My name is Andrew Camera; I am a toy/nature photographer from Long Island, NY. I am the creator of Toy MiniNatures photographs! At an early age, I was drawn to the creative arts of film and photography (seems destined, right? considering my last name.) I loved capturing the real and unreal through art. I eventually gravitated towards some of my subjects, such as my toy collection. My creative vision embodies and moves viewers into a world they have not yet experienced through toys and nature. I always travel with my Canon EOS 90D DSLR, 300mm lens, Manfrotto tripod, and a Ziploc bag of bird seeds, and one goal is to orchestrate a miniature world of toys alongside nature’s elements and her inhabitants.
All images and text by Andrew Camera. Used with permission. Check out his website and follow him @toy_mininatures.Want to be featured? Click here to see how.
I got into photography because I took a traditional photography class in high school, exposing me (no pun intended) 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 (10 years later). That and my love for cinema. I have been fascinated by the fantasy/anime/sci-fi genres. My influences stem from Peter Jackson, Jim Henson, Phil Tippett, and Hayao Miyazaki, to online nature/toy/miniature photographers I have discovered through Instagram, like David Bird, HueHughes, and Tatsuya Tanaka.
They inspired me to work hard to become a better photographer no matter how old.
Andrew Camera
I view myself as a ‘creative’ photographer telling a ‘toy story’ in every one of my shots to convey immersion in not only the surroundings and expressions of the figure but its craftsmanship as well from a new ‘mini’ point of view. I love using natural light simply because there is nothing like it. Minimal gear is preferable to not scare my subjects.
What goes through my mind when capturing a photo is: How can I create/ incorporate toys to an environment around nature’s inhabitants without disturbing their routine/habits? The process starts before I even pick up my camera, with an idea, an action figure, and a PoV. I then try my best to attract as many birds, squirrels, and little critters to my backyard so they can call it home. Once they are comfortable with their abundant feeding locations, I organize the shot/location, placing my figures in the area of the viewfinder I usually have far from the scene. Then I wait patiently for feeding time with a sensor and silent shutter speed, so I don’t disturb my visiting subjects. I shoot at a high shutter speed, ISO around 200-500, and F-stop is around 9-12.0. Then, once satisfied (or when night approaches), whichever comes first, I break down my equipment and move to post. In post-production, I strive to simply “touch up” in Adobe Photoshop rather than alter. I stay away from AI to keep the true realness of nature photos at heart. I do some color enhancements, noise reduction, and cropping before exporting my final product as a 12×18-inch file.
This genre chose me because it’s exciting and extremely rewarding. My pitch is to capture as many local creatures as possible with popular and beloved characters for all to appreciate/showcase to friends. I want to grow this hobby into a thriving business, become well-known to all, and show that a dream can be discovered with patience and dedication. That is my motivation as well, to be able to share this message and art with those who need to hear and visualize it.
AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT
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