Masters Class: Star Wars

 A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away... Star Wars toys hit shelves and kicked a new fanbase of collectors for generations to come. And in the world of action figure photography, Star Wars figures have been the main focus for many. Whether retro Kenner, modern day Hasbro and Hot Toys, or any line in between of any shape or size, Star Wars figures remain one of the most popular genres to create articulated pieces of artwork.

For the first Masters Class collaboration of the year we are taking a leap into hyperspace with Star Wars action figure photography! And to do that we are bringing in two amazingly talented artists to share their tips and tricks, and to show us the way. Making their prophecized returns to the Classroom are none other than @collectiblesnat and @tho_r2012!

So put your blasters in the firing position, finish your blue milk, and get out your pens and paper, because Class is now in session.

Sabers, blasters, and droids, oh my! Star Wars certainly does not have a lack of items and characters that light up and/or glow. What are some tips and tricks you can offer the class for bringing these effects to life in your figure photography? 

TR- "For me I usually do those extra light touches with the Werble App it works great to give me those extra effects.'

Tho_r's submission to the Masters Class is an action scene of The Mandolorian taking on the Death Troopers

CN- "For effects I use a color dodge feature on my editing app, with a ruler feature to get straight lines!"

From the moisture farms of tattoine to the ice caves of Hoth, Star Wars has an abundance of scenic locations with different types of weather. What are some tips and tricks you can offer for bringing these places to life in your figure photography?

TR- "Tatooine and Endor locations are easier for me to do based on my regional location. I’m at a lost for environments like Hoth. For those I’d have to get very creative with things like floor to make a set design inside look like outside."

CN- "Just find a location you like and what time the sun hits it just right! It's all in what you like."

Space is a cold place where no one can hear you scream! How do you go about giving your shots a spacey intergalactic feel?

TR- "It’s all about using backgrounds be they digital or projected from a computer/television to get that spacey type feel."

CN- " Lighting is key and usually like to add a vaper/mist!"

Collectiblesnat's submission is a stunning portrait style shot of Grievous

Star Wars toys have been a main stay since the late seventies with many companies producing toys of various size and articulation. What are some of the lines of figures you own and shoot, and are there any other lines that you’d like to start shooting? Are there any lines that you would NOT shoot?

TR- "I’m getting more and into Mafex and Mezco alongside the different brands 5kToys distribute. As far as IPs I’m always going to like Comic Book based Marvel Legends and Power Rangers. But probably one of my growing favorites is GI Joe Classified. Hmm I rarely ever shoot McFarland toys. I just haven’t been won over by the line."

CN- "I mainly buy Hasbro, so Black Series, Legends, Classified, and LC MMPR! And slowly picking up some Super 7 Thundercats!"

Star Wars has a wide variety of locations as we discussed in question two. Each location setting has its own unique lighting and ambiance. What are some of your go to lighting techniques for some of these darker locations and brighter locations?

TR- "Well, I tend to let the set dictate the lighting situation. It honestly varies with each shot depending on the mood I want to convey. On average I use 2 to 3 lights. Sometimes I use up to 5 lights. Because it often comes down to placement of the lights. I sometimes use 3-point lighting other times I freestyle the placement."

CN- "It really just depends on the setting or dio I'm using at the time! I use a mess of different lighting, also depending on the situation!"

Props, dios, and accessories are some of the toy photographers tools of the trade. What are some of your more typical objects that you like to include in your Star Wars shots? And do you like to include dios in your work?

TR- "It can vary based on the setting of the location. If it’s an outside shot I may populate the shot with lots of props to give depth. If it’s an indoor shot I may minimize the props and place more focus on framing of the figure."

CN- "I definitely like to use a dio or background objects, but its really on how I'm feeling going into a shoot! Been using Extreme sets a lot in my recent SW shots and I try and find futuristic type items to put in shots."

Over the years there has been a seemingly never ending supply of figure releases. Do you have a favorite figure to take pics with?

TR- "Wow, the list could be literally unlimited lol But I’ll say I have favorite characters that regardless of who releases a fig of that character, I’ll be excited to shoot."

CN- Honestly I love shooting with most if not all my figures! But Mando and Grogu definitely do make for some fun shots!"

I want to thank @collectiblesnat and @tho_r2012 for bringing their skills and knowledge to the Masters Class. Be sure to visit both of these esteemed sirs instagram pages for more out of this world action figure photography. 

The Masters Class will return January 20th with another exciting theme and talented artists! Until then, Class is dismissed.

-The Curator