Alexander Gusev Recreates Hollywood-Worthy Scenes From LEGO
Notorious for causing the most amount of pain when accidentally stepped on, LEGO is nevertheless a toy that has withstood the test of time. The fascination we hold for these geometrical representation is a testament to its versatility. The act of physically piecing something together has resonated with audiences of every age. The relatable references to our favourite movies, books, characters and random moments from our lives has catapulted LEGO into the stratosphere of being a timeless classic.
One man bravely steps into the LEGO enthusiasts arena adding a contemporary twist to the cherished toy through the focus of his lens. His recreations using LEGO figurines look straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster movie. The mini-figures and prop decor made from natural materials and simple handmade custom builds impressively frame the ultra-realistic cinematic scenes.
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The mini-sets are painstakingly staged by LA-based photographer, Alexander Gusev. Heading Snapshot Studio LA, the photographer uses lighting, composition, visual storytelling and our imagination to set in motion a narrative where our beloved LEGO heroes save the day.
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Gusev’s journey photographing LEGO began 10 years ago. In 2015, he participated in a LEGO Russia completion where he came an official LEGO photographer. He mentioned to DeMilked in an interview that, “What started as a personal passion quickly evolved into a professional path, since then, I’ve been consistently collaborating not only with LEGO Russia but also with other major toy brands like Hasbro”.
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Gusev went on to mention that before becoming a commericial photographer he was a long time fan of LEGO. Owning a vast collection of LEGO mini figures helped him develop a hobby of building sets as a form of relaxation. He further explained, “Over time, I began to see LEGO not just as toys but as characters capable of storytelling. My background in photography, combined with my love for world-building and cinematic visuals, inspired me to explore how I could bring small-scale scenes to life. What excited me most was the challenge: capturing emotion, drama, and atmosphere using just a few minifigures and simple props”.
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LEGO dioramas. The photographer elaborated, “Every photo starts with a story. I ask myself: What scene do I want to build? What emotion or moment am I trying to convey? I use a mix of natural materials like wood, moss, stones, and sand to add realism and texture to my setups. I also custom-build props using cardboard, glue, and paint to match the mood I’m aiming for—whether it’s a medieval battlefield, an alien planet, or a cozy village. For snow scenes, instead of using artificial snow, I use baking soda. It’s easy to shape and gives a surprisingly realistic texture in macro photography. Lighting is one of the most crucial aspects of my work. I strive to create a cinematic atmosphere by using soft directional light and atmospheric effects like fog or backlight. Most of the time, I work with practical effects rather than digital manipulation, I love the hands-on aspect of physically building the world I photograph”
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Got wisdom to pour?
Wow, this is seriously impressive!
Alexander Gusev’s LEGO recreations are on another level — the way he captures cinematic atmosphere with tiny figures and handcrafted props is just brilliant. It’s creative, nostalgic, and surprisingly emotional.
I checked out his Instagram right away, absolute gold for any LEGO or movie fan. Hats off to the attention to detail! https://tissus-telaio.fr/