In 2025 I want to bring something special to our community: a speaker series. The idea behind this series of conversations is pretty simple: How do we find joy as we pursue a creative life? How does weaving creativity throughout our life bring joy, understanding and personal fulfillment? I know my story, but what about other toy photographers.

In the last two years I’ve giving several photo talks to various camera clubs in the US and the UK. I want to bring this same idea of inspiration and education to our photo community but focusing on toy photographers. To kick the series off, I’ve asked a range of toy photographers from new, to legends and even one who has grown in new directions to participate. Each has a unique story to tell about how they approach toy photography as well as how it’s changed or benefited their lives.

As a long time toy photographer and artist I know that new toys can only inspire me so far. I rely on personal experience, emotional expression, memories and cultural touchstones to keep me inspired. I hope to explore ideas around inspiration, thought process and workflow with a variety of inspirational photographers. In addition we will be touching on how we each find joy in photography as a part of our creative life.

The speakers

I’ve asked four people who I admire to help me launch this series: Vesa (Avanaut), Kristina (Kalexanderson), Matt (Captain_Kaos) and Stephanie (sdphoto_bricks) Each artist will be creating a presentation to show us not only their work, but how it’s changed them and brings creative satisfaction into their lives. It’s my sincere belief that there is more to toy photography than placing a toy in an interesting position and taking a photo.

To bring something different to these talks I will be following up the presentation with a few of my own questions. I want to dig a little deeper into their creative lives and see what lessons I can learn. And for those able to attend the presentations live, there will be an opportunity to ask your questions. All sessions will be recorded and available online for a limited time.

I’m kicking off this series with Stephanie DeFranco. Stephanie is a professional photographer who has woven creativity into all aspects of her professional and personal life. I’m excited to learn from Stephanie about her inspiration and how she sets up her toy photos. I also want to explore how she expresses herself as a creative in all aspects of her life.

As a life long artist and creativity coach, these are the conversations I live for. I hope you will join me at one, or even all of the presentations in the Finding Joy in Toy Photography speaker series,

Sign up for what I’m sure will be a fun conversation here! You can also sign up for all four presentations for a discounted price.

Introducing Stephanie DeFranco

I’m excited to share with you the work of Stephanie DeFranco! I met Stephanie through the Lensbaby Ambassador program. Ive loved watching her embrace toy photography. I’m fascinated with how her portrait work and her toy photography intersect. In our conversation after the presentation, we will explore these topics as well as how she finds joy in toy photography and living a rich creative life.

In her own words…

My name is Stephanie DeFranco and I was born and raised in Roswell, NM. I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2017 and haven’t looked back since. Creating photos and watching people come to life in front of my camera is a feeling I wouldn’t change for the world. 

I started creating toy photography in 2020 during the pandemic as an outlet for my creativity. I found that I could use similar lighting and posing techniques to bring my favorite characters to life in ways that aren’t normally possible because of the fandoms and worlds they reside. I love being a storyteller and being able to create stories from characters that already have a backstory really drew me into the world of toy photography. 

I’m currently living in New Mexico with my two cats, Jasmine and Ella, but traveling is my passion. I want to be able to experience new culture and document life as I live in that moment. A few other random facts about me: I love coconut iced coffee. I have a passion for thrifting and creating outfits from recycled fashion. And when I’m not behind my camera or on the road, you can find me on my couch streaming Disney+ or listening to my books on audible.  

Join me on February 28th!

The series launches on February 28th at 3:30pm PST / 6:00pm PST. To purchase either Stephanie’s presentation or full access to all four presentations, click this link. Individual presentations are $10.75 a piece or while a pass to all four presentations is priced at $36.00 (a 15% discount). All money will benefit the artists and the administrative costs of hosting the blog. This is your opportunity to be inspired, learn from other toy photographers, and support your favorite toy photography blog!

All presentations will take place over Zoom and a link will be sent out 24 – 36 hours before we’re scheduled to start. Presentations will be recorded for anyone unable to make it in person. These recordings will be available 24 hours after the presentation for approximately two weeks. We have a world wide community and I sadly realize that it’s impossible to accommodate all our various time zones.

I’m excited to be bringing more joy and creativity inspiration into this new year. See you on February 28th, 2025!

~ Shelly