Masters Class: Horror

 When it comes to toy photography, hands down one of the most popular genre of photos is horror. Whether it’s horror in the sense of using literal horror movie icons, thematic use of horror iconography, or putting your figures in a scene of horrific consequences.. horror toy photography is one of the most genuinely emotion evoking genres. 

For this weeks Masters Class we are proud to offer a collaboration between two of the premier artists in the horror toy photography genre, @Toy_Addict17 and @Scary_Figures. I have asked these terrifying gentlemen a few questions regarding the process behind their shots, and how they come to produce masterful works of horror.

When it comes to setting up one of your horror shots, what are some tips you can offer to set the mood for your shot?

SF- “The biggest tip I have for setting the mood of a shot I’d definitely say lighting is your friend. Trying different colors and angles of the light can change everything.”

TA- “It is good to know what kind of shot you want to create, I look at movie stills and pics for reference. I have always been a fan of movie posters so that’s one of my inspirations for my horror shots. Now if I don’t know, what I do is play around with some posing and lighting. Sometimes free styling gives you the results you want.”

When you set up one of your horror shots, do you prefer to use only props from the figure,  additional props, or no props at all? 

SF- “I’d say it depends on the figure but overall I prefer having props with my figures.”

TA- “I like to use a little bit of both, again it depends on the shot you want. Sometimes mixing both works really well, it makes your shot unique. I also love to do shots with no props, simply focus on subject, lighting, and atmosphere.”

When it comes to delivering a horror figure shot, do you prefer to have a large shot with a lot of action and things going on? Or do you prefer tighter shots with more minute details that drives the shot home?

SF- “I personally prefer tighter shots but sometimes it’s fun to have a whole scene with bodies or weapons.”

TA- “I like to keep my horror shots simple, I think the props and set up are enough. I like to focus on the figure and not add too much in which takes away from the subject I’m shooting.”

If your shot calls for “wet work” ie; splatter/gore, do you prefer on realistic practical effects or digital overlay effects?

SF- “I definitely prefer practical effects but I do for most e everything especially movies. I’ve tried digital blood and I just don’t like it as much.”

TA- “I do both but the realistic wet work is better to me it gives the shot more depth. I haven’t mastered the digital but I’ve attempted it a few times but again real wet works are better.”

Personally, do you find B&W scenes more evocative to the horror genre? Or do you a prefer colorized detailed shot?

SF- “I like colored pictures more unless it’s based on a BNW movie like Frankenstein or something.”

TA- “I love both but for horror the BW shots work so well. I try not to use any filters, just shadows and white lights to create a more natural BW scene. Color scenes are great too I just think BW looks elegant especially with horror.”

Lastly, what is your favorite horror figure to shoot photos of? 

SF- “I have several Jason figures and I think they’re my favorites, or Xenomorphs because they’re so universal with where you can set them.”

TA- “I love to shoot all of my horror figures, but if I can pick one in particular I would say the New Blood Jason Voorhees figure.”

We hope you have found this first lesson in The Masters Class enjoyable and informative! I would like to thank both of these gentleman for taking the time to participate in this collaborative effort and sharing the knowledge they’ve gained throughout their journey in the world of action figure photography. It has been an honor to bring to you The Masters of Horror.