Simon Sweetman – It’s a Small World

Simon Sweetman, a 57-year-old postman from Burnley, has captivated viewers with his striking miniature photography. His work features a range of characters, from Stormtroopers to Doc Brown from Back to the Future.

“I’ve always been drawn to bringing these figures to life in imaginative ways,” Simon smiles. Despite his focus on miniatures, Sweetman’s photographic skills extend to expansive street scenes, stunning portraits, and more. Recently, he earned accreditation from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, solidifying his prowess in diverse photographic styles.

WHEN DID YOU START SNAPPING?

“I started about ten years ago. Before that, I was mostly taking holiday photos and wasn’t very serious about it. When one of my grandparents passed away, I inherited some money and decided to invest in a good camera and a couple of lenses. That was when I really began to delve into photography. I began capturing all sorts of scenes and joined the Burnley Camera Club. The club was a game-changer for me. I learned so much from the members and through the various workshops and lectures they offer.”

HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN BURNLEY CAMERA CLUB?

“I’m currently on the committee as the competition secretary. Burnley Camera Club has around 40 members, and we meet every Tuesday. Our sessions include lectures on different photographic techniques, practical nights where we experiment with new ideas, and monthly competitions judged by external experts. It’s a fantastic community. If anyone has questions or is struggling with a particular aspect of photography, there’s always someone willing to help. The support and shared knowledge within the club have been invaluable to my growth as a photographer.”

WHY TOY PHOTOGRAPHY?

“At first, I was just experimenting with capturing anything that caught my eye. Toy photography happened somewhat by accident. I bought a pack of miniature figures and started photographing them out of curiosity. Then, I discovered the work of Tatsuya Tanaka, a Japanese photographer who creates whimsical scenes with miniatures and everyday objects.

His creativity was inspiring, and I thought, ‘I should try that!’ I began creating my scenes using 1/12th scale collectable figures from eBay. My favourites are characters like Pennywise and Vapor. For example, I have an image of Vapor in a subway car that I’m particularly proud of. It’s fascinating to build these tiny worlds and tell stories through them. It was something different from what I had seen locally, and I didn’t know anyone else who was doing it in the same way.”

SELF-TAUGHT?

“Yes, I’m largely self-taught. I learned a lot from YouTube tutorials and other online resources. It’s been a journey of continuous learning. Recently, another Camera Club member, Chris Dawson, and I achieved accreditation from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain. The process was quite intensive. We had to submit seven print images, which were reviewed by a panel of six adjudicators. I scored 143, which was above the required 125. It was an exhilarating experience to be recognised in this way. I can now proudly add BPAGB to my name if I wish!”

BEST PLACE TO PHOTOGRAPH?

“I always take my camera with me whenever I travel. My wife Claire and I are going on a cruise around the Western Mediterranean, and I’m excited about capturing the diverse cultures and landscapes we’ll encounter. I’m also a big fan of Formula 1 racing and have always dreamed of photographing a Grand Prix.”

“DON’T FOCUS TOO MUCH ON TRYING TO PLEASE OTHERS; INSTEAD, TAKE PHOTOS THAT YOU PERSONALLY ENJOY.”

FAVORITE PHOTO YOU’VE TAKEN IS…

“One of my favourites is the photo of King’s Cross station. The image captures the grandeur of the station’s roof, and the person in the corner adds a sense of scale. It was a lucky shot because the person was only there for a couple of seconds. That photograph has been well-received in various competitions. Another favourite is ‘The Lady in Red,’ a portrait of local model Jessica Wall taken during a session at the camera club. I was really pleased with how it turned out, and Jessica loves it too. It’s always gratifying when the subject of the photo appreciates the final result.”

WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE?

“I recently upgraded from the Nikon D500 to the Nikon Z7ii. The Z7ii has been impressive, offering fantastic resolution and versatility. It’s been a great addition to my gear, enhancing the quality of my work and giving me new creative possibilities.”

ANY ADVICE FOR BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS?

“For those just starting out, my advice is to practice regularly and find joy in taking photos. Don’t focus too much on trying to please others; instead, take photos that you personally enjoy. Joining a camera club is also a great idea. It provides a supportive environment where you can learn from others and improve your skills. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and continue learning and growing as a photographer.”

WHERE CAN PEOPLE SEE YOUR WORK?

“People can check out my photography on Instagram. My handle is sjs_toy_photography.”

NorthernLife Sep/Oct/Nov 24