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Video - How to make a zombie swirling vortex with toy photography
Create your own swirling circus vortex this Halloween Zombies and clowns are a perfect match. You've probably seen a zombie horde invading a circus or amusement park in movies or video games. The best part? You can set up a scene like this right at home.. If you're into toy photography, you don't need a big circus tent or a fairground setup. Just grab a simple garden windmill. With a little creativity and a semi-slow shutter speed, you can make your own swirling vortex to go

Martyn Hayes
18 hours ago1 min read


AI video experiment - Haunted House
Out of curiosity, and in full Halloween spirit, I tried creating a video using artificial intelligence. The idea was to experiment with what AI can do and see how it compares to actually shooting the real thing. It was fun to play around with, and the tech is definitely useful. It was a nice surprise to see what the robots can come up with and see the atmosphere they bring. However, as an image maker, I felt it was rigit. AI can imitate style, but it can’t match the flexibi

Martyn Hayes
5 days ago1 min read


Video - How to use panning with Halloween toy photography
A quick guide on how you can make a wicked witch fly via the art of toy photos Ever tried the panning technique in your photography? It's a cool trick often used in sports or street photos. Imagine a car or bike zooming past with a blurred background and you'll get the picture! You can totally use this method in toy photography as well. Watch the video above to see how you can make a super spooky photo just in time for Halloween. With the shops stocked full of all sorts of cr

Martyn Hayes
Oct 92 min read


Spine-Chilling Portraits: A Gallery of Halloween Horror Photography
When the ghosts and ghouls come out to play this Halloween, you’ve got two options: you can either hide under the covers or get out there and join in the fun. It's especially a blast when you've got your camera ready. The fun part about portrait photography is picking the location and outfits. You can totally create a new world and dive into different stories just by making some choices. This is super true for horror and fantasy themes. Haunting Portrait Photo Gallery to Insp

Martyn Hayes
Oct 71 min read


Video - How to create a toy photography Halloween scene
Stepping behind he scenes in creating a ghostly still life set up Looking to get into the spirit of All Hallow's Eve this October? Grab your camera and set up a spooky scene right in your home or garden! Check out the video above for tips on how to dive into some Halloween toy photography. As you'll notice, crafting your own horror scene is actually pretty simple. With a little creativity and a wide aperture, you'll be creating your own eerie narrative in no time. . Props I s

Martyn Hayes
Oct 21 min read


Paintings gallery
While snapping photos is definitely my numero uno passion, it's not the only way I express myself as an artist. Besides capturing moments with my trusty camera, I've also enjoy putting paint on canvas. Painting for me isn't just a hobby. It can feel like a therapitic escape. Think of it as a "chill pill" in a brush. It’s a nice change of pace from the whirlwind adventure that is photography, where everything moves faster than a caffeinated squirrel. Comic book style You've pr

Martyn Hayes
Sep 182 min read


The success of women's football from a marcomms perspective
Why the meteoric rise in female soccer is here to stay Women's football has experienced a dramatic transformation in recent years. It has surged in visibility, participation, and significance. With packed stadiums and growing fan communities, the sport is enjoying the spotlight it deserves. A staggering 12.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the Lionesses triumph over Spain to win Euro 2025. Similarly, 87,192 spectators filled Wembley Stadium three years earlier, setting the

Martyn Hayes
Sep 43 min read


Photo gallery - Birthday celebrations for Stephen Rowe
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, friends and family came together to celebrate Stephen Rowe's birthday. The Clapham North pub in South London was buzzing with dancing, toasts, and a great atmosphere all around. This gallery captures the celebration with some environmental portraits along with candid shots. If you were at this event and would like to view more photographs and download them, you can do so via the link at the bottom of this page. Environmental portraits Candid docume

Martyn Hayes
Aug 31 min read


A Visual Feast: Exploring food and drink through photography
Food and drink photography is a fun and exciting way to show off how amazing and tasty different dishes can look. Even though food photography isn't really my specialty, I do have a bunch of photos that mix with other styles like still life , wildlife , and documentary photography. These styles bring their own unique vibes and storytelling to the pictures I've taken. My goal wasn't just to make something that looks yummy; I wanted to dive into the bigger stories and contexts

Martyn Hayes
Jul 173 min read


Could this housing estate host England's most dedicated football fanbase?
Photo gallery - Football fever in South London You probably have that neighbour who goes all out during international football tournaments. Whenever England is playing in big events like the World Cup or the Euros, their house is usually covered in Saint George's flags , waving proudly in the wind. These excited fans would fit right in at the Kirby Estate in Southwark, where the vibe during football tournaments is absolutely buzzing. With the World Cup in full swing, the est

Martyn Hayes
Jun 122 min read


Capturing passion through the lens: A documentary photo gallery of football fans
As the World Cup approaches, the globe is electrified with football fever. The anticipation and excitement for this prestigious tournament are undeniable, as millions of fans from diverse backgrounds unite to celebrate their shared passion for the beautiful game. The beautiful game is the world's favourite sport . It brings people together no matter where they're from. It stirs up all sorts of feelings, from pure joy to letdowns, creating moments that really hit home for bot

Martyn Hayes
Jun 52 min read


Celebrate May the 4th with Stunning Toy Photography of Iconic Star Wars Characters
May the 4th is a special day for Star Wars fans around the world. It’s a time to celebrate the legendary saga that has captivated generations. If you are a photography enthusiast, this day offers a unique chance to explore the art of toy photography through the lens of Star Wars characters. Toy photography combines creativity, technical skill, and storytelling, making it a fascinating hobby or professional pursuit. Why Star Wars Toy Photography Captures the Imagination Star

Martyn Hayes
May 42 min read


Photo gallery - Romance
Romance and Photography: A Perfect Pairing Romance and photography go hand in hand. The artform has the unique ability to freeze fleeting moments of love and affection, transforming them into everlasting memories. As Valentine's Day approaches, many individuals seek to express their love through thoughtful gestures, and photography becomes an essential medium for this expression. Here are some photos I created that capture that lovely dovey feeling this Valentine's Day. Each

Martyn Hayes
Feb 134 min read


Documentary photo gallery - Chinese New Year celebrations in London
Celebrating Chinese New Year in London is an exciting experience that brings people from all backgrounds together to enjoy the rich culture of the city's Chinese community. The parade winds through the busy streets of the West End and has become a must-see event of the year, attracting thousands of people eager to join in the fun. Every year, the area lights up with a stunning display of colour, sound, and energy, featuring traditional lion dances, amazing floats, and the rh

Martyn Hayes
Feb 121 min read


Photo gallery - Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania
A vibrant view of Vilnius Town Hall illuminated at night, with a lively ice rink in the foreground adorned with bright signage and festive lighting. A photographic snapshot of the festivities in the capital of Lithuania Thinking about a classy Christmas city break? You should definitely add Vilnius, Lithuania, to your list. When the holidays hit, the city goes all out with the festive vibes. One thing that really stood out to me was how businesses deck out their doorways wi

Martyn Hayes
Dec 12, 20254 min read


Capturing the Magic of Santa in the City Through Photographs
A Festive Journey: Photographing 1,000 Santas in the Heart of London So, you've heard all the usual Christmas stuff - songs about Silent Nights or poems about how quiet everything is, not even a mouse making a sound... Well, that dreamy quiet scene isn't what you'll find in the UK capital, especially when fundraisers roll into town! Every year, people in the city channel their inner Kris Kringle to raise some cash for charity. Thousands head to the Square Mile to spread Chris

Martyn Hayes
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Photo gallery - Christmas in Riga, Latvia
A festive scene unfolds at at Riga's Christmas market , with a grand evergreen arch adorned with a red bow, classic striped booths, and the towering cathedral in the background. Thinking about a fun city to celebrate Christmas this year? Riga's the spot for you. Just like other European cities, it really lights up when Santa arrives. But what's cool about Riga is its charming and peaceful vibe. Imagine the scene on a classic festive biscuit tin, and you've got the right idea.

Martyn Hayes
Dec 5, 20254 min read


Where London Comes Together: Notting Hill Carnival
Documentary photography gallery of the world's second largest street festival Every August bank holiday, London comes alive for one of the world's greatest street celebrations. Notting Hill Carnival transforms the city into a vibrant explosion of colour, music, food and culture, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the UK. Fisheye lens image of a woman with colourful feathers blowing a kiss at Notting Hill Carnival Capturing the real Notting Hill Carnival If you've

Martyn Hayes
Aug 1, 20253 min read


Photo gallery - Pride London
Close your eyes and envision the people of London. You might imagine them as bustling, white-collar workers hurrying through the city's grey skies and hectic scenes. Now open your eyes... the true nature of London, its diversity is here to smash those stereotypes! Each year, the capital proudly hosts its annual LGBTQ pride parade, creating a vibrant scene filled with joyous faces and rainbow flags. Stretching from Marble Arch to Soho, the entire West End becomes a lively cele

Martyn Hayes
Jun 1, 20252 min read


Photo gallery - Long exposures
Long exposure photography is an awesome way for photographers to snap amazing pictures that show the flow of time in just one shot. It...

Martyn Hayes
May 2, 20253 min read
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