“Kyon!”
“I’m not Kyon.”
“The photoclub will pay big bucks if we let them take pictures of Mikuru. Like an idol shoot, but with Mikuru!”
“I’m not Kyon.”
“Yuki, find Mikuru.”
Yuki reads.
“Kyon, we need to come up with sets. That way we can charge even more!”
“I’m not Kyon,” Not-Kyon sighs and figures on taking the easy way out and just going along with whatever it is Suzumiya says. Besides, someone has to stick around for Mikuru’s safety. Lucky for her Suzumiya forgot all about her, so why am I still here, thought Not-Kyon.
Not-Kyon’s Background Guide for Figure Pictorials:
Classic White
The white backdrop is a staple of portrait and fashion photography. It’s uncluttered and goes with everything, which is why it gets a lot of use. White often represents themes of isolation, solitude, virginity, after-life, and sterility.
Solid white is probably the trickiest backdrop to get good results from since it has the amazing ability to mess with your camera’s mind and give you the most lifeless colors imaginable. Red and black get real bold on white.
Classic Black
Black, like white, works well when you want to isolate and highlight certain colors. Whites and yellows pop on black, which can make things appear radiant and glowing. Black carries an ominous tone, deep and unfathomable like the true arteeeestic mind. Nothing distinguishes you from the unwashed masses quite like a black turtleneck. Yuki would look spooky on this set.
Look in the Box
For happier and less uptight pictures, get colorful. If color theory eludes you, just look at what color was used on the inside of the figure box. If the package designer did their job, then the interior color should be the most complimentary color for your figure.
Solids Are for the Weak
“But Kyon,” she says. “We are artistes and must explore beyond solid colors!” For you then we go the wrapping paper aisle where there are dozens and dozens of loud and campy patterns to choose from. The fabric store is a slightly more expensive alternative to wrapping paper.
Diorama
Include random pieces of doll furniture. It makes it look like you put effort into the shoot when you didn’t really do anything at all, other than spend money or dig through your sister’s old toys. Don’t include more than one piece of furniture, so you can claim to express a minimalistic aesthetic!
Abstraction
Pictures are 100% more artistic if you throw random abstract shapes in them, such as this egg shaped air freshener transforming any shot into a vague expression of the human condition.
Peeps Shot
The famous tj han is a big proponent of the Peep shot.
Chicks, Lots and Lots of Chicks
When nothing comes out right and all else fails, go with chicks in a bed for the win.
Product Information
- Haruhi Suzumiya
- Manufactured by Max Factory
- Sculpted by Masanori Kuroda
- 1/8 Scale PVC Pre-Painted Figure
- Lists for 3,800 JPY
- US Release: Yes
- Affiliate Link: Haruhi at RightStuf
Final Tip
Re-use everything!
Is it already on sale? Previous information was reporting it as an April release.
I was able to get in on the first wave, which was Mid-February. They’re doing staggered limited releases for Haruhi. Second wave is April.
WTF BBQ ZZZ LOLZZ. OMG best photoshoot ever.
And curse you for getting that. HOW?? You got the early release too. And I love the guide. Btw the voyeur shots are for the readers. I don’t like them. Really.
But why do you have so many little weird stuff around? The chicks are awesome.
Peep shot – winnage. You hereby overtake Tj in terms of pantsu photography.
Cool!!!
This entry is the best. ^_^
I was surprised, since I ordered two (one for someone else) and got them both.
To me, voyuer shots for figures are for humor most of the time. I assume that’s why most people include them. Sometimes, those types of shots are hot. When I don’t include them it’s because I don’t like the picture, not because I have anything against it or dislike it. I admit to being a degenerate when you get down to it.
As far as weird stuff, whenever I go to the store, I keep my eyes peeled for $1 and $2 items that I could use. The peeps are 59 cents and the chicks were $2 for a dozen. I think I’ll scatter some around the collection just for decoration.
AM JEALOUS TOO
but great pictures, I love !
WTF!!! RAGE………RAISING!!!! Lucky bastard. I was hoping to get the first batch with HLJ as I ordered like damn early. But like you said, this makes up for Alter’s Fate Testarossa. I should get mine in the second batch.
Also your best shoot yet! The current figure I’m doing shall be indoors and I’m hoping to be able to get the same results as you. Although just a quick question, should the hair light also be full spectrum lighting?
None of the lights need to be full spectrum (as long as you white balance), but I think it gives the best results in terms of contrast and color. White balance will be tricky with mixed temperatures, so I’d WB for your dominant temp and then make your color balance corrections in PS.
The important thing to remember with the hair light is it should be barely noticeable and if the hair is too glossy, you might do better without it depending on the rest of your lighting. Each figure is different.
I want my Haruhi! I ordered quite early too, but didnt get it. You are sooo lucky.
I like the peeps shot and chicks shot the best, but they are quite good.
you should do more shot with the dots background combined with that diorama thing :p
Yeah, I ordered within hours of the preorder posting, but I’m in on the second batch. Horray? April is better than July anyway.
Nice shoot…
[...] super rats, or as I will refer to him from now on super the-luckiest-fucker-I-know, got a hold of one of the initial run MaxFac Haruhi figures and he's put up a review. Go and drool at the figure you don't have yet. You make me sad, [...]
oddly enough I didn;t have this peordered.. i may have to now, but it could just be me giving into peep shots
Lucky….. T__T
I won’t have mine until probably June.
[...] said, HappySoda has put together this excellent guide to help you, the novice taker-of-figurine-photos, get started. I like Haruhi Suzumiya as much as [...]
Tons of people who placed pre-orders didn’t get it. Did anyone else out there get it to ship?
chicks FTW!
i’m still waiting for mine to the shipped … zzzz
but thanks for sharing some nice photogaphy tips .. as usual your shoots are damn nice~~
Peeps… Peep shot, I like that. ^o^
Totally awesome.
The chicks shot is my favorite of the set, well that and the Peeps shot…I really couldn’t resist the pun.
Fantastic pics as usual. Cant wait for mine to arrive….In June!
http://www.gamekult.com/blog/sbebiwan/48151/FIG+Lucky+one.html
I hope it’s ok for you, if not, tell me, I will remove the pics
I like it! Totally okay with you posting them on your blog.
People using them for auctions is really the only time I ask people not to use my pictures.
[...] a little post-it note, especially for those who haven’t seen it yet : go to happysoda.com and admire super rats‘ works (and have some shooting lessons at the same [...]
chicks in a bed for the win. lol! ^^ good one! (^o^)b
hi all.
so cool ^_^
[...] a little post-it note, especially for those who haven’t seen it yet : go to happysoda.com and admire super rats‘ works (and have some shooting lessons at the same [...]
[...] If you are not tired of seeing Haruhi pics, check out these blogs; lu-k, super rats. [...]
hot girls dancing…
While Everyday Mommy is saying goodbye, Everyday Design
…
[...] Some photoshot by other authors: 1. Toys Workz 2. Happy Soda [...]
OMG Marshmallow peeps!!! I’ve only ever seen them on Malcom in the middle lol
woW ..xoo nice ..i luv it !