r/ToyPhotography Feb 03 '26

Update on AI in r/ToyPhotography

142 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

If you missed the original discussion, you can read it here.

We wanted to follow up now that we’ve had time to read the community’s thoughts and talk internally as mods.

This is where we’re landing (for now)

We’re moving forward without generative AI.

That means AI-generated backgrounds, effects, characters, or environments aren’t what we want this subreddit to center around. The focus of r/ToyPhotography is still photographing real toys with real-world creative decisions. Lighting, posing, scale, environments, and problem-solving.

We don’t have strict gear requirements. You can shoot with a phone or a Leica. It’s still toy photography. What matters is that the image is grounded in a physical scene you created. Once major elements are generated rather than photographed, it becomes a different kind of image-making.

This isn’t a judgment of people who use AI.

The mod team itself is split on the broader issue.

The decision here isn’t about declaring AI “bad,” it’s about protecting the identity of this specific community so it doesn’t slowly drift into something else.

We know AI tools exist inside modern editing software. We also know some people will use AI for cleanup or even backgrounds. We’re not pretending we can perfectly monitor or police every post, and that’s not the goal.

The goal is to set a direction and expectation:
r/ToyPhotography is meant to highlight hands-on toy photography first.

Enforcement will be reasonable, not aggressive. If something is clearly AI-generated, it may be removed. If something is ambiguous, we’re not launching investigations. We're not running a courtroom, and it just isn't that deep.

This isn’t permanent law.

We’re open to revisiting the rules as tools and community expectations evolve. This is a living space, and we’ll keep listening.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussion and helped shape the direction of the sub.

— The r/ToyPhotography Mod Team


r/ToyPhotography 2d ago

Weekly r/ToyPhotography discussion

1 Upvotes

Please use this thread to discuss any Action figures / Funko pops or general toy news for the week. What are you looking forward to getting?


r/ToyPhotography 8h ago

Before the Night Goes Silent

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46 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 6h ago

Roast (tips)?

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14 Upvotes

I set up a humble photography set for my collection. I am pretty happy with the results, but I know this can be improved.
Any tips would be appreciated!

I have a soft box up high pointed down at 45° falling directly on the subject.
I have that metal-lined light box which should probably only hit behind the subject, but it’s helping out with front illumination too.

These photos will be used online and in print form.

Should I ask a “Product Photography” sub?


r/ToyPhotography 1h ago

The Lightsaber awakens

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Upvotes

Night shot in my garden with flashlight in the grass. No digital manipulation. Figures are Star Wars Legacy Collection Tholme and G.I. Joe Retaliation Kim Arashikage / Jinx


r/ToyPhotography 5h ago

First pics out in the wild with my first Joytoy

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6 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 2h ago

Ultimate Neighbor

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3 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 15h ago

Let in the light

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22 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 10h ago

RX-78 -2

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9 Upvotes

Freshly build and dropped (hence the missing shoulder)
Sony a7C
100mm 2.8 L macro
ISO 100 - f10 - 0.5s


r/ToyPhotography 7h ago

Relax Frank

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3 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 7h ago

Mezco Shadow Figure

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3 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 22h ago

Mafex daredevil 🔥

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16 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 1d ago

Tranquility

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50 Upvotes

Outdoor photography at the Chinese garden of Blijdorp, Rotterdam Zoo. No digital manipulation. The figure is a Star Wars Rogue One Chirrut Imwe (specifically the Last Jedi 4" re-release with 5 points of articulation)


r/ToyPhotography 14h ago

The Phantom Rider - Marvel Legends

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2 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 1d ago

Absolute Martian Manhunter

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32 Upvotes

Was psyched that both Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez saw and reacted to this shot on socials.


r/ToyPhotography 15h ago

Bruce and The Batman

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2 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 1d ago

I’ve Got a Better Experiment in Mind…

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21 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 13h ago

Mego's Shazam!

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1 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 22h ago

Somber night

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5 Upvotes

Inspired and relating to a scene from Nier Automata


r/ToyPhotography 22h ago

Playing with Miss's

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5 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 8h ago

ID?

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0 Upvotes

Is this or just made up for this ad i hope someone answers me


r/ToyPhotography 19h ago

Ghost Rider Custom

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2 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 1d ago

“It’s not a phase, Aunt May”

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6 Upvotes

r/ToyPhotography 1d ago

Entering Superman 🦸‍♂️

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90 Upvotes

Finishing this month with one more Superman!


r/ToyPhotography 1d ago

Some Recent pics 😁

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19 Upvotes