Is that the Brawn by Fanstoys? Those guys are so good at face sculpts!

 

I sort of like all three options since they all work. Although I think it will depend on the bot/toy you are photographing on which background will work with them. Like your first shot the red background tends to wash out the red detail from the robot itself and makes me focus less on it and just be overwhelmed. Then the next shot accents the blue tint in the clear plastic which I never realized is there while the grey/white background of Golden Lagoon MP-10 tends to wash that out. I know this isn't helpful, just my observation.

 

Yes it’s FT Hunk...it’s remarkable how much they’ve improved in the face sculpt department over the years. They used to have some of the worst face sculpts of any company (Tesla, Original Sever face, Willis, etc) but they’ve really come a long way since then. If only they’d start giving more options than just straight lipped or angry and also realize that most transformers don’t have teeth even if they are angry...

 

I think with the many background color options you have, you could convey a lot of moods depending on which color and posing you’d want to use. I’ve noticed the blue and grey backgrounds in particular should be smoother so attention will be drawn towards the figure, and not the background itself.

Other than that, I think you have a great setup. Better techniques will come with time and experience.

 

I think ultimately it comes down to what you are trying to achieve. I will agree with other posters that more light is needed especially from the top down. Be careful with the shadows they create. More light from the front can be great, but can easily washout important details too. Seeing a trend here? Light is the most important thing when shooting. Next I would say is the posing (to tell a story). Regardless of the best lighting setup possible you will need some basic skills in post. White balance, color correcting, etc.

Looks like you are on your way!

I grabbed a random shot of yours and did a quick PS to give you an idea of what you can do with your light box. Removing the background and using white or other colors/textures will be easier in a light box with a white backdrop. Although still achievable with what you have too.

Good luck

 

Any feedback you get I'd be interested to see because I'm in the same boat starting out with a lightbox so I could take some half decent pictures for a change.

 

Oh yeah, they've really come a long way from Tesla's initial mushy mouth and bug eyes. As much as I adore some of the recent mainline offerings (particularly Siege, Earhtrise and the upcoming SS86 guys), the people working on the face of SS86 Blurr or MP Arcee really could've used some notes from team Fanstoys here.

 

That looks fantastic but I am simply too ignorant to photoshop to attempt using it. I’ve tried. I just end up waisting hours and having no new knowledge or skills  

 

If I were to nitpick I'd say that for a lightbox the highlights are a bit strong. But I think they're good otherwise. Play around with the light settings.

 

"Yesss! The Maximals are fleeing, after them!!"

 

Might assemble a diorama and retake this...


"It's been worse... I remember the time on Cybertron..."
"Save the war stories, hotshot. Just remember..."


"...There's a thin line between being a hero..."


"...and being a memory."

 

Loving that one, @artimus prime. Good work!   I'd forgotten how simple but effective that hero/memory line was from OP. Love the writing in those earlier eps.

@Jetbolt, if you make a G1 guy who doesn't care for Beast Wars like a Beast Wars shot, the moral of the story is: well played, sir!  

FT have worked so hard on improving their facesculpts from those early days, I now generally have more confidence they'll nail a character likeness over TakTom, who are starting not to in some cases where I'd presumed it to be a shoo-in (Arcee, case in point.) Is there much chance we'll get an official Skyfire, Galvy or Astrotrain with better face sculpt than Phoenix, Sovereign or Thomas? Unlikely. Maybe they'll tie but they won't top them.

That said, Tesla remains a sticking point for some weird reason. Even the V2 isn't quite there.  

P.S: As a side note without wanting in any way to drift O/T, @DerVernichter, I've only just this morning, randomly reading this thread, noticed what you've changed your sig to.  

Thankyou man, I'm truly honoured.   In fact, while I've had mentions within user's threads, I don't believe that's ever happened on these boards to me before with sb changing their sig ...

All New Part 3 up now, folks. Old & new readers welcome.  

 

fantastic love it!! That s1 Prime head is so expressive.

 

MP 50 Autobot Commander for Hire IV

Spoiler: Hey buddy, can you spare a Prime?

Starscream: I must say Megatron, this is the easiest time we’ve had capturing the Autobots. I am very proud of your leadership abilities.
Megatron: Don’t overdo it Starscream.


Megatron: Military Commander Bernard, I am so glad that you’ve had time to visit Earth. Do you like what I’ve done to the place?
Bernard: Release us and we’ll go easy on you during your trial at the Intergalactic Alliance Court.
Megatron: >Maniacal Laughter< I didn’t know that comedy was taught at the academy because military tactics certainly wasn’t one of those skill sets. When is it going to dawn on you that you are not in control here?


Bernard: You can have your laughs now Megatron. We may be in a bad spot right now, but I’ll free us somehow ad take you in for your crimes against the galaxy.


Megatron: I admire your spirit at least. The Intergalactic Alliance has been losing its grasp on the galaxy for some time now. Cybertron was foolish to charter that agreement to begin with. Now, you’ve made it incredibly easy for me to control two planets. With the Autobots out of the way, I can set up energy factories and supply Cybertron with enough resources to begin universal domination.


Megatron: As for the Autobots, you’ll watch them get destroyed one by one to signify what a failure you are at properly leading an army.


Rumble: Look at me! I’m that space geek on wheels. Autobots move left! Autobots duck! Autobots surrender!
Frenzy: Slow down or I’ll fall off!


Prime: I knew Megatron would hear about my exile, but I didn’t expect him to move this fast.
Spike: What will we do now?
Hound: I hope you have a plan Prime.
Prime: I do. We’ll have to move fast, and everyone will have to do their part. We can’t afford to lose or Megatron will destroy everything.
Bumblebee: We’re all audio receptors.
Spike: And ears!


Megatron: Decepticons, today will be marked in history as the day the Autobots were destroyed. To celebrate such a joyous occasion, each one of you will get to destroy the Autobot of your choice. I wish it was Optimus Prime instead, but Bernard will do.




Starscream: Looks like we have a gate crasher!


Prime: Lucky for you Megatron, that wish can be granted.


Hound: Ok Decepticons, one mega-sized distraction coming up.


Rumble: Wasn’t Optimus supposed to be in exile?
Bernard: These Autobots are the most stubborn group I’ve ever encountered.


Megatron: Extra energon rations to the first Decepticon that takes out Prime!
Voice: Request, absurd. Destruction, imminent.
Megatron: It can’t be!


Reflector: It’s Omega Supreme! We're doomed.


Prime: Time for some reinforcements. Battle station, ATTACK!


Starscream: Why couldn’t you have wished for the destruction of the Autobots?
Megatron: Shut up and keep firing you dolt! At least the other Autobots are short circuited.
Soundwave: Oooowww!


Bumblebee: Ok Spike, enough of them are down and out. Sneak over there and reactivate Bluestreak first. He’ll know what to do. And keep you head down!
Spike: Got it bumblebee.


Ramjet: Laser fire is coming from all directions. I can’t tell what to shoot at.
Skywarp: Just keep firing bubblehead! I don’t want to end up on the scrap heap just yet.


Bluestreak: I’m free! But how?
Spike: Optimus gave me an energy neutralize. Bumblebee said you knew what to do.
Bluestreak: I certainly do Spike. Grab my bolt gun while I cover you.

Reflector: My one chance to destroy Prowl is ruined.


Bluestreak: Nice of you to finally join us.
Bumblebee: If we would have joined you any sooner, we’d all be deactivated by now.


Megatron: I don’t believe this! Omega Supreme was a hologram!
Bernard: But your fallen Deceptions are the real Megatron. You’ve lost this battle.


Prime: Another one of your schemes have been ruined Megatron. I suggest you leave while you have the chance.
Starscream: I guess that’s your cue to say your favorite line.
Megatron: Shut up Starscream!


Megatron: We’ll be back Prime. Decepticons, retreat!






Bernard: Although I’m not pleased with letting Megatron waltz out of here, I am very thankful that you came out of exile to rescue us. In that respect, I have definitely learned a lot during my short time with the Autobots. They really respect your leadership and wisdom. Something any commander should lead with. In my eagerness to capture Megatron, I failed to learn the nature of your troops.


Prime: The Decepticons won’t show themselves for a long time. That will give us enough time effect repairs and develop tighter security protocols.


Prime: Just like you, I’ve learned a lot today.


Prime: I almost gave up on myself, but I’ve had some very important reasons that showed me exile wasn’t the answer.


Spike: We’re just glad that we have you back Optimus.


Bernard: When I get back, my report will have you in good standing. There will be no further interference from the Intergalactic Council. You truly deserve to be the rightful leader of the Autobots.


[\Spoiler]

 

That dialog was as G1 toon as it gets. I read this in the characters' voices.

 

Makes a big difference with the Fanstoys minibots for Brawn & Beachcomber representing instead of older 3P alternatives. Enjoyed this one immensely.

Literally the only small improvement would be if you had the Oc Max Jaguar & Frumble, which are more anime/expressive than the official ones - but that's nitpicking tbh!

Amazing work!  

 

nicely done, although I’m not sure why it was important that Bluestreak was revived first when all he did was shoot at Decepticons (which any Autobot would know to do!)  

 

Alt mode needs appreciating too. I like to display both robot modes and alternate between modes.



So I made a custom riser for the Masterpiece.