After careful consideration, we're happy to announce the contest winners, including the fan voting prizes!
We hope you enjoy browsing the winning submissions and reading the commentary from our panel of judges.
A panel of TOM staff who absolutely love figures (and photos of them!).
HaraPhotographer
MorisawaDesigner
CueDesigner
TajimaDesigner
RachelIllustrator
This is a very cool photograph. Photographing a model wearing black in front of a black background is very difficult because the model usually disappears. Having such a clear photograph shows the photographer's technical skill. The highlight on her right arm gives the photo an even cooler appearance. I do have to say that if the photographer had pinpointed the shadows on the figure's face, then it may have been an even more impressive photo. We're looking forward to seeing an even more wonderful piece that can win the Grand Prix next time!
This is a beautifully shot photo, from the lighting that shows off the figure's softness and pose and the three-dimensionality of the clothes and accessories to the boundary line of her lower half that melts gorgeously into the background. This photograph seems more like a photo of a fashion model than that of a figure. Congratulations on being a winner!
It's difficult to make a model wearing black appear clearly on a black background, but this photo uses lovely lighting from behind to outline the silhouette and brighten it enough that we can see her expression. It's very charming. Congratulations!
The chic use of black is contrasted by the figure's blonde hair and the shine on the outfit's metallic parts, so it drew my eye immediately. It's a figure of a beautiful young idol, but this photo shows off not just her beauty and cuteness but also the internal coolness in her personality, making her quite charming. Congratulations!
Personally, I find that this photograph draws my eye. It's difficult to photograph black clothing on a black background, but the use of light gives her a perfect three-dimensionality. Every part of her isn't shown clearly; instead, some of it fades naturally into the shadows as a good use of technique. The scattered use of yellow as an accent is a lovely complement to the dark coloring. It's very cool how she was photographed less as a figure and more as a fashion model. Congratulations!
I grew up with Dragonball, so this is an extremely nostalgic photo for me. Plus, with Toriyama's passing, it brings tears to my eyes. By purposely being out of focus, it brings to mind some beautiful memories as well as showing off the speed of the bike. While it has that gorgeous artistic feeling to it, it also adheres to the rule of thirds, so the photographer is skilled enough to combine both basic and advanced techniques. They are a master. As a photographer myself, I can't lose (LOL). Personally, I think this one was worthy of the Grand Prix. I look forward to seeing your next entry!
At first, I was taken in by the comedy of the story of a bunch of Tsuburaya characters working together to put together a model, but when I looked at it more closely, I noticed the photo's composition. The lines of the books, the case where the parts are stored, and the mat beneath their feet are all placed on a grid on top of the desk (plus, it's Gridman in the center). Also, the depth of the photograph is focused on the center with everything else blurring away, making it quite unique. Also, each figure is working on a task in a natural, humanistic way, making it a fantastic point for using action figures in this kind of work. Congratulations!
The green and red gradation matches Izuku Midoriya perfectly and this photograph gives him a sense of presence. There are effects used on detailed parts such as his gaze and the background, but they come together for a striking impression. Congratulations on becoming a finalist!
Link's expression and the way his sight is fixed on the cat makes a perfect scenario. It's a heartwarming scene, but it still has a sense of tension, making it a charming photo. It's wonderful that the photographer was able to snap this photo at the moment the cat yawned! Personally, I love this kind of figure photo. Congratulations on being chosen as a finalist!
This isn't an action figure so the background had to be matched to the figure's pose, and it's very well done. The firm right foot on the ground makes sense with the background and the foliage flying through the air properly matches the way the wind would be blowing to lift the cape in such a way. These choices give this photograph a wonderful sense of energy! Plus, I want to applaud the skill used in balancing the figure with the background because it's done so well that it makes you feel like the character actually exists. Congratulations on being a finalist!
We showcase stunning figure photos from all over the world (only with permission, of course).
Every month, the photographer behind one featured image is selected to win $10 in TOM Points.
Once the Figure Photo Contest results have been announced, your entries could get specially featured & win points, too.
Follow our account and keep tagging your figure photos with #tomsenpainoticeme for more chances to get featured in the future, even after the latest Figure Photo Contest officially comes to an end!
Itching to improve your figure photo-taking skills?
Get a leg up with expert advice from TOM’s staff photographers!
Plus, for TOM Premium members only:
enjoy a special peek behind the scenes of a previous figure photo contest,
including a Q&A with one of our judges, as well as a few special words from the Grand Prize winner!
A look back at the stories behind the TOM's second ever Figure Photo Contest!
Learn a few tips on what it takes to produce a winning submission!
This is a very emotional photo. By only showing the figures' silhouettes, it stirs the viewer's imagination and makes them feel like they can hear the voices of those in the photo. In terms of photographic technique, it follows the basic rule of thirds for a stable feel. Also, there's no sense of oddness with the background and the figures' sizes. How did they make the figure stand on one leg that way? I'm a photographer myself, but I don't know how they managed to take such a well-balanced shot, so I'd love to learn their tricks (LOL). Congratulations on winning the Grand Prix! Please surprise us once again with your next work!
This photograph's beauty, the natural balance of the sizes between the background and the figures, as well as the positioning of the sunset makes this an impressive piece. What's most important is that it tells the story of their personalities and their relationship. You can see the smile on Nadeshiko's face as she runs towards the water as well as the exasperated expression on Rin's as she watches. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prix!
The sunset sinking into the horizon. Nadeshiko running through the waves.Rin, calmly watching her. I think it's wonderful that the photographer was able to capture this scene using nothing but silhouettes. The cloud right in the center gives a sense of depth to the photo as well. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prix!
This photo shows off so much emotion that it doesn't feel like it's of figures (in a good way). It makes you feel the chilly air of dusk and hear the quiet lapping of the waves. Nadeshiko's pose is utilized well, and the use of the silhouette is so well-done that you can tell that it's Rin. The distance between them is so perfect that you can practically hear the conversation they just had. It's a wonderfully composed photo. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prix!
The sinking sun, the ocean, the silhouette of the running girl... It's a very emotional photo at first glance. The positioning of the figures is quite natural and well done. The natural balance of the figures and the background as well as the distance between the two figures is fantastic. The location, composition, and time of day were chosen so perfectly that there's nothing to critique. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prix!