Top 10 WeeklyFstops: Toys

The theme "toys" this week on the WeeklyFstop was a playful one. You may not think of it when you grab your camera, but adding a toy to a shot is a quick easy way to practice camera technique and composition. It is also a fun way to engage your kids and encourage them to help set up some scenes to photograph. Our readers put together another brilliant showing you have to check out.

I'm a big kid and proud of it. After years of playing with my own toys, and now over eight years with my two boys, I would consider myself an expert in playing with toys. I'm not, however, an expert in saying no to the purchase of said toys.

I can vividly remember the year as a boy when I got Optimus Prime for Christmas. If only I had pictures! If you can remember your favorite toy as a kid please share it in the comments. Just beware it might reveal your age.

On a side note apparently, there was an internal memo this week about submitting multiple shots. While this is supposed to be against the intergalactic theme rules, the photographers that did won me over with all great toy shots so it was a moot point.

This Week's Top 10:

#10

Todd Tucker

#9

tt_sherman

#8

B. Clare

#7

MJ Vilardi

#6

Tony Moore

#5

Clayton Northrup

#4

spechtgold

#3

Nonismo

#2

Uldis Plinte

#1

Mitchel Wu Photography

Mitchel Wu is clearly an expert on the subject of toy photography. The photos are full of life and very professional looking. It looks as though his efforts may be paying off with some noteworthy sponsors listed on his bio as well as major toy manufacturer Mattel listed as a client. Congrats and thank you for joining in our theme!

Community Bonus Round

I took another browse through the community via the #fstoppers hashtag knowing I'd find a few good ones for the theme.

Corbin Miranda

t1imagesphotography

Erick Ramirez

Overall another awesome list. Hope you all enjoyed. Be sure to check out our ever-growing list of entries here: #weeklyFstop on Instagram A big thank you to everyone for joining in.

What is This Week's Theme?

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Well, not really dreaming so much as wishing. There have been years where it doesn't look like we will get snow but then it starts falling almost on cue Christmas Eve. Living in Western New York means we get our fair share and then some. Getting yourself out to shoot when the snowy scenes are most picturesque can be difficult. A lesson in motivation for sure. Without further adieu this week's theme is officially:

"Snow"

Remember to keep your camera safe in the elements! And stay warm. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone who has read this far. Best of luck this week.

The hashtag to use is #weeklyFstop. If you are tagging an old shot that is fine, but please try and keep it to one shot picked for the theme per week.

Here are the previous week's results for anyone who may have missed:

1. Leading Lines
2. Bold
3. Color
4. Yours
5. Simplicity
6. Monochrome
7. Music
8. Light
9. Action
10. Thankful
11. Bokeh

Remember, there is no guarantee posting a photo will result in it being featured. If we get going and you fall short, keep shooting and try and learn from the photos that are selected. We can all learn to like our work a little less sometimes in order to grow. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas feel free to contribute in the comments.

Before you run off to get your next #weeklyFstop submission ready, are you all aware of the ongoing Fstoppers Photographer of the Month contest leading up to the Fstoppers Community Photographer of the Year? Alex Cooke covers how to be selected at the bottom of the above post.

Speaking of the Fstoppers community are you part of it? Did you know you can have your own portfolio here with chances to be featured on the homepage as Photo of the Day? If not be sure to check it out. If you already comment then you have an account. If not, use the sign-up button and upload some work! Besides uploading your own work and having a portfolio on Fstoppers, making an account allows you to follow your favorite writers and artists so you will be notified every time they publish new photos or articles.