We have a brand spankin' new, #FeatureFriday for you today! This is where we find Tasty Talent that's hit the Toy Bacon radar. We scour the interwebz looking for notable content to share, and one way method we use is our very own Instagram hashtag... #toybacon.
Recently, Andrew (@dru_olive) chatted with our pal Dan aka @plastic_planeteer.
@dru_olive: We'd like to thank you for using our #toybacon hashtag! We've been inspired by your talents and absolutely love your artwork. Your super detailed outdoor photography is incredible, and we've really been enjoying the stories that come along with a lot of your toy photos (definitely an added bonus). We wanted to take a few minutes to chat with you.
How did you come up with this shot?
@plastic_planeteer: I was checking for spots in my backyard, and I found this bush with various branches that jumped out in interesting angles. They scale nicely with my 6-inch figures I thought, "Hey, why not use it for an endor scene?"
@dru_olive: What equipment are you working with to capture your photography?
@plastic_planeteer: I use my Samsung Galaxy S7 phone for all my shots. I don't have a photography background or a real camera. I love outdoor shots because of the way natural lighting adds to the shot. I'm not big on heavily manipulating my photos because I feel natural lighting gives it a more lifelike feel, and I definitely try to shoot for realism.
@dru_olive: When did you start toy photography?
@plastic_planeteer: I started just a little over 3 years ago now. I used to post on my main account and as of about a 2 years ago I made this account which I only use for toy photography.
@dru_olive: What do you love most about toy photography?
@plastic_planeteer: I love giving something lifeless, life. I love taking something a fraction of the size of the average human, and making it look like it was just another photo taken by someone. It's a nice chance to let the mind wonder and explore places we can't go in our daily life. I'm certainly not an expert photographer, but I like to take pictures that bring out excitement, pictures that tell a story but leave plenty of room for someone to fill in the blanks and add their own interpretation or back story.
@dru_olive: When did your passion for toys began?
@plastic_planeteer: I was always into cars and robots as a kid. Naturally, my interest shifted to Transformers. I grew up watching Toonami on Cartoon Network and watching the English-translated Gundam series and thinking to myself how cool giant robots were. I rediscovered my love for toys right around 2007 when the live-action Transformers movie came out. I left the theater and immediately wanted the toys. I was just about 14 and couldn't for the life of me know why I was so compelled to buy toys at that time. I was definitely embarrassed and reluctant to admit that I simply found a love for collecting toys, but over the years I embraced it and eventually went on to share my love for collecting with others on places like Instagram and the TFW2005 forums. My love for collecting didn't stop at Transformers and around 2013, I started collecting the 3-inch G.I. Joes (I vaguely remember having some as a kid but didn't really get into it until I was an adult), some Star Wars figures, and Gundam.
@dru_olive: What's your goal or next step in toy photography?
@plastic_planeteer: From here I would eventually like to get better equipment, starting with a camera. I would like to learn some basics of photography, as I enjoy taking pictures of things. I'd love to learn how to do light manipulation and how that plays into the shot. I've always considered taking up photography as a hobby, and what better place to start honing in on those skills than toy photography.
@dru_olive: So what about @plastic_planeteer the man? Who are you aside from toy photography?
@plastic_planeteer: Well, Currently 23, pursuing a career in law enforcement. I also have a large interest in fashion. I love clothing just as much as I do toys, and consider clothing a second hobby. I am often the fashion consultant for my friends and family. I currently work in retail for Brooks Brothers, one of America's oldest retailers (founded 1818).
@dru_olive: OMG 😂😂😂 That's too funny, I work for Brooks Brothers as well! Based outta Toronto, Ontario, Canada. What a coincidence!
@plastic_planeteer: No way man! That's awesome!!
Thank you very much for chatting with us, Dan. It's been a pleasure speaking with you, and thanks again for using the #toybacon hashtag. We loved seeing your photos!
Check out our Top Picks from @plastic_planeteer below: