Boki's Behind the Scenes:Stegosaurus and Tylosaurus(PNSO) 5/7/22

[Bokisaurus]

It's been a long time since I created a thread, times has changed for sure. But there is one project I have been wanting to do for some time now.This is a thread I have been wanting to create for a few years now but just haven't had the time to put it all together. Then, just as I was about to get ready last year, my computer crashed and died, and I lost all of the photos I have saved for this thread!
So, I pretty much have to start over.

As I started to include more photos of figures taken outdoors on my review on the blog, I decided it would be fun to do a behind the scenes of some of these photos used. When I see a beautiful diorama photos, I often wonder what went behind the scenes to get such amazing photos.
Part of the fun in taking these photos besides sharing it with all of you guys,  are the various challenges and "bloopers" that occurred behind the scenes while on location. It also serves as a documentation of some of my favorite photos as well.Photographing prehistoric figures against natural backdrops outdoors is something I have always enjoyed, and I always bring a few figures with me on trips. One never knows when the perfect scene would present itself.

A few things I have learned throughout the years:
Subject: it all starts with the figure. One of the things I do first when I get a new figure is trying to imagine how it would look in a natural setting. To me, how well a figure integrates with a natural backdrop is a testament to how well all the visual elements were executed. Some figures more than others instantly blend into a natural setting, while others, despite being great figures, somehow don't blend in well and just stick out like a sore thumb. It's always fascinating how some figures transform, coming to life almost, when placed in a natural backdrop.

Story: It doesn't always need to have a story, but it often helps and make the photo a little more interesting if you have something you would like to communicate with the readers. Action shot is another way to make a photo more interesting.


It gets a little more complicated when you are featuring multiple figures in one shot. If I'm using multiple figures, it's always important to ensure that they all complement each other in style and sculpt so as not to ruin the illusion.

Location: I do a lot of hiking and day trips and one of the things I'm always on a lookout for is a good setting to photograph a figure. Now, not all locations are exotic or requires a day trip. As you will see, sometimes great photo can be achieved by using something in your garden, patio, or even sidewalks.


Scale of backdrop: When I photograph figures outdoors, I try and find an area that doesn't have a lot of large and leafy plants, which can be challenging to find. For me, the challenging and fun part of photographing figures in nature is creating an illusion of grand scale, so it is important to find an area that could stand in as a miniature world and this includes any plants, rocks, etc.


Details: Once an area is identified, I look at what would be included in the photo frame and check for anything that is out of scale with the figure. This "combing" the area includes picking out any fallen leaves, plucking grass that are too big, etc.  An oversized leaf or blade of grass could easily ruin a photo by giving away the scale.



Composition: Before taking a photo I always have some idea of what I wanted to see. This helps a lot in composing the photo and posing your figure/subject. Composing your scene is an important part of the process that is often overlooked.


Perspective: this is one of the most important part when composing a photo. I often play around with different angles and perspectives to see what would be the most effective in capturing the illusion of grand scale. This often requires me to be down on my knees or even elbows!
Bottom line is the lower to the ground your camera is, the better the perspective in making your subject huge.


Happy accidents: Sometimes accidental shots could be the winning shot at the end of the day. So, I always save all the test shot to go over later when I have them downloaded in my computer and able to view each one on a larger screen.


Safety: It's very important to be aware of any potential hazards around you. Always look for any potential danger especially if you are in a remote area where help is not easily available. If you live in an area with poisonous snakes, insects, and plants, make sure you know what they are and be extra careful! I happen to live in an area with lots of large wild animals like bears, Elks, Cougars that are easily spooked provoking aggression. Also important is securing your camera from dropping on rocks or water!


Secure your figures: Make sure you have a way to carry your figures around securely. I have lost some favorite figures on hikes when I didn't have a secure way to carry them with me.


And if you're lucky, a helper :My assistant Sophie and constant companion in all of my adventures as you will see ! If you do hike always keep your beloved puppy leashed to avoid disturbing wildlife and be on alert for any dangers!


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Before starting, I also wanted to share some of the beautiful locations that some of these photos were taken, like a virtual road trip. I love road trips and we usually take a few each year that takes us from old growth forest, the coast, and desert in this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. I count myself very lucky despite being in the city, to live in such a beautiful state here in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon).

Washington State Where I live. Last photo of the cityscape is my view from my apartment
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Oregon State If I could, I would move here in a heartbeat! The Oregon Coast is where we spent most of our vacation, we usually go at least 2-3 times a year, Luckily its only a few hours drive south
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And Hi everyone, here I am on location!
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Thanks for stopping and hope you'll follow the journey! Stay tuned for the first BTS installment 

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Photo List:

1. Wilson (PNSO)


2. Triceratops sp. by EoFauna
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[Nimravus]

I am looking forward to reading your following posts!

[SidB]

I'm looking forward to your exploration of the opportunities, advantages, challenges and potential pitfalls of using nature as the setting for your dioramas. Gorgeous scenery, BTW, artfully captured.

[Shonisaurus]

Nice photographs, I am sorry that your old computer has definitely broken down and you have lost all the photo information on this thread. You make outstanding photo compositions, thanks for sharing.

[Libraraptor]

Beside the collection threads, this is the kind of thread I love to follow the most.  A little oasis. Just collecting, nature, figures or photography.
Thank you!

[Gothmog the Baryonyx]

Following,
I wish we had more dangerous wild animals here though

[SidB]

Following,
I wish we had more dangerous wild animals here though

Well, in a sense, we all DO have them , of course, only they are us and among us. Human beings are an ecosystem unto themselves, in a manner of speaking.

[Bread]

Beautiful photos Bokisaurus! I always forget how easy it is to venture next to bodies of water up north.

[Bokisaurus]

Thanks everyone, glad to hear there is interest in this project
I'm debating which one to do first, but I think I will go with Wilson

[Lanthanotus]

Thanks Boki for that insight, great backdrops and locations there

[Bokisaurus]

It's been a very busy few weeks at work! But I got some free time to finally add the first installment to this thread.
Wilson was my first choice to start things since its really a nice model and very photogenic in natural outdoor settings.

The Photo used in the review:

Behind the scenes: I have chosen a moss covered log for the setting.As always, my little Sophie just wanted to get into the action This is a good example of finding a spot that could stand in as a miniature world. The moss covered tree trunk is ideal as it covered the entire shot.
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The photo used on the review:

Behind the scenes: There is a small park close to my work that still had a good covering of snow. I wanted to photograph Wilson in the snow as a tribute to his nickname "Winter Wilson" as I was setting up, the sun started to set and I noticed a puddle left by the melting ice reflecting the light. I decided to switch scenes and instead placed Wilson against the setting sun.
This is also a perfect example of location not exactly being exotic, just a small puddle in the street


Photo used in the review:

Behind the scenes: As you may have noticed by now, I love sunset photos! This was taken during one of our beach hikes. Th beach is full of large rocks but they were all so low, I found a large driftwood that was high enough to put the model on the same horizon.I waited a few more minutes to get darker and for the sun to set before taking the final photo you saw on the review. And yes, I had to take multiple shots before capturing the seagull flying over in front!


Bonus: Although the final shot didn't make it into the review after the final edit, I felt that it was a good way to demonstrate the importance of combing/cleaning up the spot of all large material (leaves, grass, twigs, etc.) that could give away the illusion of grand scale.
Before: notice all the leaves

After: took out a lot of the leaves and twigs


Well, hope you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for the next installment and thanks for looking, cheers!

[Dusty Wren]

Thanks for doing these posts, Boki. Good photography takes a lot more work than people realize, and I enjoy seeing your setup and the thought process behind your photos. And Sophie is an adorable photographer's assistant

[Shonisaurus]

Nice photographs and nice tyrannosaurus from PNSO what I see in your photographs is one thing and that is the following, or your dog is very small or belongs to a small canine breed (I do not understand breeds) by the way an adorable dog or the tyrannosaurus rex PNSO is much bigger than I think. Thanks for sharing.

[Bokisaurus]

Thanks @Shonisaurus and @Dusty Wren 😃
It's a fun project.😃

[Libraraptor]

An interesting thread.  I am interested in seeing more.

[dinodamage]

Wowww these photos are so fun! You captured a great sense of scale on some of 'em. This is exactly the kind of thing I want to do with my figures so quite inspiring as well.
also ur dog is adorable!

[Nimravus]

Thanks for sharing your photographing process!

[Halichoeres]

Thanks for sharing these photos! It"s cool to see your process. My sister lives in Oregon so some of these landscapes are familiar, if not the particular sites. Very convenient to have so many close at hand!

PS: also very good advice to keep dogs leashed in natural areas, both for the dog's safety and that of wildlife!

[ceratopsian]

This is a fascinating thread - most enjoyable to hear your insights and see the results.

[SidB]

Wilson certainly seems to be at home.