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Miniatures

How this photographer shot a toy F1 car to make it look like a real thing

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Over the last few years, I started watching Formula 1 races again, over a decade after I last saw it with dad. I started following several F1 photographers and drivers, and I truly enjoy the content related to this sport.

So, when I saw a photo from Dutch photographer Ruud Van Vught, it naturally caught my eye. It shows Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car in a sunset over Spa Francorchamps track. But then I read the description: it was actually a model car. I just had to reach out to Ruud and ask him how he did it, and he gladly shared it with DIYP.

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10 tips for filming miniatures to make them look larger than life to the camera

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Miniatures have been a part of filmmaking pretty much since filmmaking began. They’re typically used when building a full-sized set or prop would be impractical or just flat out impossible. Sometimes they’re used to create forced perspective shots to make a miniature look like it’s part of the real world or to be able to blow something up that they couldn’t blow up in real life or to create something that could just never really exist in the real world.

Whatever your reasons for using them, they’re a lot of fun and can be very effective when done right. But how do you do them right? Well, you can start by watching this video from Steve Ramsden where he goes over his top 10 filmmaking tips for filming miniatures to make them look (and act) like they’re a part of the full-sized real world.

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This photographer creates a tiny “egg planet” with practical effects only

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We’ve already met photographer Udi Mozni through his creative miniature images. He shoots everyday objects and turns them into something completely new. So, it’s no wonder that he reimagined an egg as a little planet. I asked Udi a bit about his process, and he kindly shared it with DIYP.

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Strange Thing in the Forest – a story told with miniatures and practical effects

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Felix Hernandez (previously) is a photographer who turns his vivid imagination into fantastic images. He brings miniatures and practical effects together, sometimes adds a dash of digital manipulation, and turns imaginary worlds into real photos. Strange Thing in the Forest is his latest creation, and Felix once again tells a story through his stunning miniature photos.

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Recreating the Apollo 13 rocket launch with practical models at home

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Winner of multiple Oscars, BAFTAs and SAG awards, Apollo 13 was a pretty epic movie. And with a budget of $52 million it had some pretty spectacular effects, too. Apollo 13 was a mix of model and miniature effects as well as CG and compositing, with one of the most memorable scenes being the launch itself.

DIY filmmaking and effects guru Steve Ramsden wanted to have a go at remaking this scene for himself with the help of a model rocket, some stock footage and Google Earth. Ironically, this was exactly the way the VFX team on the actual movie didn’t want to shoot it, but Steve’s interpretation turned out pretty well.

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Photographer creates fun miniature worlds with figurines and household items

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Photogenic scenes are all around us and we can make fantastic photos even from regular household items. But you know what we’ll need? A camera, sure, but also lots of imagination. Israeli photographer Udi Mozni doesn’t lack inspiration, that’s for sure. He uses miniature figurines and stuff from around his house to create fun and unusual miniature worlds.

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Everything you need to know before you start miniature photography

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I’ve seen so many great examples of miniature photography that I wouldn’t even know where to start with examples. I’m very inspired by it, and I’ve wanted to start shooting my own miniature photography for a while now. If you’ve wanted the same, Mathieu Stern has a video just for you. If you’re still new to miniature photography, here’s everything you need to know before you start shooting.

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In Japan, you can get this cute tiny Sony kit if you buy a real one

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I don’t know what’s with me and miniature replicas of random stuff, but I just love them even though they’re completely useless. If you can relate, then you’re gonna love this tiny Sony camera kit. Select Sony stores around Japan give it away for free if you buy a real kit, and even though it doesn’t shoot, it’s cute as a button.

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Use food and household objects to make amazing miniature worlds

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Miniature photography seems to be very popular right now. The world is starting to come out of lockdown in many places and some of us are beginning to shoot regular-sized people again, but there’s something about photographing tiny ones that’s always a little bit special. And combining them with everyday objects really captures the imagination.

Inspired by the work of photographers such as Erin Sullivan and Tatsuya Tanaka, photographer Chris Hau shows several different miniature scenes in this video, using food and other household items. They’re a lot of fun, and pretty easy to do. In fact, Chris says that the most difficult part was getting hold of the miniature characters.

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These photos may show a hand-built miniature world, but they feel like today’s reality

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Mexican photographer Felix Hernandez builds detailed miniatures and creates stunning photos with them. His work just keeps getting better and more elaborate, and his latest project has left me speechless. The Wind is a story about our changing world, and just like the cold wind blowing this evening, it has sent shivers down my spine.

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