Behind the Lens: Visual Storytelling in LEGO
They say a picture is worth a thousand words—and when it comes to photography, I’ve found that to be absolutely true. LEGO photographers, in particular, have a remarkable ability to tell rich, imaginative stories through minifigs. Their work often gives us a charming glimpse into a world in miniature, where minifigures live out full, expressive lives.
One artist who does this beautifully is Ryo Tomita, known as @rennerbricks on Instagram and YouTube, a 26-year-old photographer from Japan. I met Ryo at the Japan Brick Festival in 2018. His images capture minifigures in everyday moments—walking, working, relaxing—as if they’re part of a bustling, brick-built world. Each photo feels like a snapshot from a much larger story, filled with detail, warmth, and quiet humor.
I recently had the chance to chat with Ryo about his creative process, the inspiration behind his LEGO scenes, and what life looks like from behind his lens.
Inez: Hi Ryo! I am so glad you still remember me. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Ryo: I’m Ryo Tomita. I’m a product photographer, and I also do a little video editing. I’m @rennerbricks on Instagram and YouTube.
Skater dude.
Inez: Can you tell us a bit about your LEGO journey? How did you get started in photgraphy?
Ryo: I’ve been playing with LEGO since I was about five years old. Back in high school, I liked recreating scenes from movies using LEGO. Just then, Instagram was starting to gain popularity, and I wanted to start sharing photos of my MOCs too. While looking for tips on how to take good photos for Instagram, I came across a photo that used a minifigure as the main subject. I was surprised to discover this new way of enjoying LEGO, and I tried it out right away. From there, I realized a new kind of fun with LEGO.
SUMMER.
Inez: That’s great! I’m really curious about your name. Where did it come from?
Ryo: There is no special reason for my name… When I was in high school, I was a fan of Hawkeye from the Avengers and took inspiration from Jeremy Renner.
Inez: I’m an Avengers fan myself (though I like Natasha best). Okay, moving on to your photography. Can you tell us what equipment you use to take photos?
shooting with a macro probe lens.
Ryo: This is the equipment that I often use in LEGO photography.
Camera: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Lens: Sigma art 24-70mm F2.8
Lens: Tamron 90mm F2.8
Lens: Venus Optics Laowa Macro Probe Lens 24mm
Inez: The lighting in your photos is always amazing! Where do you take your pictures? Do you use a lightbox or something similar?
Ryo: I mostly shoot in the house, because I like to create light. I often use Godox strobes. Strobes and LED lights can be used at the same time.
behind the scenes.
Inez: You have so many amazing pictures! Do you edit your photos on the computer? Can you share your top three favorites and why they are your favorites?
Ryo: Yes. I use Lightroom and Photoshop. I like capturing the little moments of happiness in my daily life—my feelings and imagination. Sometimes the scenes are a bit exaggerated or incorporate fantasy elements. One of the things I love most about LEGO is how freely it allows you to express your ideas and imagination. I chose these photos because I felt they reflect that spirit. They make good use of lighting, parts, and facial expressions to bring the story to life.
late show.
sunrise after work.
I saw a man and a dog in tokyo.
Inez: I love how each picture tells a story. Where do you get your ideas? How do you think of your pictures, or how do you conceptualize them?
ceramic potter.
Ryo: I combine what I have felt in my daily life and what I have seen in the city to make an idea. I take notes when I have an idea or see something interesting. Some of those notes can be combined into one idea.
Inez: You’re a great builder and photographer, and you build pretty elaborate MOCs for your photos. There are so many details! How long does it take you to build your MOCs?
Ryo: When I build MOCs for photography, I create the parts that will be reflected in the photo, so it usually takes me about a week to finish one.
Inez: What’s your favorite MOC that you’ve made and photographed?
Ryo: My favorite MOC is a scene of a hot spring. The rocks and ground were built in a very complex way, with many parts facing in different directions. I think it captured the realistic scenery of a hot spring. I’ll never be able build it again!
Hot Springs and autumn leaves by ryo tomita.
a look behind the scenes.
Inez: That is amazing and I’m sure it got very wet! What are some of the biggest challenges you face when photographing LEGO?
Ryo: It is difficult to create a sense of scale like being in the world of LEGO. And as most of LEGO is made of plastic. The face parts are also flat, so it is difficult to express a sense of three-dimensionality in realistic lighting and photos.
mask parachute, from 2020.
Inez: You do it well, though. Do you have any future projects or creative directions you’re excited about to explore through LEGO photography?
Ryo: I want to hold a photo exhibition and create a photo book. I want people to see the printed images in person—not just on a smartphone screen! I’d also love to collaborate with other MOC builders.
Rennerbricks at the the 2024 Japan Brick festival.
Inez: I would definitely want a photobook! Well, it’s been great chatting with you, Ryo. Just one last thing… What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out and wants to explore LEGO photography?
Ryo: I think building and lighting are important, but the most important part of a photo is its concept and story. It’s essential to be clear about what you want to show and what you want to make. But above all, the most important thing is to find a way to enjoy yourself!
Inez: Thank you so much for chatting with BrickNerd! (All photos used with permission from Ryo Tomita.)
What scene would you most like to explore through LEGO photography? Let us know in the comments below!
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