It’s a wrap! The first four speakers of Finding Joy in Toy Photography have shared their knowledge and stories. And the response has been overwhelmingly positive! I’ super pleased that my random thought this past January developed into a series that has inspired and energized everyone who attended. A huge thank you to Stephanie, Matt, Kristina and Vesa who all shared their creative journeys, thought process and inspiration. We even had several glimpses behind the scenes at how images were created.

In Vesa’s presentation he explained how integral and important the models are to his final image. Ones he’s spent many years building to his exact standards. We learned that all the effects are done in camera.

Introducing the legends

As my friend Kristina reminded me recently, the internet has no memory. Which is true. And also my inspiration for creating this series. Besides introducing the legends of toy photography to artists new to the hobby, I want to explore where we can find the joy and inspiration to keep going. It turns out that the answers are as varied as the photographers.

While Stephanie is inspired by pop culture, Kristina enjoys exploring her life, Matt loves the creative release and Vesa enjoys immersing himself a world full of spacecraft.

It was fun to watch the creative journey of this image from inspiration to final image. The pure joy on Stephanie’s face when she nailed the image is one we can all appreciate.

It is no surprise that each presentation was as unique as the photographer. From full length videos to slideshows and everything in between. Matt took us on a photo adventure complete with a memorable shot from the undercarriage of his Jeep. While Vesa presented a fantastic overview of his work through the years.

By the end of each presentation I was reminded of why these four are just a few of my creative hero’s.

“There was no one favourite part, genuinely each episode had multiple different things I found beneficial and entertaining.” – Andy Goss

What I learned

It’s always interesting to peek behind the curtain to see how other people work. This glimpse is always fascinating, reaffirming and enlightening. Its always fascinating to see how others create. For me, its a chance to see what do we do both differently and similarly. I’ve found what makes a toy photographer truly unique is where they find their inspiration. How closely are they inspired by their life, their experiences, what their attracted too. Its hard to get a clear picture from random photos on the internet.

After watching Matt in action, from driving to his favorite location to editing an image, I have a better appreciation to the thought and effort that goes into a ‘simple’ image.

But hearing these artists talk about their work gave me insight into their process and how it is both similar and different than my own. I absolutely love hearing anyone talk about their process! I guess that means this entire series is an excuse for me to do what I love, explore the creative process with people I admire.

“Seeing that it doesn’t just happen, there are quite a few images that don’t quite make it. I’m just starting out and sometimes get discouraged with the “Well, that didn’t work!” part of it.” – Linda Richter

Still time to see the replays!

There really is something for everyone in this series of conversations. Tips for the beginner, strategies to staying curious as well as how ti think about your images in a deeper fashion. Whatever inspiration you’re looking for, these four creatives have lessons to offer. If you would like to watch the replays, you can purchase access to them here. While I understand there is ample free information on the internet, all money raised by these talks has gone to benefit the speakers as well as to support the blog.

“I love the LIVE aspect of the interview series, unfortunately I wasn’t able to tune in LIVE.” – Jason Schiely

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who signed up and joined me in conversation with Stephanie, Matt, Kristina and Vesa! And thank you to everyone who signed up to receive the replays due to work and time zone differences. Your support of our efforts here at Toy Photographers is deeply appreciated.

Because the response has been positive Im in the early stages of planing another series this fall. Ive read your comments on how to make this better. There will be more behind the scenes and camera discussions. With plenty of follow-ups about why that choice? It’s when we slow down to look at the details that we learn the most. And its also where we see that we’re also the same.

Törnrosa by K Alexanderson

“I loved how she [Kristina] shot what she loved and that’s that. Humanising the creative is such a hugely inspiring thing for me as it makes things what felt out of reach or unachievable seem possible!” – Andy Goss