In the wide, wonderful world of fan art, figure photography is a genre that is often overlooked. It’s a craft filled with handmade props, worrying about the weather, and, of course, playing with your favorite figures. I recently had the joy of interviewing ohgreatmoreboats, a toy photographer specializing in Zelda Nendoroid and Figma figures. Both of these figure lines are created by Good Smile Company — a Japanese company that has most likely produced at least one figure in your collection!

This interview was conducted with Linktober in mind. Be sure to check out their gallery to see which entries they completed this year, and to follow their future photography endeavors!


How did you first hear about Linktober and how long have you participated in it? Which calendar(s) do you use?

“I heard about Linktober during Inktober about two years ago. I did a few prompts from the main calendar, but most were never uploaded, or I never finished them. I do toy photography mainly, drawing [not] so much. I did a few Inktober [prompts], but it was mostly food. For some odd reason, I drew 2-3 pancake drawings. But, I’m sticking to Linktober from now on — Zelda fans are awesome.”

 

How do you prepare for Linktober every year?

“I don’t rush myself with monthly challenges but I post mainly Zelda/Nintendo toy photography. Right now, I just got done making a switch for my Zelda Nendoroid and Link. I’m currently making a GameCube prop. I would like to recreate the Temple of Time from Ocarina of Time or Link’s house from Breath of the Wild for future Linktober photoshoots.

“This year I’m following prompts. I usually make up my own but I wanted to challenge myself this year. I don’t do all the prompts, since I have to plan the photos in advance (weather, props, etc).”

 

Which prompt was your favorite this year?

“My favorite piece was the princess prompt. I wanted to do something fall like so I put her in a pile of fake leaves, added a bunch of effects for fall colors and done. She looks so happy. I’m sure Link would want to join.”

 

Which prompt was the most challenging for you?

“Weapon was the most challenging, even though it looks easy. I had to wait about a week before it was sunny without rain to [take pictures]. Not to mention, the sun was in my eyes and the sword and figure kept falling on each other. Editing took a few hours — adjusting the lighting, erasing the figure stand, and adding the glow effect to the Master Sword just like in Breath of the Wild.”

 

Which game do you find most inspiring and why?

“Breath of the Wild is so inspiring. The game has so many beautiful landscapes and art. I would love to get the artbook one day, just to get references for places I want to recreate in future photos. It’s like walking into a painting.”

 

Which character will you never get tired of photographing?

“I seem to take a lot of photos of my angry Majora’s Mask Link in funny situations. I don’t know why people seem to like those photos of him. I still need to do a photoshoot of him throwing a pot.”

 

How has your work changed since taking the Linktober challenge?

“My photography keeps improving. I’m doing better with lighting, and effects are looking better. I have to say my style looks as if you stepped into the game.”

 

Any advice for artists who wish to take on Linktober next year?

“Don’t rush yourself on Linktober. Take your time, play a Zelda game, eat, sleep. Think of it as a journey, and have fun!”


My dear reader, have you ever tried your hand at figure photography? What did you find the most enjoyable or challenging? Has this interview inspired you to try it for the first time? Let us know in the comments!

Brittany Lindstrom is a writer for Zelda Dungeon. When not writing odes to snails in love, she spends a lot of time talking about Dungeons & Dragons on Twitter or sharing her art on Instagram.

Tagged With: No tags were found for this entry.