did it more than once. Check this out…and this.

Brian McCarty

What I love about Brian’s work is that he doesn’t just stage his shots. Instead, he creates an entire scene of story in each one, and then pumps so much detail into every inch that it takes time to really take it all in. They cease being pictures of toys, which takes a lot of talent to pull off. Instead, you are witnessing an actual event that just happens to be in toy form.
It was hard to pinpoint which of his incredible shots I liked the most. But if you were twisting my arm I would go with this one. The entire concept is perfect, but I love the use of the real people in the background, and the location. It reminds me of those awful, old science fiction films like Night of the Blood Beast, or even spoofs like The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra.
Plus, let’s face it…the robot is adorable.

Zelevole

Most of this guy’s toy shots are done in the superhero/comic/cartoon variety. That kind of thing is a dime a dozen, as action figures are a hot commodity in the toy photography world, much like fashion dolls. But he pulls off something special and creates shots that look like they could have stepped right out of the source of their making.
While a lot of his pictures are cool, this one stands out the most. Not only is the concept interesting but the setting and background are breathtaking. Look at the sheer level of detail, and the fact that it was all made to scale. It looks like a screencap taken straight out of a movie.

Taking Your Own Great Shot

Now that you have seen five photos that show how it is done, you can start thinking about taking your own. The most common mistake that I see in this kind of photography is that the person is just pointing and shooting at a toy. There is nothing less creative than that, and somehow they think it will be enough. I might like nature pictures, but if I go out and take a quick snap of a tree, will it be enough?

You should always try to keep a few things in mind:

• You aren’t just snapping a photo of a plaything, you are trying to make that object create an impression for the viewer. Whether it is a quick analysis or a full story, every picture should have more behind it than the subject itself. This is true of any kind of photograph.
• Angles are your friend… use them. Sometimes a simple front and center will do. But don’t be afraid to explore angles, distance, space and positions to get the most out of your shot. It can make the difference between a good picture and an amazing one.
• Do something new. I have lost count of the number of action figures staring against a solid backdrop photos I have seen. The same goes for antique dolls sitting in rocking chairs, or Barbies taking baths. You can use a classic or just well-loved subject, but try to spice up the concept a little.
• Try a background. This isn’t a deal breaker, and sometimes a plain color behind your subject will be necessary or preferred. But taking time to create a complex and detailed background for an entire scene can really give your photo a push.

In the end, it is about creativity and dedication, just like in any other photography genre. So gather up those toys and get shooting!