I read about this interesting article from PetaPixel about how light plays a major role in photography and having high-end gears always comes secondary after skills. I find it really interesting and it applies as well in toy photography! I'll be posting a two part series on my own take that hopefully will somehow help my fellow toy photographers grasp the same idea for their figure photos. This first part should be the basics.

Taking what I read as an example, I applied the simple light principle that you should initially learn to how to 'play' with light in your photos. Play, in my case, would mean you need to be more imaginative in your shots. Visualize how the light would look on your shots before you press that shutter. Teach yourself how to control it as much as possible.

Here's an SOOC (straight out of the camera) shot of Nendoroid Elsa on my PC table. I'm using a Canon 600D with 50mm 1.8 lens and the settings are 1/100 f/3.2 IS0400.

Now here comes the part where you need to 'play' with light. The light is coming from the window at the back so I positioned the figure, facing back from the light so she wouldn't get too washed out. I wanted to create a subtle and soft feel for this photo; so I visualized it and used the light to create that feel.

Here's a non-conventional tool that helped me achieve this simple shot, a roll of tissue paper. It helped bounced the light back on Elsa so she would appear all lit up!  XD You see, if you learn how to play with light, you'll already know how to work around it whenever you have a chance. You will know where the light will fall on the subject, how to bounce it and how you'll use it for your photos.

Lastly, I could never stress how important it is to master your skills first. You may have the best gears but without skill, it would mean nothing. I have been taking photos since 2010 and I admit there are still a LOT of stuff that I need to learn--it's a never ending process! Whether these skills mean how to use your camera properly or learning how to enhance your figure photos; mastering these skills takes time, but it doesn't hurt to take baby steps to make it all happen. :)

Use all the skills that you have to achieve what you want in your figure photos. Given that I'm working in the design industry, I use my editing skills to enhance my photos. Through editing, I like adding some visual appeal to my photos to make it look more vibrant and life-like!

For my SOOC shot of Elsa I think it already looks good on its own, but I still wanted more. I wanted to enhance it so I gave it some warmth and voila! She looks all too warm and summer-y LOL.

So in general, it's all about how we look and play with light in our photographs to get the outcome that we wanted. With your gears and skills as tools, you will be able to capture light in its most beautiful form for all your figure photos. ;)

I will be posting a few samples, maybe something really simple on how I play with light on my figure photos. :)

Hello again! I'm having fun using Slickforce Studios' softlights so I've put up another set of photos using these babies! Starring Nendoroid Hestia and Aoi, the two softlights are placed directly on the bedroom diorama that I just made.

Like I said on my previous post, I love how you can lower it down so it matches the height of your figures/diorama setup. So check out my bedroom set here using the softlights!

Hello! How's everyone doing? It's still summer season here in our country and I officially hate summer now because I really can't stand the heat, I even pitched a tent on our rooftop so I can sleep peacefully outdoors at night because that's the coldest part of the day! Then after camping for 3 days, I felt weird afterwards lol.

So today's post is about the lovely Q-Posket figure that I got last week, it's the Moon Princess, Princess Serenity! I've always been a Sailor Moon fan, and I practically grew up with it--following all 200 episodes in a span of 5 seasons (my favorite is Sailor Moon R) and when I got older, I'm still watching the reboot, Sailor Moon Crystal. 

Also when I got more disposable money to buy toys and figures, I told myself I should buy at least one Sailor Moon figure. A pretty Princess Serenity figure at least. However, I'm kinda picky so I easily passed the chance of getting a figure just because, so I'm super happy when I saw this Q-Posket figure of Princess Serenity!

Oh, here's a really nice close up! She's super cute with big doe eyes, blushing cheeks and slightly tinted lips.

Her details are on point from the perfect crescent mark on her forehead to her crescent earrings and pearl hair accessories.

See you on my next post!

It's been a while since Mayoi and I went to the beach so we're so thrilled to go back to Apo Reef with my travel buddies last weekend! It's one of my favorite places to pitch a tent and just chill. Also, the sunset at the beach is truly breathtaking...

Mayoi has been to many beaches with me already but each place has its own story. ^_^

We're going on another trip this weekend! I can't tell yet, but it's gonna involved a lot of walking LOL. Anyway it's really fun to have a travel buddy with you! 

Hope you all had an equally awesome weekend! :)

Today's Easter Sunday and Mako is dressed up as an Easter Bunny to bring happiness to everyone! She's not gonna hide any Easter eggs though, she just wants to enjoy the day as a cute little furry bunny.

Seems like Mako had fun with the Easter egg hunt today!