ANIMEFEST 2026

Czech Republic, Brno
22.- 24. 05. 2026

At Animefest 2026, Figubo presents an international exhibition dedicated to contemporary doll and figure photography — a niche artistic medium that blends photography, storytelling, travel, craftsmanship, and atmosphere into a unique visual experience. Bringing together artists from Japan, Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Poland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, and the United States, the exhibition explores how miniature subjects can transform the way we perceive real environments, emotion, and scale.

The featured works range from remote mountain landscapes in Japan and seasonal scenes in Canada to carefully handcrafted studio dioramas and cinematic outdoor compositions. Some photographers approach dolls as travel companions and emotional partners, others as extensions of illustration, portraiture, or visual fantasy. Despite their different styles, all participating artists share a common interest in creating images that feel alive — photographs where atmosphere, light, and environment become just as important as the subject itself.

Unlike traditional figure collecting, these works are not focused on products alone. Instead, they explore themes such as solitude, memory, seasonal change, companionship, everyday beauty, and the relationship between reality and imagination. Many of the photographs are created outdoors in difficult weather conditions or remote locations, while others rely on meticulous lighting, set-building, or post-production to achieve their final form.

Presented as part of Animefest — the largest Czech festival dedicated to Japanese culture, anime, manga, and games — the exhibition introduces visitors to a highly personal and internationally connected form of contemporary photography.

ABUWHOBI

CANADA

I am a doll photographer based in Toronto, Canada. I occasionally shoot figures and landscapes as well. I bought my first camera in 2014 and began taking photography seriously in 2016. Currently, I own five dolls: two Smart Dolls—Melody in Milk and Resolute in Cinnamon, one DD Kaede Takagaki Ver. 2, one Chimikko DD Anya Forger, and one Azone Kato Megumi. The main incentive for me to start doll/figure photography as a hobby was my desire to create doll and figure photos like other Figubo members do. Over the past ten years, my fields of interest have shifted from capturing magnificent landscapes to discovering the small and beautiful things connected to my daily life, for example, a doll and the four seasons.

Place: Canada, Toronto, Abuwhobi’s home

The photo was taken in the front yard of my home, where I plant a row of hydrangeas of various species and colors. I did not prune them after the blossoms because I found those dried flowers might look quite different during the snow season. The photo was more of an impromptu than a well-prepared work because even we Canadians did not know when the snow would come and go! I just rushed outside and shot as fast as I could. The whole process took only about five minutes, so that neither the doll nor I would be buried in the snow.

Place: Canada, Toronto, High Park

The photo was taken in High Park, a place famous for sakura blossoms in Toronto. To avoid the crowd, I got up around 5 a.m. that day, but it still took me about half an hour to find a parking spot near the park. Luckily, there were not too many people at that time, and I got a clean background for this photo. To match the theme, the doll’s dress, pose, position, and elements like uphill terrain and trees were all deliberately chosen and arranged. Photoshop was moderately used to harmonize the color and exposure across the frame.

ATEENS

HONG KONG

The truth is that both my father and I are professional landscape photographers, and this has had a significant influence on my figure photography style. I work almost exclusively outdoors, and I usually take two or three “safe” figures (meaning small, with not too many delicate parts, easy to pack, and less prone to damage) with me during my annual trip to different parts of the world. I usually take two camera systems with me, one (‘camera set B’) for landscape photography, and the other (‘camera set A’) for environment scouting, composition experiments, and more often for shooting figures. These two sets of equipment are important since they are connected to my technique in figure shots.

Place: China, Xinjiang, Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)

This photo was taken in Sayram Lake in Xinjiang, China, on a beautiful morning in July, 2024. The highway around the lake forms a lovely “S” shape, which reminds me of the famous Peter’s Lookout on Mount Cook beside Lake Pukaki. This shot was taken using a Nikkor PC-E 85mm lens with 10mm shifting on the Z7 with an adaptor.

Place: New Zealand, Otago, Lake Wakatipu

I was camping in Wilson Bay, by the shore of Lake Wakatipu, on a clear night in late February in 2026. The southern Milky Way began to rise in the east, and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds were shining high in the southern sky. I had not taken a photo of this famous Tenshi figure for almost 10 years, but, as always, she shone under the starlight like a real angel with her wings.

AZURE

JAPAN

I started taking photographs in 2008. At first, I focused mainly on figures, giving form to my desire to ‘photograph them against backdrops that suit them.’ As I continued this work, my approach evolved into a desire to ‘create images that make the most of the scenery and environment,’ and around 2009, I began incorporating dolls into my work, which continues to this day. If the goal is simply to document a landscape, there is not much difference between one photographer and another. So, I wondered if there was not a way for me to enjoy photography in my own unique way—and this is what has become my life’s work through years of trial and error. All my photos are taken in Japan. I am constantly chasing the changes brought by the seasons and weather, as well as the wide variety of the terrain.

Place: Japan Yamanashi Prefecture, Hokuto City (北杜市)

While driving one summer day, I was captivated by the sight of a road winding up the mountain alongside green rice paddies, so I stopped to take a break. It is just an ordinary road, not a well-known tourist spot, but I often find myself stopping at places like this. I felt the essence of summer in the cumulonimbus clouds hanging over the mountain and the vibrant green of the rice plants, and the blue sky reflected in the puddles after the rain left such a strong impression that I decided to capture it in this photo.

Place: Japan, Nagano Prefecture, Shimosuwa Town (下諏訪町)

A road descending toward the mountains in the distance, and the clouds hanging over it. If I had arrived at this spot a little earlier, a sea of clouds would likely have spread out below me. While photographing the morning sun on another mountain, I noticed a sea of clouds forming in this area, so I rushed here as fast as I could. Although the sea of clouds had already dissipated by then, I was very happy to have witnessed this scene at that very moment.

BELLECHAN

BRAZIL

I am Bellechan from Brazil! I have always enjoyed photography, so when I began collecting figures, I started taking photos of them. All I wanted was to find a greater purpose than simply keeping the figures inside their boxes. Meeting other people who shared the same passion inspired me to keep going. Not long after that, I met my now-husband, HunterXv2 (who is also a Figubo member). Our collection grew, and it has become a hobby that we truly enjoy together!

Place: Brzail, Curitiba, Square Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (Praça Tsunessaburo Makiguti)

Cherry blossoms are my favorite outdoor theme! And every year, I go to my favorite park to photograph my figures among them in full bloom. Funny enough, I never liked pink very much (or at all). But after the very first Sakura Miku figure was released, I gradually began to appreciate it. That is why cherry blossoms feel so special to me now.

CT SIN

HONG KONG

I am CT Sin, a photographer based in Hong Kong. My creative journey began approximately eight years ago when I encountered images of Azone 1/3 dolls online. It was “love at first sight,” and my desire to capture their unique charm and elegance eventually led me to pick up a camera and explore the world of photography. ​Currently, I dedicate nearly every Sunday to outdoor photo sessions. During long holidays, I strive to travel internationally, as my ultimate life goal is to travel the world with my dolls and document our lives through my lens. In my work, I enjoy experimenting with various lenses to create diverse visual narratives. Whether it is the dramatic perspective of a wide-angle lens or the cinematic compression of a telephoto lens, these optical qualities add layers of interest and variety to my storytelling.

Place: China, Shenzhen, Window of the World (世界之窗)

This photograph was taken in a miniature replica of Venice located within a theme park in Shenzhen. The setting offers an ideal scale for 1/3 dolls, allowing them to blend naturally into the environment. The endless rhythm of the arches, the unified tones of the architecture, and the soft light of dusk create a calm and elegant atmosphere. Combined with the doll’s dress and parasol, the scene evokes a sense of timelessness. What makes this image particularly compelling is the illusion it creates—the doll appears almost like a real person within the space.

DOLL ROKUTA

JAPAN

Doll Rokuta is a creator who primarily produces promotional videos related to mountains and landscapes. Ten years ago, he worked for a video game company, where he produced promotional videos and television commercials. He now draws on the experience he gained to bring dolls to life through his short videos, which are available on his YouTube channel.

Place: Japan, Nagano Prefecture, Kamikōchi (上高地)

This usually crowded spot was empty during the pandemic, letting me photograph dolls freely.

Place: Japan, Fukushima Prefecture

This image captures a moment at a beautiful lakeside that I happened upon during a drive.

GALEXV

CANADA

I am Gale, a figure photographer based in Toronto, Canada. I started this hobby in 2015 when I was still into Gundam building and modeling. I would mostly photograph them with my phone camera after building and posing them. It was not until I started collecting Nendoroids and got my first camera in 2016 that I became more deeply interested in photographing figures. Inspired by figure photographers on DeviantArt and artists on Pixiv, I also began building sets for my figures that same year. I work on both indoor and outdoor shoots with my figures and sometimes combine an outdoor shoot with a diorama or set, depending on what I want to portray in the scene, be it storytelling or making the photo look like one of those illustrations that inspired me to pursue this hobby.

Place: Canada, Ontario, Kinsmen Park

This photo was taken in tribute to the real Japanese racehorse, Grass Wonder, after his passing last year. I made this small set of a flower patch of daisies and dandelions, as her real-life counterpart was known to enjoy dandelions in his final years. I took this set at an open field in a park near the beach in Pickering, Ontario, last year, just before sunset and, positioned the diorama in such a way that the sun would be shining on the side of the set, casting a warm glow over the flower patch and Grass Wonder. This photo shoot was a challenge since I had to wait for the right position of the sun, and the sun was moving faster towards sunset, as this was taken before summer ended.

You can also watch making of on Gale’s Instagram

Place: Canada, Ontario, Ajax

This was a one-off shoot I did during a family gathering after Christmas Day.  There was a snowstorm when I took this photo, and it was taken just on the front porch of a relative’s home. No diorama or other lighting was used, just the remote-controlled truck with its LED lights on, and the dimming skies in a snowstorm. It was also taken from such an angle that it makes the neighboring house in the background match the scale, creating a forced-perspective effect. I had to finish the photoshoot earlier after I took this shot, as the storm was getting worse by the minute.

Sometimes for a good shot equipment needs to overcome some harsh conditions.

HUNTERXV2

BRAZIL

My name is Eglemilson (known as HunterXv2), and I am from Brazil. I started photographing figures around 15 years ago, and it’s been one of my main hobbies ever since, thanks to my wife Bellechan, who inspired me to both collect and photograph figures. It started small with some Mega Man X and Vocaloid figures, and my passion only grew over time. I will not forget the feeling I had when those first figures arrived that day. My first photos of figures were terrible but at the same time fascinating. The beauty of a static figurine brought to life through photography is something I cannot explain. Other hobbies I have are playing video games and drawing. I hope I can continue photographing for another 15 years—at least!

Place: Brazil, Hunter’s & Bellechan’s home

I am a huge fan of the Nier and the Drakengard series—especially 2B. When this Figma arrived, Bellechan and I started playing with it, and we did some pose testing. When we put her in that pose, we thought: “That is a great pose for a photo”. This photo was taken at home. The background is an image in an old display, and I used some fake grass to blend the “grass” from the image with the real foreground to create this effect. I really enjoy this photo, and I hope you do too.

JOHNNY DIRECTOR

JAPAN

Japanese photographer Johnny Director combines landscape photography, travel, and self-portraiture with his doll companion, Haruka. Working in remote natural locations across Japan, he captures quiet moments of companionship, solitude, and exploration shaped by mountains, changing seasons, and long journeys.

Place: Japan, Nagano Prefecture

Japan is a country that stretches far from the north to the south, but is only about 350 km wide at its widest point – a distance you can cross even on a bicycle. This led me to undertake such a journey myself, traveling over three days from Tokyo Bay to the Sea of Japan. I took this picture on the third day, in Nagano Prefecture. I went on this journey in May, when the weather was already quite warm, and it took me from one sea to another. However, when travelling such a long distance, you encounter not only a wide variety of landscapes, but also significant temperature changes caused by the surrounding terrain. In my opinion, this is an essential part of travelling.

Place: Japan, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Yatsugatake Volcanic Group (北八ヶ岳)

I visit this place every single winter, without exception. Here on this snowy plain, which lies 2,237 meters above sea level, all the hustle and bustle of the big city is gone, and only the sound of the wind reaches your ears. On especially cold days, the temperature can drop even below -15℃. It’s definitely not a place where humans can live comfortably. And for that very reason, coming to places like this allows me to feel deeply alive. I return every year without fail to make sure I’m truly alive and breathing.

KAGEFRAME STUDIO (formerly SMALL WORLD: PHOTOGRAPHY)

POLAND

I am an amateur photographer from Poland. I have been collecting figures for many years, but in 2018, I decided to take it further and explore figure photography. With no photography background or experience, I learned it with some help from Exkurogane. I make custom dioramas/sets for figures I want to photograph. This was also something I had to learn and improve over the years. Now, at 40, my love for the hobby is still strong. My editing style improved, and it has become something of a trademark now. Recently, I was able to upgrade my workspace, so I built my small studio.

Place: Poland, Kageframe’s home studio

Some of my figures were photographed many times, while others not even once. I do not rush anything; everything has its own time. I do not plan either—everything is idea-based and improved during the creative process. For this photo, I thought about a set that would match this shy, morning kind of impression that the figure is conveying. After a good night’s sleep she just opened a window and you walked in. After upgrading my studio tools, I could laser-cut plywood to simplify creating furniture. I handcrafted small book props and finally created a complete set that matched the figure. Over the years, I have developed my own lighting and editing style, so I knew what to use and how to achieve the final look. In the end, even an affordable figure can look great, and people can enjoy my photography even if they are not interested in figures.

KINAKO

HONG KONG

I am Kinako, a photographer originally from Hong Kong. My journey into the world of doll photography began during my high school years in 2017. What started as a casual hobby with Nendoroids quickly turned into a real passion for me. A signature element of my work is the integration of water. I am fascinated by how reflections and splashes can breathe vitality into a static subject, creating a sense of spontaneous motion in a miniature world. I am currently based in Australia, where I spend much of my time traveling beyond the urban sprawl to discover “hidden gems.” These remote locations provide the perfect backdrop for my storytelling. By combining technical doll artistry with the raw beauty of the natural world, I aim to create miniature scenes that feel both whimsical and profoundly connected to the environment.

Place: Australia, Victoria, Rutherglen

This photograph was captured in Rutherglen, a historic town situated on the border of Victoria. My creative intent was to highlight the beauty of authentic Australian craftsmanship within a miniature context. The subject is adorned with a tiny, hand-carved wooden wombat and a delicate wool blouse, both meticulously crafted by local Tasmanian artists using regional materials. Working in these rural settings allowed me to play with natural textures that ground the doll’s fantasy in reality. This image serves as a tribute to the local artisans and the unique, hidden landscapes that define the Australian heartland.

KOKO

TAIWAN

I am a photographer based in Taiwan. Initially, I had little interest in photography until I discovered vivid, lifelike photos of Nendoroids on international creative platforms. Inspired by the masters of this craft, I began teaching myself technical photography skills and investing in professional equipment to start my own journey. Nendoroids are stylized, 2.5-head-tall figures inspired by Japanese anime aesthetics. Through my lens, capturing their activities makes the impression that they have truly come to life. I am deeply passionate about this unique niche—one that balances the art of portraiture with the precision of product photography. I am constantly experimenting and learning new techniques to push my boundaries. This dedication stems from a simple, personal motivation: I am always the person most excited to see my next creation come to light.

Place: Taiwan, New Taipei City, Sunshine Sports Park (陽光運動公園)

This photo captures the whimsical dynamic between Frieren and her apprentice, Fern, from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. I wanted to highlight Frieren’s eccentric personality, specifically her penchant for doing puzzling things. While this Nendoroid was originally designed for a “blown kiss” pose, I decided to reinterpret the gesture. By incorporating a bubble-blowing wand and a potion bottle from other sets, I transformed the scene into Frieren absent-mindedly blowing bubbles—some even getting stuck on her hair. It perfectly embodies the “confused yet charming” aura that makes Fern give her that famous “fed up” look.

Place: Taiwan, New Taipei City, Erbazi Botanical Garden (二叭子植物園)

In Taiwan, May is the season of Tung Blossoms, often referred to as “May Snow” because the falling white petals resemble a winter landscape. Every year, I trek into the mountains to capture this ephemeral beauty. For this picture, I used a telephoto lens and strong backlighting to give the scene the soft, ethereal feel typical of Japanese airy photography. To the viewer, the Nendoroid appears to be frolicking on a fluffy bed of flowers. In reality, the “falling snow” effect was achieved by me frantically tossing handfuls of gathered blossoms over the figure in the mountain heat!

MANJUU

TAIWAN

I am Manjuu (まんじゅう), a photographer from Taipei, Taiwan. I started experimenting with doll photography in 2004. In 2011, I was on my exchange study in Japan. I began to want to combine my dolls with the local scenery. It is not just about taking commemorative photos, but I want the dolls to feel like residents of these places. Their stories should interact with the background. And I was just a fortunate passerby who happened to be passing by. So I started using more detailed 1/3 or 1/4 dolls for such photography, and I have been using them to this day. There are still many places I have not visited. I hope I can continue working as a “record-keeper of beautiful local girls” in the future.

Place: Japan, Saitama Prefecture, Yanasegawa Cherry Blossom Embankment (柳瀬川桜堤)

Cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan, and no matter where you go, you will find famous local places. The only challenge I faced was the crowd; there were so many people in the frame that I had to remove them during post-processing. By the way, did you notice the little girl on the right? She is just about to take a bite of her tri-color dango. It seems she is much more interested in her treat than the cherry blossoms!

Place: Japan, Ōita Prefecture, Midori Bridge (みどり橋)

A somewhat nostalgic landscape tucked away in a regional Japanese city. You can see two girls whispering secrets to each other—I wonder what they are talking about? Usually, bridges have railings on both sides for safety, but this one does not. I took advantage of that to create an optical illusion, making the dolls appear much larger than they actually are.

NAP NO KAMI

THAILAND

I am based in Bangkok, Thailand. I have been a doll collector since 2012. I started with 1/6 (Yo Super Dollfie) ball-jointed dolls (BJD), but later realized that I prefer 1/3 dolls (Dolfie Dream/BJD), so that my current dolls are mostly 1/3 Dollfie Dreams and Super Dollfies. At first, I was very bad at photography. I used to photograph dolls using a smartphone. However, as time went by, I felt that I did not do justice to my doll’s beauty. To explain that, when I looked at them with my own eyes, they looked better than in my photos. Thereby, I started practicing really hard. My first camera was a second-hand Fujifilm X-M1, which I bought from a friend. Since then, I have been mainly using Fujifilm Cameras, and my current camera is Fujifilm X-S20. I mainly use the Fujinon 35mm F1.4 lens, plus I have just bought an 18mm F1.4 lens for travelling.

Place: Thailand, Bangkok, Kyoto Café

The concept was sisters visiting a cafe after school. Kiriko, the brunette, is older, so I tried to make her look more mature. Kanako, the blonde, is a tsundere. They look naughty in different ways. It was taken at a Kyoto cafe in Bangkok. They had a private tatami room for rent. Sadly, the café closed down in 2026. There were mainly two obstacles. First, it was a time-constrained session. I had about a three-hour rental time to process everything. The second obstacle was the fact that I had to share this room with another photographer, so I had to give him some space for his photos, too, so the space available for my work was quite limited.

 

NONO

JAPAN

I started collecting dolls back in 2012. About six months later, I became fascinated by pictures of natural scenes and dolls my friends bought for me, which motivated me to buy a camera and start taking pictures. The main reason I pursue doll photography is to meet new people sharing the same hobby. During the last nine years, I have felt fortunate to have made those connections. Thanks to doll photography, I have met several people whom I had wanted to meet, and I was lucky to succeed. That is why I want to continue photographing. Doll photography is a way of communication for me. Through sharing my pictures, other people from the Figubo project could get to know me, and I can enjoy my hobby with my friends, not only in Japan but also in China and Korea, which makes me very happy.

Place: Japan, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Nagato

I went out to take photos that day, but unfortunately, the weather was bad, and I couldn’t shoot at my destination. As I was giving up and heading home, I happened to catch a beautiful moment in the sky. I hurriedly pulled over and took this photo in just five minutes, but I think I managed to capture the beauty of the magic hour sky.

Place: Japan, Tochigi Prefecture, Nikkō

When I visited this destination, I was struck by the beauty of the sunlight filtering through the trees. I waited about two hours for the perfect light to capture the most beautiful moment.

SUTON

JAPAN

I first started photographing when my parents gave me an SLR camera as a child, and since then, I have photographed a wide variety of subjects, including trains, landscapes, people, cars, and figurines. Doll photography serves as a culmination of all these experiences; I am able to apply what I have learned over the years to both shooting and post-processing, and I enjoy taking photos every day, whether indoors or outdoors. I focus on creating works that feature dynamic poses and emphasize cuteness.

Place: Japan, Ibaraki Prefecture

I took this photo on a hotel bed. I focused on the sense of closeness between the subject and me as the viewer, which is the most important element for me. She is smiling at me with a relaxed, serene expression. Along with posing, this is another key factor in my creative process. The setup itself was not difficult, but I paid close attention to the angle, depth of field, posing, her gaze, and the natural flow of her hair when composing the photo. It remains one of my favorite photos to this day.

 

THE TRAVELING SEE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

My name is Brandon Vu, and I am from California, USA. I am also known as ‘TheTravelingSee.’ My photography journey started back in 2017, when I was an intern at an optometrist clinic in college. I was asked by the doctors there to photograph glasses frames for their social media. And because my father already owned a camera at that time, I agreed. I had always wanted to have an artistic hobby and learn how to use Photoshop to a serviceable level. Although I started with toy photography early on, I have since expanded my interests to encompass weddings, portraits, food, and astrophotography as well.

Place: USA, state of California,The Travelling See’s home studio

I have been taking “solo” Snow Miku photos ever since I started doing toy photography. Although I already technically had a solo photo for this particular Snow Miku, I thought it was outdated; therefore, I wanted to take a new one. This Snow Miku is supposed to represent the end of winter and the coming of spring. Originally, I planned to make something like a log cake for her to sit on, but I had a feeling this would take too much time and would not match the color scheme I wanted. Since matcha is comparatively much easier to photograph and matches the figure’s colors much more, I decided on that instead. The original photo was supposed to have either falling milk or falling matcha powder. I actually think I could have made that work with this particular photo, but again, I did not have much time and could not spend more time on the project.

Place: USA, state of California,The Travelling See’s home studio

I knew that once the new Kirby Cafe Nendoroid was released, I would want to take a food photo with it. Originally, I intended to do it quite differently, though. I wanted a photo with both Kirby and the new Kirby Cafe Waddle Dee. Kirby was supposed to “fall” onto a piping bag and sending the frosting toward the camera. Despite my efforts, it was too complex to execute effectively, and I went with a much simpler photo instead. I also considered a photo where powdered sugar would be falling onto the subject. But then I realized that this would obscure too much of the background. The final photo was not exactly according to my expectations, but I think the result is still satisfying.

UNKNOWDATA

THAILAND

I am unknowdata, a doll photographer based in Bangkok, Thailand. I first became interested in photography back in high school when I was collecting anime figures such as scale figures, Nendoroids, and Figma. At the time, I used a compact camera to take simple unboxing and review photos, which is how my interest in photography began. In the early 2010s, I acquired my first Dollfie Dream because I wanted to try something new. What I like about dolls is how customizable they are, from wigs and outfits to eyes and accessories, making each one seem unique. As I continued with the hobby, I gradually upgraded my camera gear to improve my work. For me, the process of capturing an image and bringing it to life has always been refreshing, and it is what keeps me motivated to keep shooting.

Place: Thailand, Bangkok, Marionettes Studio

I took this photo at a friend’s studio in Bangkok, Marionettes Studio. I chose the outfit to match the studio’s white and golden theme, keeping the color palette minimal to avoid distractions. I also prefer using natural light, so the image feels closer to what the eye naturally perceives. The pose and composition were mostly improvised, since it is hard to predict how a location will work with a doll’s scale, so it often comes down to trial and error. My focus is to make the doll stand out, placing it in the center and using props as a natural frame. The feather was added in post-production.

VINCE454

MALAYSIA

I started photographing Nendoroids and toys back in 2013, beginning with simple product and toy pictures using basic lighting and backgrounds as a fun hobby. What first inspired me was the creativity of turning small figures into characters with their own stories and emotions. As time went by, I became more interested in building miniature dioramas and experimenting with lighting, composition, and handmade setups to create more immersive scenes. What began as a casual hobby slowly developed into a long-term creative journey and a passion for storytelling through miniature worlds. I enjoy combining photography with diorama building to bring each character to life in unique and imaginative ways

Place: Malaysia, Vince454’s home studio

This photo was taken using a handmade Japanese-style diorama built specifically for Nendoroid photography. The greatest challenge was recreating a natural outdoor atmosphere in a very limited indoor space while keeping the scene balanced and uncluttered. I used layered foreground plants and soft, warm lighting to add depth and make the image feel more immersive. The shallow depth of field and soft bokeh contribute to the calm, cozy atmosphere, inspired by traditional Japanese autumn settings.

FIGURES AND DOLLS

Scale figures

As the name suggests, these are figures made to a specific scale. The most common scales are 1:8 and 1:7. However, exceptions exist, such as 1:10, or on the opposite end, 1:4 or even 1:1. Scale figures are not poseable, although they sometimes have interchangeable components (face, hands, etc.).

Dolls

The dominant player in the doll market is the company Volks with its Dollfie Dream series. In the eyes of collectors, these dolls are highly attractive due to their precise craftsmanship, interchangeable components, and the availability of numerous accessories. Dolls are most commonly produced in a 1:3 scale (approximately 60 cm tall), and their price is around 60,000 Japanese yen. BJD (ball-jointed doll) is the abbreviation used for articulated dolls.

Action figures

This type of figure can be posed thanks to articulated joints. As a result, action figures offer a versatility in appearance that scale figures cannot achieve. However, some may find the visible joints aesthetically distracting. Action figures include figma, a product line by Max Factory distributed by Good Smile Company.

In 2006, Good Smile Company introduced the Nendoroid line, and in April of 2023, the 2000th figure in the series was released. Nendoroids (approximately 10 cm in size) are characterized by a large head compared to a small body, giving them a cute appearance. Each figure is composed of several interchangeable parts, allowing users to customize their Nendoroids (most parts are compatible with other Nendoroids as well).

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