Skills of using props in still life photography

Shooting toys is a common and fun theme, which is very popular among men, women, children and Xian Yi. In toy photography, you are like the director in the movie, and you control all the decision-making power. This is a good learning opportunity. All you need is toys, a camera with macro function and natural light. Everything depends on your imagination and the color expression of the "model". Here are some tips for using still life photography props. Welcome to reading.

(1) Clean the toys first.

Dust that your eyes usually don't notice is very annoying at the macro angle of the camera. If it is discovered after shooting, it will take too much time to remedy the dust (because in the macro world, the dust has become a huge dust), and even it can't be remedied, destroying the wonderful photos.

So, before you start shooting, remember to clean the toys carefully. Although there is always dust in the air, what can be cleaned and avoided in advance is to avoid it first and minimize the post-treatment procedures.

(2) Make them bigger.

Because you are shooting tiny toys, giving them human souls and making them a real part of our lives, the whole thing will become more interesting!

In order to make them real, we must make them bigger, and bigger is more interesting. The easiest way is to take the initiative to approach, the closer the better, and let them fill the whole picture. Under the same horizontal line of sight as them, the photos will look more realistic. You can even make more use of the environment outside the street to increase the authenticity. For example, putting a toy car on a real concrete road looks like it's real.

(3) Let them tell stories

Simple and direct photos are not as interesting as photos telling stories, because in the latter, you will become a director and toys will act as your actors.

It may be difficult to plan the first scene at first, but once the story starts, it can't stop (the biggest difficulty in my experience is that I can't stop and don't know how to arrange the ending! ) The easiest way to start a story is to recreate the scenes of your daily life, such as reading newspapers, drinking coffee and sleeping. Then you can re-create news pictures or movie stills, which are irresistible ideas.

(4) carry it with you

I used to take bear dolls to the streets every day, and I had to take pictures when I was eating and taking the bus, that is, anytime and anywhere. You never know when and where you will meet the right photo opportunity. Miniature toys are best for you to carry around, so that you won't miss any opportunity. When the toys are waiting in your bag, don't forget to explore the light and shadow suitable for shooting at any time. It is also a good practice to arrange a photo for yourself every day.

(5) break the traditional rules.

Finally, the most difficult thing is to break the existing framework and innovate to do different experiments.

Because in toy photography, you have complete control: the "model" who will not be disobedient and the time and place at any time. Whether you use natural light or artificial light, you can have whatever you like. Don't be afraid to try, try to be creative, because even if the photo is not good, your "model" won't blame you, they will only silently cooperate with all your instructions. Please give full play to your small universe and make eye-catching works!