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  • MINIFIGURE BOOK: SITE CONTEST


    Ed Mack

    Hello LEGO fans..  It’s been a little over a year since Jeff and I started working on our first book, The Ultimate Guide to Collectible LEGO Sets: Identification and Price Guide.  Well, after a year and a half, the book is now available at retail and is selling briskly.  We would like to thank everyone who has bought a copy and hope you have enjoyed the book.  Krause Publishing did a very nice job with our book in my opinion and is seeing strong sales, strong enough to ask us to do a second book.

    The new book will concentrate on the classic LEGO minifigure (...and maxifigure) and their values and unique features that make them valuable on LEGO secondary marketplaces.  The book will be done in a similar fashion as our first book...basically including most major LEGO themes and the important minifigures from each theme.  We are looking to discuss hundreds of special minifigures and will have a price guide that covers many of the major minifigures.  

    But unlike our first book which gravitated towards more text and analysis than pictures, this book will make the photos of the minifigures the focal point of the book.  This book will be a hardcover book, with higher quality images and page finish.  While there will be plenty of data and analysis, the publisher wanted to put LEGO minifigures in “creative LEGO” and “real world” scenes or dioramas, besides having the traditional body shot of a minifigure found on Brickset or Bricklink.  

    The creations of French photographer, Samsofy Pardugato, is an excellent example of mixing real world situations with LEGO minifigures and coming up with a dynamic photograph.  Here are a few of his works and you can check out more example here…

    contest_image1.thumb.jpg.4ed02abcc7411eb

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    contest_image3.thumb.jpg.0deb58ab949e680

    contest_image4.thumb.jpg.7c43f2c00b1e129

    A person can also create a wonderful photograph with just LEGO sets, pieces and minifigures.  Here are examples illustrating such techniques…

    contest_image5.jpg.69e2c221784cf3f38e1d7

    ee2d656b58e44ed7535cab8cee71841e.jpg

     

    As I stated above, there will be dozens and dozens of important, unique and valuable minifigures discussed in the book and not all will receive special treatment, but quite a few will and this is where Jeff and I need YOUR help.  We need the help of those LEGO fans and collectors out there that have a creative flair for photography and we are willing to offer fame and fortune for it...LOL.

    Jeff and I are going to run LEGO photography “contest” for any person who wants to give it a shot.  We are looking for people to come up with “creative LEGO” and “real world” scenes or dioramas for each one of the below themes:

    • ADVENTURERS
    • AGENTS/ULTRA AGENTS
    • ATLANTIS/AQUA RAIDERS
    • AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER
    • BATMAN
    • BIONICLE
    • CASTLE
    • CITY
    • COLLECTIBLE MINIFIGURES(CMFs)
    • COMIC CON, TOY FAIR & CONVENTION
    • CREATOR
    • DIMENSIONS
    • DINO/JURASSIC WORLD
    • DISNEY PRINCESSES
    • ELVES
    • EXO-FORCE
    • FRIENDS
    • HARRY POTTER
    • HERO FACTORY
    • IDEAS/CUUSOO
    • INDIANA JONES
    • LEGENDS OF CHIMA
    • LORD OF THE RINGS/THE HOBBIT
    • MONSTER FIGHTERS
    • NINJAGO
    • PIRATES/PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
    • POWER MINERS
    • RACERS
    • SCOOBY-DOO
    • SEASONAL
    • SPACE
    • SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
    • STAR WARS
    • SUPERHEROES
    • TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
    • THE LEGO MOVIE
    • THE LONE RANGER
    • THE SIMPSONS
    • TOY STORY
    • MAXIFIGURES
    • VINTAGE PRE 2000 MINIFIGURES
    • MISCELLANEOUS MINIFIGURES and THEME
    • COUNTERFEITS

    Each new chapter will have one of these creative LEGO minifigure action scenes or dioramas attached to it in some manner, whether it’s in the introduction or later in the chapter.  Some major themes might have multiple “special” images.  These creations should include one or more minifigures from that theme.  That is really the only rule for these images.  They have to have theme based minifigures in the photos.  

    Besides the major creative layouts in each chapter, we will discuss dozens and dozens of other important minifigures that require high quality photos.  Examples of these can be seen here:

    71001-2.jpg?201303230509 71001-7.jpg?201303230509

     

    These can also be creative in nature, but they don’t have to be.  Sometimes, a quality high resolution photo of a cool minifigure speaks volumes. Specific minifigures that will be discussed in the book will be released to those who are interested by contacting Jeff or I.  I have a list for each theme and will be looking for quite a few to be honest.  Feel free to share any ideas that you have.  

    As for the contest itself, there will be various prizes.  First off, each person who sends in a photograph that gets accepted by the publishers to use in the chapter introductions, which focus on real life images & LEGO dioramas, will get a “Limited Edition” book and a special call out in the book.  Basically, there will be a small bio for each person who submits winning photos in the book.  Each one of these “special” photos will  have a title and breakdown of minifigures in the image, so we can make a proper “blurb or call out” on the page.  The photographer’s name will also accompany these images.  

    The TOP TEN images (in any form) that we receive will win a $100.00 LEGO or Amazon Gift Certificate each.  Judging will be done by the publishers and one person can win multiple prizes for multiple submissions.  There will be a BRICKPICKER GRAND PRIZE WINNER of a $500.00 LEGO or Amazon Gift Card.  This award will be chosen by Jeff and I and will go to the person who go above and beyond everyone else.  Maybe it’s a few exceptional photos.  Maybe it’s about dozens of solid images that can be used in the minifigure write ups and analysis or any combination thereof.  We will take a look at all submissions and all will be taken into consideration, tracked and figured into the final judging.

    Lastly, I just want to say that Jeff and I want to make this a special LEGO “community” book.  We fought hard to make it a hardcover and upscale, visual book.  Here is an opportunity to make some money and gain some recognition as well.  Many of you are way more talented than Jeff and I and can create custom MOCs and images that we can only dream of making.  Now is the time to show off your creativity and let the world see your creations.

    This contest will start immediately and run through the end of January at this point.  Changes in the schedule will be dependent on response from LEGO fans, but we will need time to sort through the images and put them together for the book publishers.  Winners will be announced in late Spring, after the publishers put out a rough draft of the book.  The book will be available for purchase next Fall.  Please, any questions or ideas, please ask and Jeff and I (and Krause Publishing) will try to answer them.   Good luck and happy photographing...

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    PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

    • Camera used MUST be MINIMUM of 5-8 megapixels. 
    • Camera should be set at the highest resolution. 
    • All files must be in TIF or JPG format. 
    • DO NOT Compress Image Files. If you are trying to shrink the file size, please Zip the file
    • Download the photo release form. All submissions require a filled out and signed photo release form to be considered for the photo contest.  You can email the filled out and signed release to [email protected].  If you need a fax number, I will post one as well.

    I will be posting a link to a form here for you to submit your photos.  All the submissions will not be publicly viewable.  We will be submitting them to the publisher.  Please do not post your creative works here on the site or anywhere else.

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    What if I have a lot of images or a lot of very large files to send?
    If you have images that you want to send and they are large, we do have a WeTransfer Account that you can utilize.  Feel free to go there and send us the photos and signed photo release forms here.  Send as many as you need!!  It is very simple to use!
    https://brickpicker.wetransfer.com/

     

    Edited by Ed Mack

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    6 hours ago, Popeyez said:

    I'm confused about how you send a photo in

     

    8 minutes ago, Popeyez said:

    How do I contact him???

    The information on submitting photos was in the initial post:

     

    PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

    • Camera used MUST be MINIMUM of 5-8 megapixels. 
    • Camera should be set at the highest resolution. 
    • All files must be in TIF or JPG format. 
    • DO NOT Compress Image Files. If you are trying to shrink the file size, please Zip the file
    • Download the photo release form. All submissions require a filled out and signed photo release form to be considered for the photo contest.  You can email the filled out and signed release to [email protected].  If you need a fax number, I will post one as well.

    I will be posting a link to a form here for you to submit your photos.  All the submissions will not be publicly viewable.  We will be submitting them to the publisher.  Please do not post your creative works here on the site or anywhere else.

    -----------------------------------------------

    What if I have a lot of images or a lot of very large files to send?
    If you have images that you want to send and they are large, we do have a WeTransfer Account that you can utilize.  Feel free to go there and send us the photos and signed photo release forms here.  Send as many as you need!!  It is very simple to use!
    https://brickpicker.wetransfer.com/

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    3 hours ago, Ed Mack said:

    I also want to ask for photos with LEGO "maxifigures."  Figures like the Rancor, Jabba (new and old version), T-Rex (any Dinosaurs), trolls, horses, dragons, etc...

    You looking for figures like the Nidhogg dragon, Boga, the Orient Express elephant, and the 2001 dinosaur theme as well? I imagine the dragon there is a bit too build-able, the others are kind of on the fence. The elephant and Boga are fairly desirable, so I'll probably look through those bins again and piece them together, lol.

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    1 hour ago, Flanagan Bros Inc said:

    You looking for figures like the Nidhogg dragon, Boga, the Orient Express elephant, and the 2001 dinosaur theme as well? I imagine the dragon there is a bit too build-able, the others are kind of on the fence. The elephant and Boga are fairly desirable, so I'll probably look through those bins again and piece them together, lol.

    Yes...They all can be included.  More the better.  I want to make that a special chapter.

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    45 minutes ago, Flanagan Bros Inc said:

    Does maxifigure include Knights Kingdom figures? If so, I've got a bunch I can photograph, if not I won't bother. If you are on the fence I guess I'll shoot some photographs and you can decide later.

    If you are talking about the larger figures like the current Super Heroes or STAR WARS Buildable figures, no.  I consider them sets.  What you could do though is maybe mix them in creatively with some smaller minifigures from the Castle themes (or other).  

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    6 minutes ago, jaisonline said:

    Ed,

    I can take pics this week of pretty all the Jurassic World and Dino maxi-figs. The pics will be taken outside.

    Still need them ?

    Sure...I need all the themes listed.  You can take pictures separately or in a group.  You can have them eat the Hot Dog Guy if you want.  LOL

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    8 minutes ago, Ed Mack said:

    Sure...I need all the themes listed.  You can take pictures separately or in a group.  You can have them eat the Hot Dog Guy if you want.  LOL

    great. i have that guy.  put me down for all JW and Dino maxi-figs plus the hotdog guy  The only dino i don't have is the brown t-rex one from Dino 5886 (although it resembles the JW version).. 

    http://www.brickpicker.com/bpms/set.cfm?set=5886-1

    too bad, i just took apart the Dino HQ this weekend.  ugh.

     

     

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    If people want to share some ideas here, they can.  For instance, I was thinking about using some real fish in a small bowl to photograph some of the Atlantis or water related minifigures.  Feel free to use that idea.

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    I was thinking about mimicking the Abbey Road album cover with minifigs from The Lego Movie.  I just need to find/build some trees for the sides of the shot.

    I also thought about doing it with four different Joker mini figures.

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    Some of the least popular themes might yield some of the best chances to win.  Why?  They have the cooler minifigures and less people are turning in photos for them.

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    3 hours ago, Ed Mack said:

    Some of the least popular themes might yield some of the best chances to win.  Why?  They have the cooler minifigures and less people are turning in photos for them.

    I guess out come the '05 bionicle one-piece plastic 'minifigures' I always hated those things.

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    7 minutes ago, Popeyez said:

    Will there be a second and third place prize???

    The TOP TEN images (in any form) that we receive will win a $100.00 LEGO or Amazon Gift Certificate each.  Judging will be done by the publishers and one person can win multiple prizes for multiple submissions.  There will be a BRICKPICKER GRAND PRIZE WINNER of a $500.00 LEGO or Amazon Gift Card.  This award will be chosen by Jeff and I and will go to the person who go above and beyond everyone else.  Maybe it’s a few exceptional photos.  Maybe it’s about dozens of solid images that can be used in the minifigure write ups and analysis or any combination thereof.  We will take a look at all submissions and all will be taken into consideration, tracked and figured into the final judging.

    Just let me say there is always a chance of prizes being added if there is reason to add prizes....

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    17 hours ago, Flanagan Bros Inc said:

    So do AGENTS/ULTRA AGENTS and ATLANTIS/AQUA RAIDERS include the Alpha Team and Aquazone themes as well?

    I would say yes..

    NOTE: Just please specify what minifigures and from what themes and/or sets they are being used from.  When submitting photos, it would help Jeff and I to know exactly what we are looking at so we can include the info in the book.

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    Would it be worthwhile to take a few photos of a wide variety of the specific mini-figures for possible use on the cover? We've got quite a wide selection of figures and my brother (who is taking the photos) and I both have experience in graphic design, so if you're interested in anything like that it would be easy enough to do, since we've got everything set up anyways. Even if you've got something in mind for the cover, they could always be used as a end of book 'farewell' page of sorts—or in a general introduction.

     

    I figured I'd ask because you asked specifically for themed photos and if that's all you want we won't bother taking any general photos. If they are something you might be interested in, we can throw a few in there.

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