Ideas For Figure Photography Workshop

Dear comrades, I need your help to brainstorm for ideas. At the upcoming AFAX event in Singapore, I will be making a 45 minutes presentation on figure photography.
I'm currently working on my slides, and only managed to come up with a few topics. Since we have so many folks here who enjoy taking photography, I thought it would be good to solicit some ideas and suggestion so that I can make my presentation more informative and interesting.
Here's some of the topics I intend to cover in my presentation:
- Camera Equipment & Shooting Macro
- Introducing storylines into your photos (Sharing of experiences and behind the scenes for “Nendoroid Travelogue” & “A Nendoroid Story” project series)
- Some DIY tips and tricks
If you were the audience, what would you be interested to learn or find out?











You're a guest speaker? Wow!
nah, mine is just a "filler section" in between those important guest XD
Maybe a part about proper lighting and stuff? Especially in door shootings...
Angles, even more tips. (a cheap way to super-macro is by using a magnifying glass.) That's all I can think of. :p
Never knew you can crack Luka's skull... ^^;
yep I'm interested in those topic, on what day will u bring out the presentation? saturday or sunday?
How about a demonstration on Bokeh photography?
It's something I'd find cool to learn about.
This is related to camera equipment, but think about addressing picture-taking with low-end point-and-shoot cameras as well, since not everyone has a DSLR camera.
Photo shoot settings and lighting are things you're probably talking about as well. Related to setting would be photo shoots outdoors.
Post-processing in Photoshop might be a good topic too.
I'd keep it a mental note that not everyone uses DSLR
This goes extremely well with the focus. You, sir, are amazing.
Choosing the location if doing outdoor photography. That was my bane during photography class. D:
Also, it might also be included in the "Equipment" you've already mentioned, but I'm asking about it anyway. Backdrop equipment, and possibly starting off from cheap. Which lights to purchase, luminescence, color of backdrop, etc.
yea I think choosing location is quite important for outdoor shooting. But I'm not sure what tips to give for that.... Walk around and explore more often?
Sometimes u can even find, great places to shoot near ur home.
Sometimes it also depends on the figure and theme..
You may already have these but thought I'd add them since I've been asked these directly and indirectly.
-> Where to take pictures of figures:
Locations, seasonal tips? Just give out some ideas on location could make or break a great image? Where to take pictures and where not to. I was once a newbie and tried to take images of them in places they should never have been (i.e Gundam models in a grassy area). Keep away from dangerous areas and show proper respect when taking your figures out in public.
-> Spectators:
Maybe talk about how people end up looking at you with curiosity from far and close? Get the minds of others to think about how people may approach you and strike up a conversation. Maybe even warn of possible thieves that may steal figure or camera?
-> Figure & Parts:
What parts to take with a figure, how to carry your figures around, how to protect them during transport and such. People kept asking how to carry figures around for photo-shooting so some suggestions may help.
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I hope this is what you were looking for and would help in some way ^^.
Once a kid ran off with our Nendoroid Puchi! Thankfully the dad brought the kid back. LOL
I had something similar happen to a non-anime object lol. Ah, kids...crazy as always. Got to pay attention toy our surroundings at all times? ^^
My inputs are similar to Arctic-Kitsune's inputs. Most comments so far seem to be on the photo camera end, not much on the figure end. To expand:
Spectators- Overcoming the "shyness" of bringing out figures in public for photo shooting. I still find this a bit intimidating.
Figure and Parts- protection, transport, which/how many to take along, etc.. I notice in your past Nendo Travelogue posts you took along more than I would've imagined >< (plus, how much time did you spend setting up for a pic?).
This post really caught my eye. Think you'd put your presentation up on your site later for those not able to attend the event?
I agree with touching upon the spectators part. I'm sure many people, including myself, do find it a bit embarrassing to whip out the figures in a public place for an outdoor shoot.
I'd say bring a couple friends along with you or organize a collaborative shoot to ease the intimidating feeling. Encourage them to bring their figures too. You won't be alone and you'd also have fun with people who share the same interests in the process. ^^
Having friends along for photoshoot is good because everyone can help to look after the equipment.
True story!
Luka's just like "derp, I have a Miku coming out of my head" xD
Miku's always on Luka's mind. ;D
You made my day with that comment :)
Imagination, spontaneity, whimsical... If it feels good, shoot it.... I agree with Sakyosa, you can "loosen up" when there's a few of you... ( I know of no-one in the Tucson area, so I do most of my stuff in the house or out on my property. And I'm sure an Old Guy with just some figmas downtown or in a park would look pretty "creepy") A group would also let you feed off each others ideas, too....
Equipment:.... You don't always need a DSLR for good pics, my first posts here were with an old Kodak 5mpx Point 'n Shoot. You can use those, if you wish, I think my Yamato VF-1J came out great.
Final note: It's a lot less expensive in the long run for digital.. I could NEVER find a "delete" button on a roll of 35mm film!!..
0.o
Cute shot! :D
Miku looks kawaii with megane!
wow...nice shot (mine still in the box and thinking where should i bring her....)
my suggestions, how to place your figure, some Do and Don't during photography (like obstruct other people).
One difficulty I also find it hard to think is which one should I bring since I usually shooting with one or two friends only.
I usually carry my Danbos with me. As they are simple in design and wont get crushed easily ^_^||| A kid also "stole" my Danbo when shooting @ the Merlion recently...lol
If I had a compact camera, I would bring Danbo, Drossel, Puchi Kyoukas wherever I go.
hm Do s and Don't s sounds good. Like how they usually don't allow you to shoot inside shopping malls or other private property. But in the end, as long as no one finds out, its ok I guess xD
Some basic composition tips may be of some use, especially for those who are interested in taking outdoor photos.
Stuffs like rules-of-third? I don't follow them XD
How about display some of your DIY equipment during figure shooting also? e.g. figure stands, accessories. Your photos have lots of these stuffs rather then just plain figure shooting.