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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
2 days ago1 min read


Who you gonna call? Five marketing lessons from the Ghostbusters
Come October, there's always something strange in the neighbourhood. Movie goers will remember the Ghostbusters films for giant marshmallow men and proton packs. However, the fictional on-screen ghost-hunting start-up also demonstrated some surprisingly smart marketing. In this fun, festive and frightful blog, we'll draw on this spooktacular franchise from Sony Pictures and Ghost Corps. Let's explore five lessons marketers can learn from the boys in beige. Five effective mark

Martyn Hayes
3 days ago2 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
5 days ago2 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
7 days ago1 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


Photo gallery - Vampire portraits
Did you see last week's post with a bunch of horror portraits? Dressing up in elaborate costumes is truly the best way to immerse oneself in the Halloween spirit and embrace the thrill of the holiday! Whether it's through intricate makeup, detailed outfits, or haunting props, transforming into a character can be a delightful experience. Why vampires make for great charactors with portrait photography If you're looking to dive into an enthralling horror story, you can't go wro

Martyn Hayes
Oct 11 min read


Video - Behind the scenes of a Ghostbusters toy photography shoot
How to create an action figure still life photo setup this Halloween Is there something strange in your neighbourhood? No need to cower behind the sofa. You have the tools and the talent to bust some ghosts right in your own living room! Here is a Ghostbusters toy photography scene I made with action figures to get you into the spirit of Halloween. If you aint afraid of no ghosts, take a look at the props below. Props needed to create a Ghostbusters toy photography image If y

Martyn Hayes
Sep 251 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


Capturing imagination: The art of toy photography
Toy photography is an enjoyable and imaginative hobby that combines the pleasure of play with the art of photography. It allows enthusiasts to capture images of their favourite toys in interesting environments, bringing them to life in ways that evoke both nostalgia and creativity. The Joy of Toy Photography One of the most appealing aspects of toy photography is the sheer fun that comes with it. Whether you're using action figures, dolls, or miniature vehicles, the possibili

Martyn Hayes
Aug 2818 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


Photo gallery - More Halloween still life
A detailed figurine of a zombie stands ominously against a blurred, soft-colored background, showcasing its intricate and haunting design. Did you check out last week's photo gallery of all things spooky? Now that Halloween is over, why wait until next year to get your fix? Here are some more pics of little monsters in homemade haunting scenes. As you can see, I've got a big collection of still life horror shots. With so many images, it's no surprise that some didn't make th

Martyn Hayes
Nov 7, 20253 min read


Exploring the ghostly legend of the White Lady in Colwick, Nottinghamshire
Want to get your heart racing with things that go bump in the night? Why not take a spooky trip to the village of Colwick, just east of Nottingham. There, you'll find the crumbling ruins of Saint John's Church. This old religious site sits right next to the gorgeous Colwick Hall, a Georgian country house in Palladian style that's now a hotel and event venue. The mansion is absolutely stunning and definitely worth checking out. The church, though just a shadow of its former se

Martyn Hayes
Nov 2, 20254 min read


Photo documentary gallery - World Zombie Day in London
When the living dead took over the UK capital On Saturday 11 October 2025, the undead took to the streets of London to unleash terror ahead of Halloween, As part of World Zombie Day , fiendish ghouls transformed the vibrant city into a chilling tableau of horror. The living dead, in their relentless pursuit of brains, wove through the bustling streets, creating a spectacle that both fascinated and horrified the onlookers. The fancy dress parade was a horror makeup extravagan

Martyn Hayes
Oct 21, 20252 min read


Photo gallery - Halloween still life
Capturing the small things that go bump in the night through the power of photography A whimsical Halloween scene features a skeleton figure surrounded by miniature pumpkins and tealight candles, sitting atop a chalk-drawn pentagram with misty effects created by baby powder. There's nothing like indulging in all things that go bump in the night for All Hallows Eve. October is that magical time of year when the withces cackle, wearwolfs howl and the l iving dead come out to

Martyn Hayes
Oct 31, 20243 min read


Photo gallery - Halloween portraits
Ever notice that chill that comes about every October? The rustle in the trees, the hair on your arms standing on end and the sense of...

Martyn Hayes
Oct 27, 20243 min read


Halloween marketing ideas
Suggestions to add a little pumpkin spice to your marcoms this October You've noticed the sudden temperature drop, the mysterious tingle...

Martyn Hayes
Sep 8, 20243 min read
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