We enjoy presenting you with creative photographers who shoot miniatures, make stuff on the budget, or take realistic photos of miniatures. Indian photographer Vatsal Kataria combines all three! First of all, he uses some cheap materials to build surroundings for his miniature photos. Then, he takes miniature photos that look as if they were made on location – and in reality, he doesn’t leave the studio.
He took his time to share some details behind his project, and how it all began in the first place.
DIYP: How did you come up with the idea? What inspired you?
Vatsal: I am commercial still life photographer but one day I was in my studio without any projects. I saw a photo of a toy car near a waterfall so decided how I can do something like this but without going anywhere. So I started working on my first project.
DIYP: How much time it usually takes to build a location for your miniature shots?
Vatsal: it depends on the project. Sometimes it takes me 1 day, or sometimes whole week for just one picture. So it totally depends on the complexity of the project.
Creating this island took 50 hours
I love Vatsal’s project for the idea and the execution equally. But one thing I also admire is that he makes the “locations” using inexpensive materials. So I asked him: What materials do you mainly use?
Vatsal: I use lots of products. My main aim is to create everything with the cheapest way possible so that if anyone wants to do something they can. I use plaster of Paris, baking powder, pit sand and clay, and that’s it.
This throne was made from Popsicle sticks
As you can see, all it takes for Vatsal’s projects is some good will, some time, and very little money. However, it takes skill and effort to make the mini-locations and the photos look so realistic. So, take a look at some more of his work:
I had a lot of fun watching Vatsal’s photos and videos. I used to build models of houses (for school), and I know how much precision and effort it takes. Frankly, I’m amazed that he does all this with minimal investment, and the results are so good. As he says himself, it’s his goal to enable anyone who wants to try this to be able to do it, as the material is affordable. I hope you enjoyed the project and got some inspiration, and I’d like to thank Vatsal for taking his time to talk to DIYP.
About the Artist
Vatsal Kataria is a commercial, fashion and product photographer from India. To see more of his work, check out his website, like his Facebook page, follow him on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel.
