Remember that sad childhood moment when you were told to ‘grow up’ and stop taking your favourite plushie with you everywhere? If the memory still stings, you’re not alone – especially not in Japan, where fluffy friends are becoming increasingly common travel companions among adults, and many cuddly-toy connoisseurs run social media accounts documenting the journeys of their stuffed sidekicks.
For the person behind Kotsubu-chan, a little yellow puppy whose adorable exploits have captured thousands of hearts on Instagram, snapping shots of their favourite is a horizon-broadening hobby. ‘Since I started taking photos of Kotsubu-chan, going out has become more fun,’ they say. Follow their quick pointers for plushie photography and you could reap the same benefits.
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‘I don’t decide on a specific theme beforehand; I just walk around places like big parks, looking for spots where I might be able to take fun photos. One important thing is to respect public space. I pick places where I won’t get in the way of others, and take care to ensure safety.’
‘I buy small accessories like bags from independent artists. Sometimes I make Kotsubu-chan’s clothes myself, but the Sylvanian Families and Licca-chan doll sections in toy stores are great for sourcing readymade wear. In general, I recommend browsing toy aisles to find items that match the size of your plushie.’
‘Plushies have only one facial expression, but you can make them look surprisingly lifelike by framing the shot to capture where their gaze is directed. Another key technique is to shoot from a slightly wider angle. By including the surroundings in the frame, you can create a sense of context that brings the story to life. As you take more photos, you’ll start to discover the cutest angles and the times of day when your plushie really shines, and ideas will start flowing freely.’
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