Simon’s Top Tips

• Create interest by using your image to tell a story. Props and locations will help develop your narrative.

• Pose and compose your figures as if you were shooting a real person. Dynamic poses will prevent your figures from looking lifeless.

• Be inspired by others. Instagram is home to lots of great toy photographers, such as @sgtbananas, @hot.kenobi and @mitchelwuphotography.

MISSION: Broaden my horizons by pushing my portrait photography skills to their limits PHOTOGRAPHER: Fabio Mura

LOCATION: Turin, Italy

KIT USED: Nikon D810 & D850, Nikon 105mm f/2.8 & 35mm f/1.4, Nikon Speedlight SB-5000 WEBSITE: www.fabiomuraphoto.it INSTAGRAM: @fabiopicturez

can trace my photography roots back to the early ’90s, when I acquired the classic disposable Kodak Funsaver. I finished my first roll of film during a trip to the Eternal City, but it didn’t

Iquite go to plan. I ended up with a multiexposure of all 27 shots, because I never wound the film on. I didn’t have any photos to remember my trip – which was just ‘wonderful’ – but at the time it wasn’t important for me to take good photos. It was important that I felt good doing it.

That hasn’t changed; I have never taken photographs without a strong feeling of wellness. I have a similar ethos when it comes to camera gear. No sensor can replace a good idea. Kit can overcome some physical limitations, but a well-exposed picture isn’t a photo without an idea. This was one of my first experiences shooting outdoor portraits [1]. The meadow