Action Figure Photography #2: mannie_bothans - Alonso Andara

Posted by Bret on 08/23/17 at 07:01 AM Category: Action Figure Holocron

Our next photographer is Alonso Andara. We asked him a few questions, and show off a small sampling of his work. You can find him on Instagram under the name mannie_bothans.

Where are you from?
I'm from New Orleans. Born and raised in the hot, wet heat. Shooting toys outside here in Nola is always hilarious because it's not a glamorous thing. I'm dirty; the toys and the camera are dirty. I both love/hate it.

Bombin'

What motivates your photography?
I'm a collector first. The Power of the Force line started it all with me. Over the years I've had a few short breaks, but there's always something I'm looking out for. Photography has been a fun hobby of mine since high school, but I never even thought to combine the two until seeing people like fathersfigures and sgtbananas do their thing. Those guys (and many more, seriously, I could name people all day) are constantly inspiring me to contribute in anyway that I can.

Faceless

Peace and order

What are your favorite figures?
I mean I love everything Hasbro does with Marvel Legends and The Black Series. Recently, Hasbro has been stepping up their game completely in both lines. I think the new face tech method will be a game changer. But imports are still some of my most cherished figures. S.H. Figuarts Episode I Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of my favs both in terms of execution and nostalgia.

Favorite subject
Star Wars is my heart. My collection is based around it, not to mention my insta name. So much of my stuff is going to be centered around Star Wars. But I love everything comic book related. I'm a big comics person, so naturally I want to collect/shoot anything that catches my eye.

Droids just wanna have fun

How I got into Star Wars
I honestly don't remember a time before Star Wars. It has just always been there. I was lucky to have grown up with the OT first, and then the prequels hit when I was like 11? It has always been there and I can't imagine life without it!