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[[Image:Poserfrog.jpg|frame|A background frog, modified from a Kermit doll, for ''LIFE'' magazine]] |
[[Image:Poserfrog.jpg|frame|A background frog, modified from a Kermit doll, for ''LIFE'' magazine]] |
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A '''photo puppet''' is a poseable, full-body version of a [[Muppet]] created specifically for photographs, displays, and various other scenarios in which actual puppets are either inappropriate or unnecessary. |
A '''photo puppet''' is a poseable, full-body version of a [[Muppet]] created specifically for photographs, displays, and various other scenarios in which actual puppets are either inappropriate or unnecessary. |
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| − | Photo puppets are not Muppet-style puppets in the traditional sense, in that they can be posed but not operated from within. They are sometimes known as posers or poser puppets. Prominent uses of posers include [[:Category:Muppet Calendars|calendars]], |
+ | Photo puppets are not Muppet-style puppets in the traditional sense, in that they can be posed but not operated from within. They are sometimes known as posers or poser puppets. Prominent uses of posers include [[:Category:Muppet Calendars|calendars]], print advertisements, video covers, and ''[[Muppet Magazine]]'' photos. |
A specific division, the Henson Photo Studio, was established to supervise photo puppet projects. [[John E. Barrett]] is the longtime chief photographer (although [[Richard Termine]] has been the chief ''[[Sesame Street]]'' in-house photographer), and [[Michael K. Frith]] was the initial design supervisor. Various Muppet Workshop employees have contributed over the years, including [[Danielle Obinger]], [[Barbara Davis]], and [[Lyndon Mosse]]. |
A specific division, the Henson Photo Studio, was established to supervise photo puppet projects. [[John E. Barrett]] is the longtime chief photographer (although [[Richard Termine]] has been the chief ''[[Sesame Street]]'' in-house photographer), and [[Michael K. Frith]] was the initial design supervisor. Various Muppet Workshop employees have contributed over the years, including [[Danielle Obinger]], [[Barbara Davis]], and [[Lyndon Mosse]]. |
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Revision as of 11:04, 30 July 2006
A photo puppet version of Kermit the Frog.
A background frog, modified from a Kermit doll, for LIFE magazine
A photo puppet is a poseable, full-body version of a Muppet created specifically for photographs, displays, and various other scenarios in which actual puppets are either inappropriate or unnecessary. Photo puppets are not Muppet-style puppets in the traditional sense, in that they can be posed but not operated from within. They are sometimes known as posers or poser puppets. Prominent uses of posers include calendars, print advertisements, video covers, and Muppet Magazine photos.
A specific division, the Henson Photo Studio, was established to supervise photo puppet projects. John E. Barrett is the longtime chief photographer (although Richard Termine has been the chief Sesame Street in-house photographer), and Michael K. Frith was the initial design supervisor. Various Muppet Workshop employees have contributed over the years, including Danielle Obinger, Barbara Davis, and Lyndon Mosse.
Most photo puppets are versions of existing characters, though occasionally new creations were made for Muppet Magazine. These are generally adapted using style guides and based upon the actual puppet. Certain photo projects recquire a larger cast of "extras," however, including magazine covers and the Muppet Babies photo storybooks. For these, as a cost-saving measure, existing stuffed toys were modified by th Workshop, with new Muppet features and an armature. The 1980 LIFE magazine cover depicting Miss Piggy's run for the presidency recquired a host of background frogs as reporters, security, and aides. Multiple 1977 Fisher-Price Kermit dolls were purchased and modified by removing the collar and adding new eyes and an armature. For as Muppet Babies' Classic Children's Tales, a similar approach was used for the goat in an adaptation of Heidi, altered from a Gund toy.
