Photo Guide

This guide is intended to provide a standard procedure for taking reference photos for the Bone Dexter image gallery. Wishing to provide the best quality reference information possible for users, the aim of this guide is to keep a consistent look and reference point for all photos taken.

Background Format

In order to best showcase the design features and dazzling colors of toy models, the background of the shot must be neutral, empty and non-distracting. Many fantasy toy makers feature their models on a black background, and we have chosen to follow that lead with BoneDexter.

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Black to very dark gray draw the eye to the items being featured in the scene, and utilizing a smooth, hard surface will provide the best image quality with minimal visual variance between photos.

While Bad Dragon, Twintail Creations and other such companies employ a professional setup for providing their merchandise the optimal conditions, this can be expensive. For our purposes at BoneDexter, we aim to recreate professional quality at a hobbyist’s budget, using common home items mostly. Most smartphones have HD cameras built in them, which are good enough for our photos.

A Photo Studio Setup, obtained at a Dollar Tree for $5

• (1) 12oz. Soda Can
• (1) Roll of Duct Tape
• (2) Black Poster Boards
• (1) Spool of Black Thread (for long/floppy models)

Below on the left, the poster boards are assembled into the setup. Two roughly 1 inch thick books are used as a support for the base board, and the second poster board is used as the backdrop. A cheap tripod is used to stabilize the phone camera. Below right, a similar frame is achieved utilizing a black folding table and the side wall of a black chest of drawers, making use of furniture already available in the home.

The soda can is a universally used reference item within the adult toy industry, and we at BoneDexter also utilize this strategy for our reference photos. Any can used must be covered with tape/paint or some other means to obfuscate any brand or identifiable information printed on it. Reference cans may be decorated only with a sticker matching the manufacturer of the toy featured in the photo. (No Bad Dragon Stickers in a photo for a Weredog toy model, for example.)

Photo Staging and Orientations

Before the Shoot

Before snapping some photos, a little preparation is required. Make sure the toy is clean and free of dust. We want to show off your beautiful silicone sculptures! Let’s have them looking their best. Check that the background is clean & wiped off. Flash photography can expose a surface that hasn’t been maintained regularly. Lastly, make sure your phone is charged and ready to use its flash if necessary.

Staging for the Photos

For every model, there are certain angles we ideally want to capture:

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  Standing Front
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  Standing Back
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  Standing Side
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  Laying 3/4 Front View
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  Standing with Reference Can

As a general rule: photos should be shot in a 1:1 image ratio, however with longer or larger models this may not always be feasible. Images should also be taken with flash enabled generally, though in decent lighting conditions this is not always necessary.

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  String Technique shown above.

Larger models, such as this Large Habu from Bad Dragon, may be too floppy to stand on their own for the photo. In such cases, a loop of black string can be used to pull the model upright while having minimal impact on the photo scene.