You probably find it strange that there are (omg) 4 consecutive posts this week, all of which are figures for sale. I figured it’d be nice to get rid of a bunch because I’ve got way too many. While I haven’t officially posted the figure listings here, there have been a few that were interested from my craigslist posting.
Rei was one of the figures that someone was interested in. I was pretty keen on selling her at first, various nitpicking reasons. But after I did a photoshoot of her, and played around with the raws, I realized that this was a HUGE mistake.
For one, she’s incredibly photogenic. I haven’t seen a figure take artistic pictures so well from so many different angles. She’s like the super model that just won’t quit! Instead of doing a detailed review style photoshoot, I went totally artistic with this one.
Rather than talking anymore, I’ll let the photos do the talking. Just so you know, all the photos were taken with the same lighting conditions. The only difference is whether the top light is on or off.
Above is the box shot. This was essentially the lighting I used for almost ALL of the shots. I achieved such different effects by shooting in RAW mode. I didn’t realize how powerful shooting in RAW actually is! I’m absolutely blown away by the sheer amount of control that I get when processing a RAW.
Between the time that someone was interested in buying, and now, I’ve pretty much done a 180 on selling her. She’s still in my figures sold category, because she technically was put on the market… who knows, I might still be interested in selling her if the price is right…
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Rei always had it in her. Not a single Rei out there that isn’t photogenic, I say. oUo
lol well, I’d have to disagree, but I get your passion. 🙂
I’ve been contemplating chopping my collection down some too, I think I’ve got at least eight or ten figures I could let go without feeling bad at all about it, and I could really use the extra shelf space. Unfortunately, the BRS and Mio re-releases are going to chop down their value, and I do not think my old Griffon Ikkitousen figures are worth very much.
It’s funny how Rei Ayanami might be the most merchandised character in anime, but there don’t seem to be that many memorable figures of her. Of those that are, I think this one is one of the best; it shows off an ethereal expression, it’s in a very good scale size, and she’s got some bangin’ curves.
I didn’t shoot in RAW until just a few months ago, when I finally overcame my distrust of bundled software and installed DPP. Now I shoot everything in RAW and really wish I had started earlier, because I can think of a bunch of photo sets that I could’ve saved had I done so.
I think I’ve got around that many that I could chop too. I was tempted to put BRS on the table, but I guess she’s okay.
At some point, you have to decide whether or not you’re going to sell because you need money, or if you need space. It’s probably why I’m letting so many of my figures go for cheap. 🙁
I totally decided to keep this Rei in the end, and told the buyer I changed my mind. He didn’t seem to take offense, which is good.
I started using Adobe Camera Raw that comes bundled, and it’s just incredible how much control you get from it. I started doing a few HDRI shots (from a few posts back) and that too is incredibly powerful. Though I’ve found little use for it for strictly indoor/studio shots. It’s only useful when you have a large range between light and shadow…
I on the other hand, have to grow my collection – which is turning out exceptionally difficult, what with Magic the Gathering being the primary basin my meager funds go into. Priorities, priorities…
Much of her photogenic-ness is really a result of your camera work, imho. I see her as quite unremarkable without your dynamic camera angles and effects – it’s probably because I’ve seen waay too much Ayanami Rei over the years.
That box is probably the highlight of the figure; it allows for a really pretty silhouette shot.
Ah, for you, finance is an issue. For me, it’s just space. If I had a mansion… oh wait… I’ll get into that in my future post that I’m writing.
I took some time to really observe this figure for its’ beauty, and it actually is as beautiful as she looks in the photos. She’s got this pearly sheen on the plug suit that really brings out the details and curves when it’s bouncing light. You’ll notice that the little “backpack” thing is really clean and smooth. This is prominent throughout. Rarely do you see such clean lines in a figure.
Her simplicity is actually her virtue for this figure, imo. Her lack of intricate detail is compensated by the incredible attention to the details on her.
Yes, I really love the box too. 😀
I’m not too fond of her hair, but the rest of the figure looks nice. She has a really shapely body, it’s excellent ^.^
I agree with you on the hair. It was a bit of a turn-off for me actually. It still kinda is. I think they could have done a better job than have the “sideburns” as separate pieces…
Yeah, she’s DAMN sexy!! ^.^
I’m not one for figures, but I gotta agree….very photogenic.
Glad you agree! 😀
Nice photos… maybe will try to shoot in raws too since I like some of the effect.
RAW is so powerful… it’s fun to play around with them in Photoshop. 😀
I always, always, always shoot in raw — it makes such a difference. These were gorgeous!
Thanks Colette! And thanks for visiting my blog! 😉
I’m only a casual Evangelion fan, but when I looked over my collection with the intention to cut back none of the Kotobukiya ladies from this set were ones I’d give up 🙂 I like them a lot. I like this Rei even far more than her Alter version.
Thanks! This confirms my decision not to sell her. That makes me very happy!
I’m only a casual Evangelion fan, but when I looked over my collection with the intention to cut back none of the Kotobukiya ladies from this set were ones I’d give up 🙂 I like them a lot. I like this Rei even far more than her Alter version.
That’s good reassurance that I made the right decision to keep her. 🙂