Reflector: Your Enlightened Friend
Learn how to use reflectors to turn flat images into well-lit masterpiece, all without the need for additional artificial lights.
Making Use of Toy Box Detritus
Everyone has those little bits from toys they don't really want or need. Sometimes this detritus become useful. This is one of those times.
Learn to Light Your Toy Photography, Part 2: Modifiers
Light can be daunting for the beginner to understand. This post offers Dave's advice for beginners to help remove the mystery of lighting.
Learn to Light Your Toy Photography, Part 1: Angles
Light can be daunting for the beginner to understand. Enjoy this essential guide to lighting for new toy photographers.
BAAM! Create Practical Sand Effects in Your Toy Photos
Practical effects can be fun. The BAAM! drain cleaner is useful for adding a burst of compressed air to energize your toy photography.
The Salty Death of My Trusted Camera
Our cameras take a real beating, and sometimes they give the ultimate sacrifice for our art. This time my camera got a fitting send off.
Quick Tips: Shooting Toys in the Snow
Toy photography in the snow is a great deal of fun. These tips will help make the most out of your next winter shoot.
Hockey: How I Got the Shot
Follow along as Dave builds his own hockey rink, including a net, to celebrate the return of the NHL playoffs with toy photography.
Hiding the Joints: My Answer to an Existential Toy Photography Question
When I started shooting action figures, I quickly came across an existential question that I needed to solve for myself: Should I hide the joints in the figures when I post-process the photos, or should I leave them as is?
Toy Photography Studio Tour: Studio Dave
Dave does most of his creative and toy photography work in his basement, aka "Studio Dave." Enjoy a no-holds-barred tour of his creative home.
Diorama: A Tutorial, Part 4 of 4
Properly scaled backgrounds are hard to find. This tutorial series walks through building a simple diorama for 6" action figures.
Diorama: A Tutorial, Part 3 of 4
Properly scaled backgrounds are hard to find. This tutorial series walks through building a simple diorama that is properly scaled for 6" action figures.
Diorama: A Tutorial, Part 2 of 4
Properly scaled backgrounds are hard to find. This series walks through building a simple diorama that is properly scalled for 6" action figures.
Diorama: A Tutorial, Part 1 of 4
Dave offers simple tips for making a brick wall diorama for your toy photography. Part 1 of this four-part series covers carving the foam wall.
BTS: Painting & Weathering Action Figures
Adding paint to action figures can bring out detail and add an aged look. Dave tries painting and weathering a Black Series Baby Yoda figure.
Lume Cube Panel Mini Reviewed
Toy Photographer Dave DeBaeremaeker reviews the new Lume Cube Panel Mini light and compares how it stacks up against the original square Lume Cube.
Taking a Shot: How I Created Deadpool’s Bullet
A behind-the-scenes story of a plastic egg, spray paint, an inner voice, a Hot Toys Deadpool figure and how it all came together in a dramatic toy photo.
Checking In from Quarantine
Quarantine takes a mental toll on all of us. Check in with Dave and see how he has been handling the stress, and learning to forgive a lack of creativity.
Shooting Into the Sun
Putting the sun directly in the background of your shot can make a dramatic image. Follow this tutorial to learn how to do it with your toy photography.
Making My Own Character: The Plague Doctor
Have an idea for a shot but can't find an action figure to create it? Try taking an existing figure and adding your own accessories, like my plague doctor.