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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


Urban Energy: Portraits from Shoreditch and Brick Lane
I recently joined the Conceptual Collaborators group for a brilliant portrait shoot in Shoreditch. A handful of photographers and a small group of models came together for a relaxed, creative day — plenty of laughs, plenty of experimenting. The theme of the day was "goths and punks". Shoreditch and Brick Lane are perfect playgrounds for environmental portraiture, with colour, texture and character on every corner. Here are a few of the images I created during the session. If

Martyn Hayes
Sep 151 min read


Photo gallery - Hampstead Heath, North London
View of North London from Hampstead Heath, highlighting church spires and lush, autumnal treetops under a cloudy sky. Hampstead Heath in North London is an intriguing and vibrant place to visit, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Spanning over 790 acres, this sprawling park is not only one of the largest green spaces in London but also provides a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Heath is renowned for its stunn

Martyn Hayes
Sep 112 min read


Capturing the glamour of the roaring twenties
Retro style portrait gallery When you think of the Roaring Twenties, images of elegance, glamour and vintage style often come to mind. It was an era defined by bold fashion, confidence and a sense of excitement. To recreate that feeling, model Emily White and I took to the streets of London. Rather than using grand locations, we chose the streets around Lambeth as our backdrop. This helped maintain a more authentic, working-class atmosphere while still reflecting the spirit o

Martyn Hayes
Sep 101 min read


Video - How to make an epic sword toy photograph
Create your own epic warrior like scene at home with still life photography There's nothing quite like diving into an epic adventure. Imagine a setting perfect for Conan the Barbarian, The Sword in the Stone, or Legend of Zelda. These kinds of scenes can give you goosebumps as you prepare for the escapades ahead. Luckily, you don't need to travel far to experience it; you can set it up right at home with some toy photography! Check out the video above to learn how you can cre

Martyn Hayes
Sep 101 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


Documentary photo gallery - Anti Donald Trump Protest in London
Fisheye lens photography of the UK capitals backlash against the US President Back in September 2025, you may recall the US President making a state visit to the UK ? King Charles III welcomed him at Windsor Castle with all the pomp and pageantry. Even though he received a warm welcome in the castle, Londoners weren't as thrilled. Thousands of people gathered around the city to protest against the controversial US leader. Organised by the Stop Trump Coalition , the event had

Martyn Hayes
Sep 41 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


Exploring the charm of the City through portrait photography
Taking portraits in a city is an unbeatable experience. The lively and energetic nature of urban settings adds a unique touch that really brings out the subject's character and personality. I snapped a bunch of cool photos of the talented model, Emily White , as we wandered through the busy streets of London. Using an urban canvas for city portratis If you've been to UK capital, you know it's packed with all sorts of backdrops and styles. The city offers everything from cool,

Martyn Hayes
Aug 141 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


Is Otok Čiovo in Croatia worth visiting?
A photo gallery showing how you can find tranquility so close to Split Planning a European beach getaway but not sure where to head? With tons of amazing spots all over the continent, picking the perfect one can be tough. Just a short drive from the lively city of Split , you'll find the stunning island of Otok Čiovo . This destination is famous for its jaw-dropping natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters that sparkle in shades of blue and green. Along the coastline you'll

Martyn Hayes
Jul 312 min read


Can't find a model - Photograph a friend!
The advantages of snapping portraits of one of your pals instead of a professional model When you need a portrait but can’t find a professional model, photographing a friend can be a great solution. It’s not even a backup plan - it offers unique advantages that can improve your photography and make the session more enjoyable. If you’re a portrait photographer, learning how to work with your pals as models can expand your creative options and help you capture authentic moments

Martyn Hayes
Jul 243 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


Documentary photo gallery - Backstage at the Silverstone F1 Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton, in his Vodafone McLaren team attire, smiles amidst the busy paddock atmosphere at the Formula 1 event. Documentary photography is super rewarding and fulfilling because it lets artists tell amazing stories through pictures. It captures real-life events, people, and places, giving viewers a peek into moments they might otherwise miss. Back in 2007 , I had the amazing opportunity to work with a well-known camera company. My role was all about assisting pro sport

Martyn Hayes
Jul 52 min read


Capturing Beauty in Bloom: Lavender Field Portraits
Summer's the perfect time to pick up your camera and dive into portrait photography adventures. The season's vibrant colours really pop, making everything look amazing. With the sun's warmth, lush green landscapes, and blooming flowers, you've got a stunning backdrop that makes your subjects shine. Lavender plants , in particular, add a special charm and create a magical vibe for any photo session. Scroll down to view some lavender feild portraits Check out these portraits I

Martyn Hayes
Jun 262 min read


Brexit a decade later - London's reaction
A photographic essay on the UK capital's resistance in 2016 Ten years ago, Britain’s decision to leave the European Union sent shockwaves through London’s streets. You may recall that while much of the UK was in celebration after the referendum, these feelings weren't felt in Scotland , Northern Ireland or London where the majority voted to remain. As a photographer, you know how moments of change create powerful stories and images. London’s response to Brexit was not just

Martyn Hayes
Jun 193 min read
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