Toy Photography WIRES: Using & Removing

[@joshbeckman2970]

Just started getting serious about toy photography about 4 months ago, after seeing some of your videos. Really enjoy your videos and always learning things. Just the other day I started super gluing wire into the peg holes in the bottom of my figures feet.I no longer need to remove them in editing and I've found myself shooting my characters from all different angles now. Thanks for all the inspiration Jared

[@ANRuniverse]

More ppl need to follow this guy

[@sirdork730]

I appreciate it dude!!

[@adamburgess311]

@@sirdork730what like smoke or explosion

[@adamburgess311]

@@sirdork730what do you use

[@adamburgess311]

@@sirdork730 7:34 and light

[@kevin_dutra]

This is awesome! The tip you give about taking a photo of the environment without the figure is the same done in movies, it's the clean plate so that visual artists can have reference of the space behind characters and makes it easier to fill in. Great job!

[@sirdork730]

I appreciate that!! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@patrickpalen931]

Just subscribed. Your videos are really well done, and you explain things in a very helpful, approachable way. Thanks so much for doing this channel!

[@sirdork730]

Really appreciate that dude! 🙏 thanks so much!!

[@galacticbreakdown2804]

Dude these tutorials are invaluable! Thanks so much!

[@sirdork730]

Thanks so much!! So glad they are helpful!

[@one_lighttoy]

your tutorials have massively help me in my toy photography journey. im glad thanks you u, my photo got featured in your september challenge :) thank you so much sirdork

[@sirdork730]

Wow I’m so glad they’re helpful! Thanks for watching! And thanks for participating in the challenge 👊

[@bean7378]

IM SO EXCITED TO LEARN HOW TO DO THIS

[@BelobogBogatyr]

Same. Ive been doing it for a while now but I never really did special affects like this.

[@sirdork730]

***Hey everyone!*** Adobe Photoshop fix is unfortunately is no longer available 😞 I recommend using the “Snapseed” App for the same process! Good luck!

[@DamnYoureGarbage]

Love your tutorials and have learned a lot but you really shouldn't use the erasure tool or copy and paste...Those are destructive when editing. Layer both photos on top of each other and use a layer mask to paint non destructively to achieve the same effect

[@trippyshrimp8598]

I’m really used to using wires and I have been editing on Adobe products but editing on my phone right after a photo is so much easier. Great video

[@sirdork730]

So glad to hear it! Thanks for watching! ☺️

[@micr0stormer915]

These are great tutorials, I’ve learned so much. looking forward to seeing more of your amazing photos.

[@sirdork730]

I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for watching!!

[@jimbobaroobud]

Your photos are absolutely amazing and an inspiration to all action figure photographers! Thanks for posting the type of wire you use. I will be getting some of that soon! I also use Photoshop to clean up many of my pictures and there are some ways to be a bit more precise in your editing. A good rule of thumb is to NEVER work on the background layer. Always make a duplicate of it by clicking on the layer in the Layers Panel and using the keyboard shortcut “Command j” on a Mac or “Control j” on a PC. This way, if you ever make a horrendous mistake and need to begin again, you always have that original background to return to. There’s no need to search for your picture and drag it into Photoshop again. At 7:43 you show how to to clear away a stand by using a Clean Photo (same shot, but with the figure removed). Instead of copying a section of the clean photo and pasting it over your stand in the photo with the figure, it looks so much better if you take the WHOLE Clean Photo and drag it to the Layers Panel underneath the copy of the layer of your photo with the figure in it. To make sure they are properly aligned, click on the Figure Layer in the Layers Panel and temporarily lower the opacity to somewhere between 50% and 80%. You want to still be able to see some of the picture, but also be able to see the Clean Photo behind it. Next, click on the layer of the Clean Photo in the Layers Panel and using the keyboard shortcut “v”, Move the photo by clicking on it in your workspace and dragging it until it aligns with the Figure Photo. Since they are both shots taken at the same time and place from the same camera, the dimensions should be exactly the same. If you need to use tiny, incremental moves, you can use the up and down, left and right arrow keys on your keyboard (larger increments can be made by also holding down the Shift key at the same time). Once they are perfectly aligned, click on the Figure Layer in your Layers Panel and raise the opacity back up to 100%. With that layer still highlighted, go down to the bottom of that section and click on the Mask icon button (it looks like a white rectangle with a dark circle in the middle of it). A white rectangle should become linked to your Figure Layer. Click on the white rectangle and make sure it is highlighted. Then, click on the Brush Tool (or use the keyboard shortcut “b”) and make sure your brush’s hardness is set to 0%. (You can find brush settings in the top right corner of the window. It has a picture of a brush and a down arrow to open up a menu.) Then, use the keyboard shortcut “d” to change the Default paint colors to black and white. When using the mask, whatever area you paint over with black will become invisible and whatever area you paint over with white will become visible again. Just make sure you have the WHITE RECTANGLE highlighted or you will actually paint black and white on your picture. (If you make this mistake and believe me, eventually you will, just use the shortcut key “Command z” on a Mac / “Control z” on a PC to Undo your last action). With the black paint color, paint over your stand in your workspace. Like magic, the stand will disappear. It is actually just letting you see the Clean Photo underneath. If you accidentally paint out too much of the Photo layer, (like you cut away some of Grogu’s pram), change the paint color to white (by clicking on the two “switch” arrows next to the Foreground/Background colors or using the Keyboard shortcut “x”). Then, with the White Rectangle still highlighted, paint back in the pram. Once you have your picture exactly the way you want it, click on and highlight both layers and Merge them together into one layer by using the Keyboard Shortcut “Command e” on a Mac or “Control e” on a PC. At 9:00, you showed how to use Content Aware Fill to remove the stand. Content Aware Fill is WONDERFUL, but it can be tricky. Since Photoshop makes its choices of things to fill with from the nearby area, there is is always a chance that it may use part of the figure (or the pram) as a part of its choice. To eliminate that problem, you can simply take away its wrong choices. After you make your box around the stand using the lasso tool, Copy it (“Command c” on Mac / “Control c” on PC) and then Paste it (“Command v” on Mac / “Control v” on PC). This will create a new layer above your Figure Layer. Hide the Figure Layer and the Background Layer by clicking on the little eye icons next to them in the Layers Panel. Now, all that should be showing is the little box that you have drawn. Make sure that layer is highlighted and then, using your lasso tool again, draw a smaller box closer to the stand. NOW, use your Content Aware Fill (Edit > Fill > Content Aware or Keyboard Shift + Delete > Content Aware). Your fill will be much more precise. Now you can return the view of the Figure Layer by clicking on the eye icon next to it in the Layers Panel. If your new Content Aware layer needs editing, instead of using the erase tool, which you cannot fix after using it, use the Mask icon button like above so that you can correct any mistakes that are made in editing that layer. Once you are done, Merge the two layers like I showed you above. Once you get used to this way of editing your photo, you will never want to use the old way again (take it from an OCD Photoshopper)! Thanks again for all your terrific videos!!!

[@entityjack2572]

great tutorial! alot of times i cant really understand these types of tutorials but this was really easy to! thanks a lot! subbed!

[@anthonyshortbox5498]

i really like your vidoes. i take pictures of 80's gi joes and your videos are helping me up game. thanks alot!

[@carolbrown3712]

This was really helpful because I just started toy photography

[@sirdork730]

So glad it was! Thanks for watching!!

[@actionreg1631]

I can't I really can't that picture with the jetpack I literally can't it's so good like so so so good your a beast at this keep it up 👍👍👍👍👍🤩

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

What you do is SOOOO cool. I would definitely buy some kind of portfolio book. ❤

[@sirdork730]

Wow thank you so much! Really appreciate it 🙇‍♂️ I have posters for sale on my store! Sirdork.com

[@bornfrombordum]

Subscribed right after you showed the ratio. Thanks for a great video.

[@hazimroubaiy9281]

Ayyy sick video dude i love it

[@drmacdo]

Always learn so much from Jared! If you’re not subscribed, you’re missing out....

[@NiceGuyCFMC]

I really enjoy the tutorials and appreciate your work. I bought the wire you linked to Amazon, but it isn't sturdy enough to hold up any 1/12 scale figure. I ended up going to Home Depot and finding a sturdier 16 gauge wire wrapped on a pole like you showed in the video.

[@sirdork730]

Hey dude! Sorry to hear the wire wasnt working out so well. But I’m glad you went put and got something better! Thanks for let me know! I updated the link in my videos with a new stronger wire. I appreciate the feedback!

[@maverick6348]

Just subscribed! Awesome stuff my dude! Always love that positive energy

[@masseylad1972]

Bravo man. To provide this info is super kind. Great job dude. 👍🏼😬

[@afrowookie]

i started toy photography couple moths ago and this video is very helpfull thanks ,can t wait to try it

[@tutuminivideosanimations6220]

love your tutorials! Keep them coming!

[@prometheanproductions...236]

Awesome work sir! I’m hoping to use these techniques when I go to do some more pics! Good job!

[@CosmicPhil81]

Awesome vid! Thanks man! So far all I do for processing is tweak the brightness a bit. Want to take it to the next level.

[@rafaelcantero94]

Just found your channel and definitely going to use your tips once I start taking pictures of my figures 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Charizardsparadise]

Man this video was so informative. Definitely subscribing!

[@sirdork730]

I appreciate it dude! Glad the video was helpful!

[@manoharmgr8235]

Very useful video , I learned lot from it, forward more videos like this it up good work, R.manohar , india,chennai

[@garydomninic9159]

Adobe Photoshop is still around but you needs to pay monthly for it. I do enjoy watching your work and how you created everything.

[@MrMekmek29]

this guy right here... MVP

[@sirdork730]

You the man 👊

[@MrMekmek29]

@@sirdork730 NO! You the MVP!!

[@billpagan3070]

Amazing as always friend!!! I am beginning to get brave enough to try some of this stuff!!!😂👍

[@sminthian]

This is the first time I found out you had a KZbin account, but subscribed.

[@shiloturri8407]

This is fantastic! Thank you! new follower!

[@sirdork730]

Thanks so much! So glad it was helpful! 😮

[@N8riz]

Hello a suggestion for you if you want to take it with a grain of salt. You should do a 2nd channel.. One for tutorials and the other for wow factor pics with your choice of epic music. I (and selective audience) would be binge watching those immersive videos :)

[@robinsuico6919]

thanks for tips and tutorials sir dork! 💪

[@DieLee-yg4uq]

Your vids are great 👍 I always watch 🔥

[@rickmelcher6845]

Great tips. Your editing turns out very well. Thanks. P.S. Adobe Photoshop FIX isn’t available in Apple App Store. The link to the wire you use is no longer available either. Maybe you can edit those transcript?

[@sirdork730]

Hey thanks so much!! Yeah unfortunately photoshop fox isn’t available anymore 😫 but I do have a pinned comment with some alternatives! And that’s so odd! The wire link still works fine for me! I did however add a new link to some wooden skewers that I’ve been using lately! Thanks again!

[@masonkinney1661]

Nice job keep up the work

[@fortnitegeek2418]

I just subscribe to you because your art is so good and I really want to try it myself. Keep up the good work.👍👍👍

[@AngeloTullio]

You're great Jared, thanks so much for your videos!

[@thenotsocoolguy5928]

your channel inspires me

[@OldManBedrock]

saw u doin the sweet camo on your clone trooper - do you have a recommendation for beginner intro set of paints?

[@MightyEmperor]

Months after the question but still... acrylic paint is probably your best option and you can just use ordinary hobby shop paints. However, if you want to take it up a level, Games Workshop obviously make quite a large range but I tend to go with Vallejo (paints, textures, weathering and the occasional wash) with some Army Painter washes (they do a good starter set). Then give them a quick varnish afterwards to help make them more durable.

[@bobasbounty3428]

These videos really help me with my photos, thanks!

[@billyd530111]

Great video as always

[@sirdork730]

Thanks sir!!

[@jarethbadillo8421]

These tutorials are amazing!

[@davewhitehead135]

Hey Mr Jared. I Like Your Wire Idea.

[@DNS2911]

Cool video now I understand when you use the app on your phone and you go to the healing section after you remove the wire where can I go to smooth it out?

[@bengkeat84]

Awesome video mate !

[@rajeshphotography3670]

Superb tutorial video bro

[@leonardburne7395]

Your photos are so good 😊

[@richardtucker6974]

Awesome Jared. Really useful and good to watch mate. MrMuppa06

[@sirdork730]

Thanks a lot dude! 🙏

[@buzzsawgr81]

I'm gonna download that photoshop fix right now and try it later.

[@sirdork730]

Awesome! Hope it works!!

[@Clonewar501st]

Great tutorial thanks man im using pixlr which is a free online editor but I'm just starting out so its still a bit tricky 🤘🏻👊🏻

[@Animefan127-z2v]

Keep up the amazing job

[@dgorenc66]

your awesome dude .....SERIOUSLY

[@dgorenc66]

My BLUE BLOW GUN CAME IN .......can hardly wait to try it .........I have a friend with so many figurines that he will let me use so I will be getting to use some cool characters .....again your so helpful ...thanks so much

[@sirdork730]

YOU are awesome! Thanks for watching! You’re gonna have a blast with that thing! Literally!!! Have fun and be safe! 😁

[@hugomonstah]

yo thanks for this .

[@sirdork730]

Thanks for watching!!

[@hugomonstah]

@@sirdork730 so i bougth the wires in ur amazon store . i find it hard to slip the wire inside the cresses . the wire is too thick . any suggestions? i found the lowes one but it got my hands dirty and i was afraid if I used it on the figs it would get them dirty too.

[@reacts6230]

Love the vids, idk how you got your figures to stand as the 15 gauge isn't working that well. I might need to up the size

[@sirdork730]

Hey dude! Sorry to hear the wire isn’t working out so well. But I’m glad you let me know! I updated the link in my videos with a new stronger wire. I appreciate the feedback!

[@azmoney8478]

Yessssss! Another upload

[@greedo_collection]

Thanks a lot !!! it's really helpful !!!!

[@sirdork730]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@ToyPhotographyArtChannel]

Awesome tutorial bro thanks👏👏👏🤘🤙📷💥🍻

[@araceliherrera34]

SO MUCH HELP!!!! THANK YOUUU

[@huntersetzer5732]

Thanks dude.

[@ChrisMacPresents]

I run into issues using the Clone Tool covering Action Figure pin joints and the gaps where the articulation is. Even Content-Aware gives me fits doing this at times.

[@sirdork730]

Yes! You’re definitely right about that! I actually have a more updated video on this process here! 5 MORE Photoshop Tips for Toy Photography! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJXYqp2kqsyDa6c

[@OldManBedrock]

great vid & thanx for making it!

[@ChildOfGod-Berky]

This is so awesome 🤩

[@Josh45263]

Can you do another tutorial for editing i got kind of lost in the other one

[@gkraz8605]

This was really helpful thank you

[@liyachoi2663]

Thanks for tutorial!

[@xxghostxx2993]

Will we see more phone tips for toy photography 😁

[@davidmace3310]

Sweet vids! I’m subscribed.

[@Pimp21ULike]

Just subscribed to your channel buddy. Good stuff you got here

[@jamesgaultier2949]

Real helpful as I use a phone!

[@jonleonard34]

Hi Jared, I don't have photoshop only Lightroom can you create this effect in GIMP do you know?

[@sirdork730]

Try using the “Photoshop Fix” app that I explain in the video! 😁

[@allengray568]

Yes you can do it in GIMP using the heal or clone functions in the paint tools.

[@cluelessmonkey15]

Hi! Do the wires youve linked on lowes have any oily feel to them and would they leave any residue on your figures? Thanks!

[@rockinrigatonythevintageen7153]

Awesome tips. I also subscribed

[@maxi0282]

Nice one thanks

[@ryacorn126]

Can you please do a room tour and show everything in it pleeeasseeee

[@michaelsweet8719]

Can you do this with action figure clear assembly stands? I found a few on amazon

[@jamesstolk9848]

Great tips thanks.

[@Benji-photography]

Noice love it

[@novafalcosmith]

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@sirdork730]

Thank YOU so much!!

[@luisbarrios4430]

Question, the wire you linked looks like bare copper and the wire you use in the video has plastic around it ? Should I order the one you linked ? I went and bought some wire at the store but it ended up being not strong enough

[@sirdork730]

Hey there!! No plastic on my wire actually. I added a new link to the video! It’s actually the same exact kind I use. It’s not an amazing link though. Hope it is helpful!

[@chrisgilbey8107]

Subscribed 🙏🏼

[@sirdork730]

Thanks so much for supporting dude!!

[@jacksonwhite5376]

thx very helpful

[@sirdork730]

Thanks for watching!

[@mudboi713]

I love the tutorials thank mr sir dork 730

[@JC-ol6wf]

Epic tutorial

[@NL1488]

How do you remove those transparent figure stands with the gripping arm around the waist? I hope you know what I mean.

[@cameramanra123]

Thank u this is awesome

[@ethanmccandless2977]

THANKS AGAIN 👍

[@DNS2911]

What program do you use to edit your pics?

[@sirdork730]

I use adobe photoshop ☺️

[@fatkungfu1972]

☑️ SUBSCRIBED!!! 🤩🤩🤩📸📸📸

[@sirdork730]

Thank you so much!! New Tutorial coming tomorrow!!

[@GabboCam]

Great bro

[@willwaggenspack6411]

Sidorak you should do some bionicle

[@egraphy9599]

Good Job

[@joseescobedo7899]

I kinda use snap seed but will try that ifea

[@sirdork730]

Awesome! Snapseed is really great actually, keep using it! Photoshop Fix isn’t available anymore 😭

[@bigroryhollar5023]

Thank you .........

[@sirdork730]

Thank YOU!!

[@lord_egg]

I'm in the UK and I have tried to find a good enough wire. I've tried so much but they always are either too weak or not malluable enough.

[@sirdork730]

I’ve been using these more recently!! amzn.to/3iwMsON

[@lord_egg]

@@sirdork730 I did some today and used stick and mud to try and keep the feet down. It kind of worked

[@MarkFisch]

What’s the can u use to make the smoke affect

[@sirdork730]

It’s called atmosphere aerosol! I have a discount code for it in the description of this video!

[@MarkFisch]

@@sirdork730 thank u. U ended up mentioning it in another one of ur videos. I maybe watched 7 of yours today I want to get into toy photography. I took what I think is a nice one wish I could share it with u to know ur thoughts

[@MarkFisch]

@@sirdork730 watching the everything I need now :)

[@sirdork730]

@@MarkFisch that is so cool! Thanks for watching them all! It’s an amazing hobby/artform to get into! You can always reach out to me on Instagram or through the contact section on Sirdork.com. I’d love to see them!

[@LazyLooper69]

How thick does the wire need to be, to hold Mcfarlane, Hasbro, sh figuarts, mafex and stuff? On Amazon the thickest is 2mm, but I can't imagine 2 mm holding such a huge heavy figure

[@sirdork730]

I’d recommend picking up the wire I have linked in the video! It’s the same fact wire I use. It works great with all the figure brands you mentioned 😆

[@LazyLooper69]

@@sirdork730 do they ship international? And I think it's a 16 Gauge, maybe German Amazon or any store nearby has it, if not Imma continue searching

[@sirdork730]

@@LazyLooper69 oh I see! Not sure if they do, but I’d give it a shot. If not, head to your local hardware store and check for a 16 gauge wire! Feel out the thicknesses and grab a tough one!

[@LazyLooper69]

@@sirdork730 I've seen some on Amazon actually, I think it should be thick enough, at least it's 16 Gauge

[@LazyLooper69]

@@sirdork730 2mm or .65mm?