So You Want a Beskar Mando? Try This Custom Black Series Project
Learn to turn your Star Wars the Black Series Mandalorian action figure into a custom beskar armor version with articulated cape.
Tips & Tricks: Building Backgrounds from Your Recycle Bin
Toy photography doesn't have to cost a fortune. Learn how to build effective backgrounds using items from your recycling bin.
MOC It Up Again: Updating My LEGO Exosuit Build
I had the itch to do some new building, and rather than a new kit it was prime time for a redo of the original MOC. This would be one base plate (3 sided) and loaded with...
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.
Tips & Tricks: Indiana Jones Sunset Silhouette Effect
Alan offers a simple tutorial for creating a sunset silhouette with your toy photography. All it requires is a light source and some household items.
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.
Customizing 6-Inch Action Figures with Jon Black (@12parsecscustoms)
Star Wars 6-inch action figure customizer Jon Black, @12parsecscustoms on Instagram, shares his process, sources and tips for making custom figures.
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.
LEGO Death Star II Battle (GWP) Set 40407 Review
Alan reviews and shoots the LEGO Death Star II Battle (GWP) set 40407, was available free with $75 Shop.LEGO.com purchases for Star Wars Day 2020.
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.
Troopers in the Mist: Creating Atmosphere
Atmosphere can be a fantastic element to your toy photography. We explore three options for doing so with Matt Frederick.
Using Pet Store Aquarium Accessories for Toy Photography
During a visit to the pet store for some goldfish [...]
Building My Own Background: Learn to Make a Diorama
One of the largest issues with toy photography, especially for [...]
The Floor Is Lava: Creating a Diorama for Multiple Scales
Remember that game played as kids? "THE FLOOR IS LAVA!!!" Furniture became the high ground where play and fantasy ruled the day. One of the reasons I (and I'll assume many other toy photographers) do this kind of work is just that - play and fantasy. For me its entirely detached from my career as a professional creative (although it does make use of related skills). Toy photography is a chance to create just for fun. And its a rabbit hole...
Selecting the Right One
Toy photographer Tobias Schiel shares his process for selecting the best photo from a number of alternative versions. Which one best suits the vision?