There are people using toys within their staged photography work whether as a fun activity to spend time in and be a part of a community, something to dabble in as a way to mix up their regular photographic practice, or something they completely dedicate themselves to.
No one option is any better than another, but today I’m going to talk about the last one on that list – full dedication to making artistic photographic works with toys.
The Commitment to Toy Photography as Art
Toy photography, when pursued with full dedication, transcends mere play. It becomes a deliberate act of storytelling, an exploration of scale, and a meticulous exercise in crafting compelling visuals. Those who dedicate themselves entirely to this medium often find it to be a profound extension of their creativity and a unique means of self-expression.
“Never take a picture of anything you are not passionately interested in.”
– Lisette Model
This quote resonates deeply within the world of toy photography. Passion is the driving force behind the best work in this genre, where each miniature scene is a labor of love. From selecting the figures and props to perfecting the lighting and composition, every step requires an attention to detail that reflects genuine enthusiasm for the subject.
Toy Photography: Art in Practice
“Artists often have good reason to avoid inquiring too closely into motive and purpose – especially while they’re in the midst of working…When it comes to making art, our intuition is often light-years ahead of our intellect.”
– Ted Orland, The View from the Studio Door
In toy photography, intuition plays a pivotal role. While historical knowledge and technical skill are essential, the best works come alive through an artist’s gut instinct—knowing how to position a figure, what angle captures the mood, or which prop completes the scene. This is where toy photographers, fully immersed in their craft, shine. They give themselves permission to experiment and create freely, accessing the tools and ideas that resonate most deeply with their personal vision.
“What it all comes down to is that art is not made by a special breed of people, but by ordinary people who have dedicated a piece of their lives to special work.”
– Ted Orland, The View from the Studio Door
For the dedicated toy photographer, this couldn’t be more true. The art they create isn’t about their tools or their status—it’s about their commitment to crafting something special, piece by piece. Whether it’s reimagining historical events with miniatures or creating entirely new worlds, toy photographers channel their dedication into work that captures the imagination.
Toy Photography: Freedom and Evolution
“Your job is to watch where you’re going and hopefully have the foresight and freedom to make some mid-course corrections along the way. One of the truly wonderful things about artmaking is that it gives you permission – at any given moment, in any given art piece – to access anything you need, from any source you find, to express any ideas you wish, in any form your heart desires.”
– Ted Orland, The View from the Studio Door
Toy photography offers unparalleled creative freedom. From its roots in 1898, when miniature scenes were used to depict the Spanish-American War, to today’s vibrant Instagram community, the genre has continuously evolved. Early pioneers used the tools available to them to tell stories, and modern practitioners continue that legacy with digital cameras, photo editing software, and increasingly intricate miniature setups.
Each artist contributes to this ongoing evolution, leaving their mark on the genre. From the Kodak Picture Contest of the 1920s to the thriving online communities of the present, toy photography has always been about innovation, collaboration, and the joy of creating.
Leave your Mark
If you’re a toy photographer, in an firm, add your name here for posterity/historic record sake. This medium is more than a genre—it’s a community built on shared passion, creativity, and the willingness to dedicate a piece of life to a special kind of work.
Toy photography has changed over time, fitting within the larger tapestry of photography while carving out a space that is wholly its own. It asks important questions: Is toy photography art? How does it fit within photography’s rich history? And perhaps most importantly, what freedom does it offer to those willing to immerse themselves in its creative possibilities?
A Lasting Legacy
Toy photography may begin with the smallest figures, but it leads to the biggest ideas. For those who dedicate themselves fully to this craft, it becomes not just a hobby but an art form, a passion, and a calling. Whether you’re just starting out or have been crafting scenes for decades, your work contributes to a genre that celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Let your creativity shine, your stories unfold, and your name become part of the legacy of toy photography.
Lovely and well said. Thank you.