Toy Photography Magic: A Journey into Miniature Worlds! - Andrew Camera

 Welcome to TheLifeWeCapture's featured photographer blog! This week we'd like to proudly introduce Andrew Camera, a talented photographer with a very unique and specific approach to this wonderful medium we all enjoy. We always ask our featured photographers a series of questions in order to get an in depth understanding of their photography journey thus far. Continue reading below to find out how Andrew captures his creative photos, like the one above of Shrek and his bird buddy making some bird feed stew!

Question 1: What ignited your passion for photography?

  Passion is what ignites most photographers to explore different techniques and approaches to their work. We always feel a strong passion gives you an edge to attempt new things and helps strengthen the love for the art while out adventuring for new moments to capture. Here's where Andrew's passion began,

"I got into photography because I took a traditional photography class in high school, exposing me to the wide range of imagery and excellence that can be captured in one still-developed image. Further research plus interest in the field of digital are what evolved me into the photographer I am today. That and my love for viewing nature and being captivated with its beauty."

 Question 2: What's your most memorable photography moment?

 TheLifeWeCapture is all about moments and sharing them with others. We like to hear about our photographers favorite ones and share it with our readers! Here's what Andrew had to say about his most memorable time, 

 "My most memorable experience while taking a toy mininature photograph always come when the unpredictable happens. And that could most likely be the case when dealing with birds and furry creatures to pose in photos. Blue Jays can wreak the most havoc in a shot and are the most daring to grab their food so it bolsters my imagination in the bigger role a bird can play in the toy interactions. The example photo of 'Bird Jaws' demonstrates how an unsuspecting Blue Jay visit reshaped the shot and title of that particular creation."

 Question 3: Signature Style

 One of our favorite reasons for running a photography brand is learning about our photographers unique styles. Everyone seems to have their own artistic touch, no matter the subjects, and that's what fuels us to appreciate all types of photography. Of course, Andrews is a very niche specific genre, which makes it all that much more amazing for us!

 It's truly fascinating to us how Andrew is able to incorporate two of his equally preferred styles of photography, nature and toy, into one composition so seamlessly. Andrew's style is a wonderful combination of imagination and creativity mixed together with a gentle reminder of all the beautiful things we pass throughout our daily lives. Combining all of these elements together has helped Andrew elevate his photographs and the stories they tell.

 Question 4: Where do you get inspiration?

 With art comes inspiration and everyone needs to draw it from somewhere. It's always intriguing for us to learn where are featured photographers draw their inspiration from as it helps us build a better understanding of how they go about capturing their favorite scenes. Here's a few places Andrew seeks when he's searching for inspiration, 

 "I have been fascinated by the fantasy/anime/sci-fi genres. My influences stem from Peter Jackson, Jim Henson, Phil Tippett, and Hayao Miyazaki. I love being transported to a world far far away that creates an awe effect when viewing those particular scenes. I try and replicate that through my lens as well." 

 We certainly enjoy painting the imaginative scene in our heads, what do you think about the photo below? Titled 'Sleepy Meadow', over at TheLifeWeCapture we develop of sense of amusement and wonder if the two birds wonder amongst one another about their sleepy friend! 

 Question 5: What challenges have you faced?

 Capturing the perfect shot is tough. Photographers are always facing challenges and we like to hear what they are and how they can be overcome. Surely patience has been one of the most prominent challenges all of our featured photographers face, but things get a little more complicated for Andrew during his adventures and shoots. 

 Just as all wildlife life photographers do, Andrew has to over come certain uncontrollable events such as weather and noise. He mentioned there's been plenty of instances where wind will swoop in and move the tripod and framing of the camera, which of course then throws off the alignment of the shot. He also has to keep feeding time in mind during his shoots. As you can see from these featured photos, birds are one of the main subjects in his compositions along with the toys. Birds optimal feeding times are bright and early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is saying it's final goodbyes for the day, making it quite tricky to coordinate the perfect moment to capture.

 The best thing you can do for uncontrollable events dampening your shoot is to remember what brought you out there in the first place. Sometimes it's not always about capturing the photo. Sometimes it's about getting out there and enjoying what you love and embracing a moment you personally can cherish for forever. At TheLifeWeCapture we are firm believers there will always be another opportunity to capture around the corner! 

Andrew Camera's IG - @Toy_Miniatures