This is article number two of my two part Toy Photography Thursday piece! Last time I showed you my Hijikata Toshiro figurine from Bandai who have created a four piece figurine off my favourite anime Gintama. The four characters are Gintoki Sakata, our main protagonist, Kagura and fighting machine, Hijikata Toshiro the demon vice-commander of the Shinsegumi, and Sougo Okita our lovable sadist. I had never seen another Sougo Okita before this one (I have seen many since) and thinking that I would never find another one again (ha) I bought him, and I’m glad I did!
Sougo Okita
Okita Sougo is the former 1st Division Captain of the Shinsengumi, and was a trainee at Kondou Isao’s dojo in his youth. He is the younger brother of Okita Mitsuba who raised him after their parents passed away. He is recognized as one of the best swordsmen in the Shinsengumi and takes pride in his job to lead the vanguard as to open a path for the Shinsengumi.
Sougo is known for being a sadist. He is shown to have an evil intention to any good things he does, and he is very blunt about his hatred, especially to Hijikata. Even so, Okita is usually protective of the ones he cares for, such as his sister, Okita Mitsuba, and his commander, Kondou Isao. Sougo wants to become the vice commander of the Shinsengumi, and as such, he always tries to harm or to “kill” HIjikata, or to frame him for other misdemeanours in order to take his place.
The Photography
My biggest aim with these images was to capture Sougo’s sadistic streak, and without sounding too pigheaded, I think I captured that trait perfectly! With the use of one light I managed to create a shadow which gives off a menacing air. A great choice to use a black background since capturing the sadism might not have worked quite as well with the white background. Unfortunately I’m still learning how to use the studio which has been nothing but trouble ever since I bought it. I might upgrade to a better studio that’s worth the money and won’t break as soon as I take it out of the box.
I’m really pleased with how some of the images turned out. Definitely putting them in my portfolio!
