KD: Hello Captain Dangerous, can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what you do?
CD: Hello everyone! I currently live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m happily married, and have a cat, Sir Hammerlock, and also a dog named Scout. I currently work a desk job, but I would love to see my photography become a full time job.
KD: What inspired you to start using toys in your photography?
CD: It honestly comes from my childhood. My brother and I collected toys and action figures of all kinds and would set them up in little scenes in our rooms. As I grew older, I continued using those same figures to recreate my favorite memories from video games and pop culture. A few years ago I started taking pictures of the scenes I made or things that came to mind and started posting them on Instagram. The response I received was incredible. It made people smile and made a positive impact on a lot of people in the gaming community which was an amazing thing to see.
KD: It looks like a lot of thought was put into each scene. What’s your process when creating the photos?
CD: A lot of these shots I would definitely say come from personal experiences; my younger brother and I would spend many hours playing Zelda. Those times playing together definitely inspired the Toon Link and pig pictures. Other pictures come from other memories that I find a way to envision in miniature. My husband, Kyle, and I will brainstorm ideas back and forth as well! Then after the concept is decided on, if I need some props made we will work on them together. Other times I have made the props myself. Then on weekends we will go to the local parks by our house, or even at times shooting in our own yard and house to pull off the shot I need.
KD: I really enjoy all of the small detailed props you use. How do you come about those, or do you make them yourself?
CD: Well for example the shot of Majora’s mask Link on the rope bridge I definitely didn’t have rope bridge in miniature. Kyle and I brainstormed a bit, came up with what we thought would look good and we set off to make it. The bridge planks were attached to some clay bases with posts in them. The clay bases were weathered and we attached ropes along with stakes to hold the weight of whatever would be placed on the bridge. That’s more or less the process. Usually first its me coming up with the shot, and that determines what props I need. I do my best to make all the props I use myself.
KD: I’ve noticed a lot of your figures are from the Good Smile company. How did it feel having your work recognized by them? How did they approach you?
CD: It was exhilarating. Earlier this year I won two of their contests. Seeing my work posted on their site and receiving a nendoroid from them was amazing! It was all a little surreal. It was just the beginning of getting noticed by these bigger companies and I’m honored Good Smile company was impressed by my work.
KD: Besides being involved with Good Smile, I read that you’ve also done some work with Nintendo. Can you tell us a bit about that?
CD: Yea sure! Shortly after those contests passed I was approached to take pictures of the Wolf Link amiibo for Nintendo. Not to long after I submitted those pictures back to them, they approached me on becoming an Ambassador. Kyle and I were then invited out to E3 in Los Angeles. It was an awesome experience I really hope we get the opportunity to go again next year.
KD: What’s your favorite Nintendo game or series, why?
CD: The Legend of Zelda series will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s what inspired me to pursue art in general. The colorful worlds and characters really sparked my imagination and pushed me to create my own little worlds.
KD: What’s one of the first figure’s you can remember buying? Did you ever imagine you’d have as many as you do now?
CD: One of the first Nendoroid figures I got was Wind Waker Link. I did not know then the amount of figures I would have now. I am already excited for figures that have been announced, and I have several ideas already brewing!
KD: Have you ever thought about doing stop motion films? I think you’d be awesome at that.
CD: I have actually been asked this several times now. I’ve thought about it and I am not sure how well my style would translate over. My scenes take sometimes over an hour to set up, the shot centers on lighting, emotion, and feeling. In a film I feel those things have to be presented in a different way. With a moving picture it’s a lot harder to appreciate the nuance, and all the little details that you have a lot more time to take in with a normal still picture. The other reason I’m hesitant is as of now people can go to my patreon and subscribe to order prints of my pictures. Its harder to make a stop motion available to everyone. This does not mean I’m not opposed to the idea and have thought of a few ideas I would really like to try using stop motion.
KD: Are there any upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to tell us about?
CD: I am currently working on some new scenes and miniatures for the upcoming Nintendo figures being released by Good Smile company and I cant wait to share them with everyone!
KD: Thanks so much for your time Captain Dangerous! Where can our readers follow you or checkout more of your photography?
CD: Everyone can find my photography on Instagram: @captaindangerous Twitter: Captdangerous64 Facebook: DangerousPixels
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