Shoot a miniature cinematic scene

Use simple props to create mesmerising toy photography action images at home

- Dallian Macadam

Over the past few years, toy photography has become more popular among both photographers and collectors alike. The genre has almost unlimited potential in terms of its creativity, making it a photographer’s dream. Beyond the fun of the artistic challenge, which is enough reason in itself to try any photographic technique, there are many commercial applications. The process shown here can easily be used for product photography and advertising imagery at the pro level.

The biggest challenge when experimenting with toy photography is making the shot look cinematic and creating an atmosphere to complement the scene. The best solution for introducing this dramatic theme is to use practical effects. Rain, snow and fire can all be used to enhance the shot since these graphic tools are also used widely in filmmaking and will therefore be familiar to most audiences.

This guide will explain how to use fire as a means to enhance your toy photography, but doing so safely and with minimal equipment.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Time taken: 30 minutes

Quick fire

Using basic props and toy figures, you can create scenes that look like movie frame captures with lots of professional applications

What you’ll need