BEST way to keep your figures up for TOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out this new system I'm using to help pose and keep my action figures up while taking pics! Last year I made a video about making stands to hold up the toys and it is time to update that.
I REALLY like this setup for TOY PHOTOGRAPHY and plan on making another video talking about more pieces. But for now, check out this wire and clamp system I'm using.
If you're looking for a way on how to make figures stand, I really believe using this wire will be an answer. With the other stands, the action figures fell over way too many times. Figures will still fall, but so far, this way is awesome.
Let me know what you think!
I love doing TUTORIALS and requests, so feel free to leave any ideas in the comment section.
EQUIPMENT MENTIONED:
My main 9 gauge wire: amzn.to/3QGeJkD
Thicker wire: amzn.to/447jYwH
Pliers (I like using these rather than just plain wire cutters in case you want to bend the wire tighter): amzn.to/3QFOVFg
One rig I showed: amzn.to/45u3D6D
Other rig: amzn.to/3s2SevU
My desk: amzn.to/45AQOaH
SUBSCRIBE for more TOY PHOTOGRAPHY TUTORIALS like this: / @amusingking
Everyday EQUIPMENT:
My main camera: amzn.to/3YAXinE
My second cheaper camera: amzn.to/45sS9Af
Camera I recommend to beginners: amzn.to/45goTwP
Favorite Light for Toy Photography: amzn.to/3KIpaQQ
Wire 9 Gauge (huge roll): amzn.to/3OZ0Aha
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LINKS & RESOURCES:
Instagram: / amusingking
TikTok: / amusingking
Find all my equipment here:
www.amazon.com/shop/amusingking
Find all my accounts here:
linktr.ee/mattmafilms
How to do toy photography?
What equipment is best for toy photography?
What is toy photography?
How do you make toy photography look real?
#toyphotography #actionfigures #photography

[@norcal_voodoo]

So, I found this channel randomly, and im hooked. Bruh, I love it. Such a big help. Thank you for posting.

[@amusingking]

Haha ayyy that’s awesome!! So glad you found the channel and that it’s been helpful!

[@photogijoehero]

The clean copy!? Genius. I've been using a clothes hanger for a while, but just brushing it away. The clean copy mask is awesome!

[@amusingking]

Nice! Yeah, it’s definitely cool to know all kinds of ways haha.

[@eightysixedreviews]

New favorite channel! What a wealth of knowledge!

[@amusingking]

Yooo really means a lot! Thanks so much!

[@chasemagnitude2578]

Never thought of using clamps plus wire. Thanks for yge idea. Would love to see your tabletop studio setup with the arms, lights, & equipment. Starting one myself so my family gets the dining room table back 😅, so some ideas would be great. Thanks

[@amusingking]

Nice! You're welcome. And can totally relate to that lol. That is a good point too. Even if you can't have a room or office to yourself, having your own table would go a long way. Planning out the video now! :)

[@Yadi_7567]

That clamp and wire system sounds cool. I do already use wires but my biggest issue is that I cant have a workshop high table for lack of space. I usually shoot at ground level indoors 🤷🏽‍♀️and most times, I make it work lol. Great vid as always. 👏

[@amusingking]

Thank you! And yeah, that's true. Having a table/space can definitely be an issue. I have tried this on the floor connected to stands as well. Or even clamping the wire to the legs of a table or chair and can get the same effect. Obviously not the only way to use wires haha, just thinking out loud :) Appreciate the support!

[@ironic_bionic]

I'm in the same boat (lack of space). Right now I'm using a 3 foot high metal cart with wheels and a wooden board on top. This way I can move it around to suit my needs. Also, roll it out of the way too. 😃

[@amusingking]

Dude that's awesome though! haha, I've been wanting to get a cart like that too. Can definitely clamp to that :p

[@Yadi_7567]

@@ironic_bionic Great ideas! 😎👍

[@eugeneallen5377]

Thank you, very helpful 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@amusingking]

That’s awesome! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏼🙌🏼

[@fugo1503_actionfigure]

the fill content aware technique is awesome ! thank you !!

[@amusingking]

Yes for sure! One of my favorite things about Photoshop!

[@stevethompson4799]

I understand you be the man

[@amusingking]

Haha ayy thank you :)

[@brian-lexiluproductions]

I have to get some of that wire. The kind I use isn't strong enough. Great idea though with the clamps. When it comes to removing wires, I always forget to do a clean shot before I move my camera, so I typically use photoshops (beta) remove tool or spot healing tool. I'll also use the spot healing tool to remove the articulation joints sometimes. Another great video!

[@amusingking]

Nice! The 9 gauge wire I mentioned is perfect. Yeah, I don't normally do the clean shot either. Photoshop is so good at removing the wire. When making this, I forgot about the remove tool in the Beta. That is really good! Appreciate the comment :)

[@1nceuponatube]

Great content Matt! Thank you! I’ll be giving the clamp technique a try for sure. Looks like it will remove a lot of frustration, especially with flying figures. For what it’s worth, Affinity Photo has what is called the “In Painting brush” which is typically what I use. Same concept, just a different name. It seamlessly removes wires by painting over them. Keep up the great work!

[@amusingking]

Thanks so much! Let me know how it goes! And that's cool Affinity Photo has that. I know I've heard of it but didn't know the name of brush. That's good to know for future videos, so I could potentially reference it. Appreciate it!

[@the8bitoverlord91]

Awesome video thanks! Editing part really helps. 🤘

[@amusingking]

Thanks! Glad it helps🙌🏼

[@willwaggenspack6411]

Awesome content

[@amusingking]

Thanks so much!

[@ironic_bionic]

Yo Matt! Another cool tutorial! The Remove tool in the Beta version of PShop has worked wonders on some of my photos! Still experimenting with it though. Regarding wires and stuff, there's seems to be 2 schools of thought in Toy photography, One way is "practical" (ACBA) where you setup the shot, so the wires are hidden by other props or figures in the scene or 2) removing them in post. I'm trying to learn BOTH ways to get them under my belt. How do you feel about this? Also, have you done a studio tour vid? Where do you get the plants and other props you use in your scenes/dios?

[@amusingking]

Thank you! And yes, that's true! I've used it but I did forget. Most of the time I'm still opening just the regular Photoshop haha. But that one is good for sure. As far as ACBA, I have mixed feelings. I do think it's cool for what it is. Overall, I want to create nice looking images. Doing that can have it's own challenges even with digital help. So if I can hide the wire with another figure or prop and it looks good, then I will do it. If I can balance the figure without any wire, then I will try that. But I don't see the point to make it potentially more difficult trying to balance or hide if it's not working when I can just easily remove it in Photoshop. I definitely love practical effects but also digital effects. Just my thoughts and no hate at all for anyone that does that.

[@amusingking]

And I for sure want to do a studio tour! Haven't done one yet. My excuse is just that I've been trying to get it set and organized lol. I think I'm almost there! Dio and props are both made by me and bought from various places. The plant stuff is random fake plants from Hobby Lobby and Target and IKEA. Also some of that fake moss stuff people use for terrariums or something. This setup is very random and just thrown together. I want to make it more "official" later though.

[@beckymurphy4714]

Do you have any advice for supports that can be hidden, for those of use who don't have/know how to use a photo-editing program?

[@amusingking]

Yeah, for wires on the figure, I try to connect or place them coming from behind. If there’s a belt or holster or backpack that definitely makes it easier to attach. And sense it’s coming from behind the figure and the scene, you should be able to place other figures or props on top or in front of to hide the wire from the angle of the camera.

[@segrad1]

Hey Matt. Do you happen to have a link for the table that you use? And is it collapsible? PEACE from ATL ✊🏾 📸

[@amusingking]

Yo! I just posted the link to the table in the description. It’s crazy because I’m working on an “office tour” video where I talk about it. And then I just saw your comment 😅 it’s a cool table. It is a adjustable which comes in handy for raising and lowering for trying different angles. Nothing too special as far as why I got that one. It was just the highest rated and affordable at the time. I’ve had it almost three years now.

[@segrad1]

@@amusingking Right on! Thank you.

[@tmcclips5236]

Which Anakin figure is that? Is that the SH Figuarts one?

[@amusingking]

Yeah! SHFiguarts. Not sure if they updated from the original release, but this is the rerelease one that came out the beginning of the year.

[@tmcclips5236]

@@amusingking seeing your video finally convinced me to get one! Where did you get the cloth robe for him?

[@amusingking]

Sorry for late reply, I think I got this one on Etsy. Josh's Custom Capes I believe.

[@JM94_]

Out of topic but what’s a good iPad for photoshop like yours?

[@amusingking]

Unfortunately, I don't have too much experience with iPads. I do have the iPad Pro (5th generation) and I like it, but haven't taken full advantage of it with editing. I've used it for other animation stuff like Procreate. Mainly because I feel so comfortable with Photoshop on my Macbook. I could see one day trying to get better with it. From what I researched, the iPad Pros are all good for creative stuff and using the Apple Pencil which is really cool.

[@JM94_]

@@amusingkingI see.. will try to look more into it. Thank you!!

[@amusingking]

@@JM94_ you’re welcome!