Masters Class: Action!

 We asked the viewers and the followers of the Masters Class once again what they wanted to see, and the overwhelming response was MORE ACTION!

Fight scenes, chases, explosions, car chases and more, action figure photographers and fans love to see a good articulated action sequence playing out on their screens. No matter the figure line, and no matter the consequences of what is unfolding, action scenes are still arguably one of the most dramatic and captivating styles of figure photography. 

This week on the Masters Class, we brought two artists to the arena to put on a clinic of edge of your seat action shots. Making his thrilling return to the Masters Class is the always phenominal @catalyst_hobbies bringing his talents to the classroom. And to pair up with him, making his debut to the Class is none other than the viciously talented @sidvicioustoys. 

So make sure the getaway vehicle is gassed up, your weapons are handy, and take out your paper and pencils. Because the Masters Class is now in session. 

When it comes to setting up an action shot for your photography, what are some tips you can give to set the mood and atmosphere for the scene? 

CH- “ Play around with your figures. See what kinda of poses you can get them in. I try to picture how they would move or act in a comic or tv show. Also no harm in seeing what others do and try to recreate it. This will give you a better understanding of what can be done and how to do it.”

SV- “ If possible try to use at least two light sources. A soft light in front of the subject and a stronger light coming from behind. Setting up the  subject in a dynamic pose will also greatly improve the sense of action. Props like cotton ball explosions, debris, and blast effects help sell the action. Finally, some atmosphere spray helps create depth in the shot.”

When shooting your action scene or sequence, do you prefer to be in tight on the action? Or a wider shot that can show off more of the background (dios, accessories, etc)?

CH- “ Depends. If I’m shooting to just show the figures I will shoot a little further back. But if I’m using a dio or even outside I will try to be closer in on the figure.”

Catalyst’s shot is an intense showdown between Jason and the evil Tenga warriors. 

SV- “Personally my shots are a little closer. I like to show the entire figure in the shot but just some of the dio or accessories. I am more interested in capturing just enough information to build the story I am trying to develop.”

When building up your scene, how important is lighting to enhance the action in the shot?

CH- “ Lighting is very important. You want to make it look as natural as you can. But at the same time be able to experiment with the lighting. When using a dio you want to think of where the light source is coming from. Such as a sign or is it natural light from the sun or moon.”

SV- “Getting the lighting right is like 8

70% of my process. I find that if the lighting is on point everything else sorta falls into place.”

If your shot calls for any kind of effects (fire, lasers, water, etc), do you prefer to use practical effects that are actually in the shot? Or digitally added effects?

CH- “I prefer to use practical effects when I can. Fire, water, and dirt are very easy to control and can make a shot look realistic. But I am not opposed to digital effects. I will use them for lightsabers and neon signs.”

SV- “I prefer to use practice effects when possible. I really like effect pieces like blasts or fire because if you light them correctly the look like real blasts or fire. I will add very few digital effects but I do like to use photoshop to enhance colors or Lighting.”

Sid’s shot is badassness personified in this detail packed scene. 

In your action shots, do you prefer to use support items to keep your figures in position (wire, flight stands, etc) that are edited out after the shot? Or is patience key in getting the figures to stay in position naturally?

CH- “When need I will use wires to hold up the figure or figures. I will then take the shots in to photoshop and edit out the wires. But as of late I have found it very enjoyable to try and get the figures in to dynamic poses without wires or sticky tack.”

SV- “Yes, flight stands all the way. I would rather delete a bit of a flight stand in post than have the set up I've spent an hour posing fall on me. I hate that.”

Lastly, what are your favorite figures to use to produce your incredible action shots?

CH- “As of late I have really enjoyed the Marvel Legends Spiderman lines. The spiderman figure are highly possible and sturdy. My other favorite line are the Lightning Collection Power Rangers.”

SV- “Personally I like Mezco or Mythic Lefioms the best for action shots. I am a big fan of how soft goods look in photos and it just adds a level of realism that I prefer. Joes are also really great because the inherent action the figures are known for.”

I want to thank @sidvicioustoys and @catalyst_hobbies for joining us this week for another exhilarating and action packed collaboration here on the Masters Class. Be sure to head over to IG and visit each of their pages for more amazing action figure photography, drop them a like and follow them to continue to enjoy their art. 

Next week on the Masters Class we will be doing an articulated dive into comic book inspired shots featuring two of the communities best and most talented, as @the_un_human makes his return to the Masters Class with his amazing comic book figure photography, and the one and only @kushiemama makes her debut to represent the ladies in the community. 

If you want to be in on a Masters Class collab, be sure to pop in to @the_uc_collabs on IG and shoot us a message. Or if you have any questions you want to hear the Masters answer, also message and let us know. 

Until next week, Class is dismissed. 

~The Curator