Adam Sund Photo Blog Photography is the new black.

The adventures of Danbo

I first got acquainted with the small box figure Danbo on facebook. A new photographer colleague had recently added me, and I saw the thumbnail of a photo he had recently uploaded:

I didn't give it much thought at first. It looked like a cute little animation, but soon, more pictures of the little box figure emerged.

I decided to ask Morten Aagaard, the father of the box figure, about the idea:

Who is that little cardbox figure of yours? Where did he come from? And where the heck is he going?

The small plastic figure known as Danbo is actually a "she" not a "he" she is a small toy that now permanently lives in my camera bag along with a few accessories that have so far not appeared on any of her photos (YET!)
Danbo is originally from Japan, but on her way to Denmark she visited quite a few countries according to the "Track & Trace"
As to where she is going I dont really know but I do know that where ever I go she goes as well. I always make sure that the small padded box she lives in is in my bag. I have also started to carry around a notebook where I write and draw ideas for Danbo shots.

Where did the idea come from?

I cant remember exactly where I saw Danbo for the first time but I was immediatly struck by the inquisitive facial expression that was so striking even though it only consists of two circles and a triangle. Originally she was just supposed to be something to tie together vacation shots by photographing her next to iconic scenes in different countries.

What's with the name?

- The name Danbo is short for danboard, it is originally from a japanese mange comic called Yotsuba&! In the comic a small girl is convinced he is a robot and has therefore built a robot suit from cardboard.

- How much is manipulated and how much is as we see it?

- Even though I often spend quite bit more time in photoshop then shooting, I never add new things to shots that weren't there. Most of the changes I make a are global, I usually do a lot of "curves" work. Sometimes I will remove some of the logos and the small switch on the side of her head that turns on the lights in her eyes. I only do this when they are distracting to the idea of the shot.

Has this idea become a defining idea? for you as a photographer?

No, not at all. I was very surprised by the way people started to react to the shots. When I bought the figure I had some vague idea that I was going to bring it on travels and photograph it next to characteristic landmarks and architecture (I will probably still do so!) but since then it has come to be a bigger part. The figure is small enough so that I can always bring it with me when shooting and I often do little setups if I'm bored at home:)
I will probably shoot Danbo for quite a while yet as I have many more ideas but I only do so as a an amusing distraction. My passion for photography started with nature photography and even though I have branched into many fields since then I will always see myself as a nature photographer and I have a special project planned for this summer that probably wont go public until the fall but if all goes well I should be able to showcase some unique nature shots.

Any new exiting plans for Danbo?

- As I mentioned I have begun to write down ideas for Danbo setups and just this very night before answering these questioned I draw small idea drawings for the next 4-5 setups so yes there are more shots coming:) They will suddenly show up on Facebook and my website where Danbo has gotten her own category since people started noticing the photos.

Will Danbo be alone forever? He had a rose for Valentine's day? Is there perhaps a Mrs. Danbo somewhere?

Hehe:) I actually did the valentine shots specifically as a surprise for my wife. When she came home from work she had a new desktop wallpaper (as a geek you have to play to your strengths;)) But I cant deny that I don't have any plans for an addition to my little menagerie and if the UPS transportion gods will it it wont be too long before Danbo at least gets a little friend;)

Here's a link to Morten Aagaards gallery with Danbo on his own website