From Collector to Photographer: My First Month Behind the Lens
TLDR
My journey started with the idea of taking pictures of my own collection because at the time I was looking for a creative outlet. Using an actual camera, not my phone, helped me be in the moment and remove the distraction of technology. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m having fun and that’s the whole point.
It Started With an Idea
In 2019 I started learning how to code. I woke up early before work and stayed up late to study. It felt like a superpower to build a website and launch it without needing to rely on the usual commercial platforms.
Fast forward to 2026 when I felt stuck and not really sure if I wanted to continue coding. Jobs were scarce and I wasn’t sure that starting a career as a web developer was a good idea now that everyone is using AI. That said, I do think there’s still a need for these skills, but that’s not the point of this story.
One day, I was sitting on the couch watching a Marvel Legends Fan Stream when one of the hosts mentioned the figure they were showcasing would be perfect for photographers. At that moment a thought popped in my head. “What if I tried photography?” I was already collecting Marvel Legends and Star Wars Black Series so what if I tried photographing my collection?
A Creative Outlet
I had the idea of doing something creative for a while. I felt like coding was that creative thing except it never gave me the satisfaction that something like drumming did in the past. I didn’t want to draw, paint, or play music anymore so photography felt like a good place to start.
To my surprise, there were a ton of Instagram accounts showcasing their toy photography. Some pictures were so realistic I couldn’t tell if I was looking at a toy or an actual movie image. When I felt like I had enough inspiration, I decided it was time to start taking pictures myself, but something happened.
I didn’t feel like a photographer. I just felt like I was taking out my phone and taking pictures of toys. Of course that’s the whole point, but not the feeling I was chasing. I went back to the couch and started scrolling through Instagram again.
My Rebel
That old feeling of talking myself out something crept in and I knew if I wanted to pursue this hobby I would need to do something extreme.
I jumped up, grabbed my car keys, and went straight to Best Buy to buy my first camera. From my research, I found the Canon Rebel T7 was a good option for beginners. It didn’t seem like a beginner camera because it was $579 at the time, but to be honest that only motivated me more. I believed that if I invested the money in a good camera I would be more willing to take time out of my day to take pictures. I was right.
Over the next few weeks I started learning about my camera, settings for different environments, and how to do some light editing in Photoshop. I definitely got the “photographer” vibes from investing and using this camera.
Could I have bought a more expensive camera? Yes, but I think it’s important to start with a basic model, learn how to use it, and later if I’m still into photography buy a more expensive camera. Not just because it’s pricey, but rather because at that point I’ll appreciate what a more high-end camera can do that my Rebel T7 can’t.
First Month Mistakes
So I had my camera and I was taking pictures, but that doesn’t mean they were good. A lot of them came out dark or completely black because I didn’t adjust the settings properly. I learned that ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are the main things to play with.
From past experience, I know that I hate using Photoshop because it feels so overwhelming with all the options. I know myself well enough to know that I’m not a designer and I don’t enjoy designing things. So for me, I typically use auto adjust or ask ChatGPT to help me with settings for the specific type of photo vibe I’m going for.
One thing I kept struggling with was overthinking why I was doing this in the first place. Even now, it’s something that still creeps into my mind. I’ve done my best not to dwell on it because I have a habit of talking myself out of things before I give them a real chance.
Looking back, I think that’s part of the reason I bought the Canon Rebel. It wasn’t just about getting a camera, it was making a commitment to myself. On the days when I felt lazy or unmotivated, that investment served as a reminder to keep going.
I’ve also come to realize that not every hobby needs to generate income to be worthwhile. It’s okay to spend time on something simply because it brings joy, creativity, and fulfillment into your life. In fact, that’s reason enough.
What Surprised Me the Most
I knew lighting was important, but I didn’t understand how important it was. Some of my early photos I took in the dark with a small light that changed colors. I thought it was cool, and it was, but the way I shot in the dark didn’t look great because I lost a lot of the details in the figures. I learned that even in the dark you still need some lighting to help bring out the figure. Especially if it’s something like Darth Vader where the figure itself is very dark.
I fell in love with taking pictures outside. When it comes to lighting, I really like natural light and the pops of green that I get from going to a park or just outside on my back patio. I prefer going in the morning because the light isn’t too harsh. When it’s dark and raining, I still love it because I use those natural elements to create dark/moody photos.
Another thing I found surprising was how much I enjoyed using Star Wars figures outside. It just felt right when I was setting up Storm Troopers in the tall grassy areas or stomping through the dirt. That said, I think my outside photos are starting to lean more towards Star Wars than Marvel Legends.
Goals for the Next Two Months
My goals for the next two months are to
- Take pictures as much as possible
- Post to Instagram as a way to hold myself accountable
- Connect with other photographers
- Blog about my experience
Wrapping Up
As I look to the next couple of months, I know I’ll continue to grow. I don’t expect to be the best toy photographer or photographer in general, but I’m excited at the thought of the potential opportunities ahead if I continue down this path.