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Capturing imagination: The art of toy photography

Teal graphic with toy photos of a skier, fairy, stormtrooper, girl with umbrella, and red dinosaur. Text: Toy Photography, www.martyn-hayes.co.uk.

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 possibilities are endless. Each toy can tell a story, and through the lens of a camera, these stories can be vividly portrayed.


The joy lies not just in the final images but also in the entire creative process—from setting up the scene and choosing the right angles to experimenting with lighting and backgrounds.


Examples of Toy Photography


Scroll down to view some examples of toy photography that I created.



Building a mini world with Lego


I like to set up scenes that match the size of the subjects in my photos. I usually start by focusing on where the toys' feet go. By placing them in snow, sand, soil, or similar surfaces, I create a base that makes the rest of the world seem smaller.


For example, if you put a Lego figure next to big things like grass blades or wood grooves, it can remind people of the bigger world outside, breaking the tiny world illusion. I prefer keeping the fantasy alive by building a world that fits their size, so I always begin with a surface that works with their feet.

Lego figure skiing on snowy ground, wearing blue gear and goggles. Background has blurred trees and snow-covered mountains.
A LEGO skier cruises through a tiny snowy landscape, with frosted trees and frosty mountains in the background, capturing the fun of winter in a playful scene.

Lego ski figure


  • Props used:

    • Lego ski toy

    • Baking soda for the snow

    • Model trees

    • Cardboard defocussed to create the mountains


  • Techniques:

    • I physically sat at the left side of the frame and blew into the powder with a straw. Thus, creating the effect of a burst of snow as the ski man travels down the slopes.



Toy figure with orange hair rides a red motorcycle up a rocky surface. Blurred green background creates an action-packed scene.
A LEGO figure on a red motorcycle pulls off an epic jump over some rocky ground, with a blurry green backdrop in the distance.

Jumping Lego bike


  • Props used:

    • Lego motorcycle toy

    • A curved fallen tree / log to appear as a cliff


  • Techniques:

    • I wedged a stick between the bike and log to separate the bike from the ground. I later removed the stick using post production techniques to make the vehicle look like it was jumping and airborne


LEGO figure in an orange hazmat suit looks worried, standing in a green, textured area. Radiant symbol on suit. Faded doorway in background.
A LEGO figure in a jumpsuit running through a doorway, looking pretty alarmed and escaping a radioactive situation.

Lego bio hazard


  • Props used:

    • Lego biohazard toy

    • Greed powder paint

    • Door and wall scene made from card


  • Techniques:

    • I titled the camera to create the Dutch angle and create a sense of chaos / anxiety



Lego figure in blue hockey gear, holding a stick, skates through snow. Snowflakes fall against snow-covered trees in the background.
A LEGO ice hockey player is out on the snowy rink, ready to score the winning goal in this winter wonderland scene.

Lego ice hockey


  • Props used:

    • Lego ice hockey toy

    • Model trees

    • Fake confetti snow


  • Techniques:

    • I placed the confetti snow in a sieve and sprinkled it onto the scene while snapping away. Thus, creating a real snowfall effect without the use of post-production.



Lego pirate with a parrot stands on sandy beach under blue sky. Pirate wears a blue hat, red vest, and has a joyful expression.
A LEGO pirate figurine enjoys a sunny day on the beach, holding a colorful parrot, with the ocean waves softly crashing in the background.

Lego pirate


  • Props used:

    • Lego pirate and parrot toys

    • Real sand and sea on a beach



Star Wars Lego photography


Star Wars is a fan favourite for toy photography. And there's a reason for it - It's fun to recreate the worlds of Tattooine, Degoba and Cloud City.

Lego figure in blue and white armor stands on a textured surface, holding a black weapon. Background is blurred, creating a dramatic focus.
A lone LEGO stormtrooper stands bravely on a rugged terrain, ready for action against a blurred natural backdrop.

Lego storm trooper


  • Props used:

    • Lego storm trooper toy

    • A dry wooden log surface with a shallow depth of field to create the sense of an alien world


LEGO figure in black armor with a red lightsaber stands on rocky terrain, evoking a dramatic and intense mood amidst a dark, rainy setting.
Lego Darth Vader stands ominously atop volcanic rocks, his red lightsaber aglow, in a dramatic and cinematic scene.

Lego Darth Vader


  • Props used:

    • Lego Darth Vader toy

    • Bumps on a fallen log


  • Techniques:

    • I sprayed water onto the scene to make it look like it was raining. I later added the glowing effect to the light sabre in Affinity Photo.



Traversing a "Galaxy far far away" with more Star Wars toy photography

A detailed action figure of Boba Fet in red and brown armor stands amidst swirling smoke, set against a blurry forest background, evoking mystery.
Boba Fet action figure stands confidently in the middle of swirling smoke, all set to take on a battle in an alien world.

Boba Fet


  • Props used:

    • Boba Fet action figure

    • Smoke


  • Techniques:

    • I used a mini smoke machine to create the atmospheric effect


Toy figure of Obi Wan Kenobi with a glowing light sabre sword stands on misty, rocky terrain. The figure has robes, a belt, and boots, evoking a mysterious mood.
Jedi knight, Obi Wan Kenobi stands poised with a glowing blue lightsaber amidst a smoky, rocky landscape, capturing a dramatic moment from a galaxy far, far away.

Obi Wan Kenobi


  • Props used:

    • Obi Wan Kenobi / Ben action figure

    • Inside of a hole in a fallen tree

    • Mini smoke machine


  • Techniques:

    • As with the previous image, I used a mini smoke machine to create the atmosphere. I shot the scene in a hole within a fallen tree to make Ben Kenobi appear as if he is in a dark creepy cave. I later made the light sabre glow in Affinity Photo.


Toy stormtrooper sits on a log in a grassy field with daisies. The background is blurred with green and brown tones, creating a peaceful vibe.
A small stormtrooper figure sits thoughtfully on a log amidst a serene, flower-filled meadow, blending sci-fi with nature.

Storm trooper taking a break


  • Props used:

    • Storm trooper action figure

    • Small log

    • Daisy flowers


  • Techniques:

    • This image was shot in a park with daisies defocussed in the foreground to add depth to the image



Creating action packed photographs with figures


Thematic toy photography can also be incredibly engaging. A series of photos featuring a particular character or toy line can tell a cohesive story. For example, a series could depict a superhero in various scenarios — battling villains, saving the day, or even enjoying a day off at the beach. This narrative approach adds depth to the images and allows for a more profound connection with the audience.

Toy figure of Batman stands on snow-like ground. Blurred background with bright bokeh lights. Dark and dramatic mood.
A miniature Batman figure stands vigilantly on a mound, contrasting against the blurred backdrop of city lights in the night.

Batman


  • Props used:

    • Batman action figure

    • Baking soda


  • Techniques:

    • I sprinkled baking soda on the ground to hide the Dark Knight's plastic base around the feet and create the sense of a cold winter's night in Gotham. I chose to include a high rise building in the background to give the impression that there are more similar structures in the metropolis. I shot the image using the titled Dutch angle to create a sense of unease and imbalance.


Silhouette of a soldier toy with rifle, among crosses on textured ground. Moody, grayscale setting with blurred background.
In a somber black and white scene, a lone soldier figurine stands among small crosses, evoking themes of remembrance and loss.

Army man in a graveyard


This is one of my favourite images and I love the sense of stillness, causing the viewer to reflect on the effects of war. Had the figure been aiming his gun or appearing to be in action, it would have created a different and less sombre feeling.


  • Props used:

    • Mini green army man

    • Fake fur to appear as the grass

    • Matchsticks to create the tombstones

    • An open window and shelf to silhouette the scene


  • Techniques:

    • I placed the entire scene against an open window to silhouette each object. Thus, giving the characters and narrative a sense of mystery. I later removed all colour in post-production to make the image appear timeless.


Action figure of Winston Zeddemore, Ghostbuster in a beige jumpsuit with a no ghost logo stands on a dark surface, holding a black tool. A ghost silhouette is seen in the background.
A detailed toy figure of a Ghostbusters character stands against a dark backdrop, with a ghostly silhouette cast in the background, capturing the iconic spirit of the franchise.

Winston Zeddemore, Ghostbuster


  • Props used:

    • Ghostbusters action figure

    • Novelty Halloween torch to project the ghost onto the background

    • Mini fog machine

    • Model grit for the floor


Astronaut figurine in a white suit stands among rocks with a blurred teal and black background, creating a dreamy, space-like atmosphere.
A miniature astronaut figure stands surrounded by small rocks, set against an ethereal backdrop of blurred, shimmering teal lights, evoking the mystery of space exploration.

Astronaut in another world


  • Props used:

    • Spaceman / woman figure

    • Small white stones

    • Sand

    • Cardboard to appear as rocks in the distance

    • Turquoise plastic clear film


  • Techniques:

    • I used plastic clear turquoise wrapping to create the alien looking sky. The folds in the sheet naturally made the whooshing bokeh effect with a shallow depth of field. Thus, adding a sense of wonder to the image.



Toy soldier with a sword stands on tall grass at sunset, silhouetted against a hazy sky. Backdrop features blurred trees.
A lone warrior toy strides through tall grass at sunset, sword in hand, ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

GI Joe ninja at sunset


  • Props used:

    • GI Joe action figure

    • Fake fur to appear as the long grass

    • A real sunset

    • A picnic table to place the whole scene on



Silhouetted figure in armor stands on a rocky terrain against a bright sky. The mood is mysterious and dramatic, with no visible text.
A mysterious toy figure in a tactical suit stands silhouetted against a stark, barren landscape, evoking a sense of solitude and resilience.

GI Jane


  • Props used:

    • GI Jane action figure

    • Soil for the ground


  • Techniques:

    • I chose not to light the subject from the front in order to silhouette it and create a sense of mystery. I shot from below, looking up to give the figure a sense of power.



Crafting your own miniature environments

Toy figure of a girl in a pink hoodie holding a blue umbrella, standing on a wet surface. Soft blurred background, calm mood.
A tiny figurine stands on a rain-drenched surface, clutching a blue umbrella, dressed in a pink hooded coat and red skirt, capturing the charm of braving the rain with a whimsical smile.

Toy girl with an umbrella in the rain


  • Props used:

    • Toy girl wearing a pink jacket and holding a blue umbrella

    • Spray bottle full of water


  • Techniques:

    • I placed the toy on a concrete surface on the side of a bridge to ensure a clear sky was visible in the background without any distractions like buildings or trees. I then sprayed the scene with water to create the rain effect.


      I purposely shot at sunset to compliment the toy girl's pink clothing.


Red toy dinosaur in a cityscape with gray buildings. Blue sky and a white cloud in the background create a playful, whimsical scene.
A vibrant red toy dinosaur towers over a simplified cityscape, creating a playful scene against a bright blue sky with a solitary cloud in the background.

T-Rex takes over the city


Sometimes the simple ideas are the best. I'm quite fond of this image as it demonstrates what toy photography is all about - Fun!


  • Props used:

    • Pink tyrannosaurus rex toy

    • Coloured card to create the skyscrapers and sky



Clay sailor figurine with a pipe stands on a wooden surface. Background shows blurred boat and cityscape, creating a whimsical, nautical scene.
A charming rubber sailor figurine with a pipe stands proudly against a blurred maritime backdrop, evoking a whimsical nautical theme.

Sailor by his ship in the harbour


  • Props used:

    • Rubber sailor toy

    • Lollypop sticks glued together to create a wooden promenade for the figure to stand on


  • Techniques:

    • Shot with a real ship and river in the background to appear as a maritime harbour



Blue toy chick in focus with two blurred yellow chicks behind on a bright yellow background, creating a playful and cheerful scene.
A fluffy blue chick stands out in front of two yellow chicks against a vibrant yellow background.

Plush chicks


  • Props used:

    • Blue and yellow plush chick toys

    • Yellow coloured card



Exploring real world settings for toy photography


Despite mentioning that I prefer to craft a shrunken world to set my toys within, sometimes these rules can be broken. Here you can see how toy photography can look good within the world of large, realistic items.


Green flip-flops stand in golden sand against a bright, sunny backdrop, creating a warm and relaxed beach vibe.
Brightly coloured mini flip-flops rest in the warm sand, basking in the glow of a golden sunset by the beach.

Flipflops in the sand


  • Props used:

    • Flipflop eraser / rubber toy

    • Real sand


  • Techniques:

    • This image was shot on a real sandy beach in the direction of a sunset


Toy poop emoji with big eyes on a pink toilet lid in a bathroom with a butterfly-patterned rug. Playful and humorous setting.
A playful poop emoji toy with googly eyes sits humorously on the toilet seat.

Poo on a toilet seat


  • Props used:

    • Poo toy

    • A real toilet seat


  • Techniques:

    • I captured this image with a fisheye lens to enhance the curve of the toilet seat and poo toy, amplifying the comedic effect.


Toy polystyrene airplane with red nose flies above a pebble beach under a bright blue sky. Colourful beach huts are visible in the background.
A vibrant toy plane soars above a sunlit pebble beach, set against a backdrop of vivid blue skies and colourful beach huts.

Polystyrene toy plane flying on the beach


  • Props used:

    • Polystyrene toy plane


  • Techniques:

    • I attached the plane to a stick and held it in front of me, utilising a fisheye lens. In post-production, I removed the stick using cloning techniques.


A vintage toy police car with "Polizei" on the hood sits on a wooden surface, bathed in warm, nostalgic sunlight.
A vintage toy police car with "Polizei" on the hood sits on a wooden surface, bathed in warm, nostalgic sunlight.

German toy police car on a wooden surface (polizei)


  • Props used:

    • Toy police car


Macro photography closeup of a mini white cue ball in focus on green felt, with blurred cluster of red, yellow, and one black ball in the background.
A neatly arranged set of pool balls in vibrant red, yellow, and black hues are ready for the break shot, with the white cue ball positioned perfectly on the green felt table.

Mini pool kit


  • Props used:

    • Miniture pool balls and table


  • Techniques:



Making magic with Tinkerbell fairy toys

Tinkerbell fairy figurine in a green dress sits by a pond surrounded by rocks, with glowing blue and yellow lights in the blurred background.
A whimsical Tinkerbell fairy figurine, wearing a vibrant green dress, sits by a sparkling stream, surrounded by colourful stones and soft, glowing lights in the background.

Tinkerbell with her feet in the river


  • Props used:


  • Techniques:

    • I crafted the river by positioning a small wooden box on the floor and strategically placing pebbles around the edges to emulate a riverbank. I then positioned the Tinkerbell figure at the center and poured water to give the impression that she was dipping her legs into the stream.


      To enhance the magical ambiance, I placed fairy lights at the base of a tree in the background.


A fairy figurine with blue wings sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by autumn leaves. Blurred blue lights glow in the dark background.
A delicate fairy figurine sits gracefully amid colorful autumn leaves, with soft blue lights twinkling in the background, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

Fairy on a wooden surface in the forest


  • Props used:

    • Toy fairy

    • Tree stump

    • Autumn leaves

    • Fairy lights


  • Techniques:

    • This image was captured at sunset using only natural light, except for the fairy lights. I positioned the toy in a spot where the sun illuminated the forest, effectively capturing the vivid tones and colours.


Tinkerbell fairy figurine with green dress and intricate wings stands on a tree branch. Blue and purple bokeh lights create a magical background.
A whimsical Tinkerbell fairy figurine in a vibrant green dress stands delicately on a branch, with intricate wings and glowing blue bokeh lights creating a magical forest ambiance.

Tinkerbell on a tree branch


  • Props used:

    • Tinkerbell toy

    • A real tree

    • Fairy lights


  • Techniques:

    • 11I positioned Tinkerbell on a tree branch to enhance her downward gaze. I added fairy lights in the background and captured the scene at night to create a magical atmosphere.



Photographing realistic animal toys in the snow


This is where my passion for toy photography began. One year, London experienced heavy snowfall. While in a toy shop, I discovered some realistic animal figurines. I seized the opportunity to experiment with the winter landscape outside.

Toy polar bear cub on snowy hill, surrounded by blurred white landscape. The scene is serene with muted tones and a soft winter vibe.
A small polar bear figurine nestled in a thick blanket of snow, creating a playful illusion of a winter adventure in the wild.

Toy polar bear in the snow


  • Props used:

    • Toy polar bear cub

    • Real snow


  • Techniques:

    • This image captures a small curve on a snow-covered tree branch, emulating a small mound of snow.


A small wolf figurine howls on a snow-covered mound in a blurry winter forest background, conveying a serene, solitary mood.
A miniature wolf figurine howls atop a snow-covered mound, set against a blurred, wintry forest backdrop.

Toy wolf howling in a snowy forest


  • Props used:

    • Toy wolf

    • Real snow


  • Techniques:

    • Captured on a small mound of snow to simulate a cliff edge in the forest.



Four small penguins huddle on snowy ground. The background is blurred and wintry, creating a cozy and serene atmosphere.
A group of toy fluffy chicks huddles together on a snowy landscape, showcasing their resilience in the cold environment.

Toy baby emperor penguins in the snow by an icey pond


  • Props used:

    • Toy emperor penguins

    • Real snow and iced pond water



Horrific Hallowe'en toy photography


That time of year when everything goes bump in the night is a fantastic opportunity to dive into toy photography. The horror theme will ignite your creativity and send a thrilling shiver down your spine.


As autumn arrives, shops stock up with Halloween toys and decorations, perfectly timed for 31 October.

Skeleton sitting among pumpkins and lit candles on a dark background, atop a chalk pentagram. The scene feels eerie and atmospheric.
A whimsical Halloween scene featuring a skeletal figure sitting in a meditative pose, encircled by pumpkins and lit candles arranged around a chalk-drawn pentagram on a foggy backdrop.

Spooky skeleton


  • Props used:

    • Skeleton decoration

    • Mini pumpkins

    • Chalk

    • Tealight candles

    • Bathroom powder


  • Techniques:

    • This image was meticulously arranged on a tree stump in a dark forest. I outlined a pentagram using chalk around a saucer dish. The candles, pumpkins, and skeleton were strategically placed to enhance the setting.


      For the fog effect, I effectively sprayed bathroom powder in the background.


      Although the wind challenged the candle flames, I ignited and photographed them individually, then expertly stitched the scene together in post-production. The scene you see above is a seamless composition of nine images.


A small white ghost figurine stands on soil surrounded by orange pumpkins. A blurred cross is visible in the foggy background, evoking a spooky mood.
A tiny ghost figure stands amidst miniature pumpkins in a spooky graveyard setting, capturing the eerie yet playful spirit of Halloween.

Halloween ghost in a haunted graveyard


  • Props used:

    • Halloween ghost toy

    • Plastic model pumpkins

    • Soil

    • Twigs

    • Lollipop stick


  • Techniques:

    • I spreaded garden soil across a picnic table to establish the scene's foundation. I strategically positioned twigs in the background to mimic out-of-focus leafless trees.

      Placing the ghost figure prominently in the foreground, I surrounded it with orange pumpkin models. To complete the eerie atmosphere, I snapped a lollipop stick in two and crafted a cross-shaped tombstone for the background. This setup effectively creates the illusion of a haunted cemetery.


A skeleton witch with a black hat and pink gown appears in motion blur, reaching forward in a forest setting with autumn colors.
A spooky skeleton figure in a witch hat and tattered red robe appears to leap forward with outstretched hands, creating a dynamic and eerie motion effect against a blurred autumn backdrop.

Flying skeleton


  • Props used:

    • Skeleton toy


  • Techniques:

    • I securely attached the skeleton to a stick and held it in front of me for the photo. Then, I spun around on the spot to achieve the panning effect.


White toy brain with green veins, covered in red blood, on a dark background. Eerie mood emphasized by lighting.
A realistic brain toy, complete with vivid red blood streams, sits on a dark surface, creating a chilling Halloween scene.

Bloody brain


  • Props used:

    • Brain toy

    • Fake Hallowe'en blood

    • Glass

    • White paper

    • Black backdrop

    • Spray fog


  • Techniques:


    • To craft the base, I used a sheet of glass with white paper underneath, achieving the desired effect of a reflected brain.


      I poured fake blood over the top and sprayed canned fog in the background, creating an atmospheric effect reminiscent of Frankenstein's lab. Speaking of which...


A green Frankenstein's monster toy with raised arms stands on dirt in dim light. A blurred ghost figure and a pumpkin are in the dark background.
A small Frankenstein toy stands dramatically on a mound of earth, highlighted by warm lighting, surrounded by Halloween-themed decorations in a dimly lit scene.

Frankenstein's monster


  • Props used:

    • Scooby Doo Frankenstein's monster figure

    • Haunted house decoration

    • Tealight candles


  • Techniques:

    • In the foreground, I arranged garden soil around the monster's feet and illuminated it from the side with a tealight candle. For the background, I used a haunted house Halloween decoration. I captured the image using the Dutch angle to effectively convey a sense of dread and unease in the narrative.



A detailed puppet with a red costume and expressive face in a worn, vintage setting. A background puppet is blurred. Scratches add texture.
A vintage marionette with a mischievous grin stands out in a dimly lit room, casting an eerie and theatrical atmosphere. The puppet's exaggerated features and red attire add to its mysterious allure, enhanced by a grainy, aged effect.

Spooky string puppets


  • Props used:

    • String puppets


  • Techniques:

    • Captured at the Museum of Prague Ghosts and Legends with a fisheye lens, I enhanced the image in post production by adding scratches and rough edge overlays to achieve a worn and torn appearance.


Creepy doll with glowing red eyes and a black hat in a foggy, leaf-strewn setting, exuding a sinister and eerie mood.
A spine-chilling witch doll with glowing red eyes emerges from the mist, evoking a haunting atmosphere in the eerie forest setting.

Hallowe'en witch


  • Props used:

    • Witch decoration

    • Bathroom powder


  • Techniques:

    • To create a spooky atmosphere, I sprayed bathroom powder in the background to create the illusion of fog.

Skeleton clown with bright pink hair, rainbow collar, and painted face, set against a blurred turquoise background, creating a playful mood.
A whimsical yet eerie skeleton dressed as a clown, featuring a vibrant rainbow striped collar and wild pink hair, stands out against a blurred teal spinnging vortex background.

Cackling skeleton circus clown


  • Props used:

    • Skeleton clown decoration

    • Garden windmill decoration


  • Techniques:

    • I positioned the clown in front of my camera, utilising a tripod and a cable release. I placed the windmill in the background and spun it while employing a slow shutter speed, successfully creating a creepy vortex effect.


Zombie figure stands in front of vibrant flames, wearing torn clothes, with a menacing expression. Smoky background adds a dramatic mood.
A menacing zombie figure stands amidst a fiery backdrop, creating a dramatic and eerie scene.

Zombie apocalypse


  • Props used:

    • Zombie action figure

    • Sand

    • Barbeque fire


  • Techniques:

    • The background in this image features an authentic fire created from a barbecue. I set a picnic table before the blaze, covering it with sand, and strategically positioned the zombie figure.


      Subsequently, I incorporated sparks and smoke overlays during post-production.



Toy spider on a glass dome, with a blurred skull in the sepia-toned background, creating a vintage, eerie atmosphere.
A vintage-style image features a black spider figurine with glowing eyes perched on a glass orb, set against a blurred, textured background.

Rubber Hallowe'en spider on a glass orb


  • Props used:

    • Rubber spider

    • Glass orb



A spooky skeleton witch adorned in a dark hat and robe holds a lantern with a carved pumpkin face, creating a haunting Halloween atmosphere.
A spooky skeleton witch adorned in a dark hat and robe holds a lantern with a carved pumpkin face, creating a haunting Halloween atmosphere.

Ghoul emerging from a coffin


  • Props used:

    • Ghoul figure

    • Wooden mini coffin



Creating Halloween scenes out of dolls' house props


Standard dolls' house items are excellent props for crafting a spooky scene. Here are a couple of homemade haunted mini setups I've created.

A gold-framed mirror on a stone wall, with red paint drips resembling claw marks. Two lit candle sconces flank the mirror, creating a mysterious mood.
A haunted mirror with dripping red blood is flanked by two elegant wall sconces illuminating a textured stone wall.

Haunted dolls' house mirror


  • Props used:

    • Dolls' house mirror

    • Dolls' house candles

    • Fake blood

    • Sticky tac

    • Stone wall designed paper backdrop


A laughing pumpkin face flickers on an old television screen, surrounded by mini pumpkins, creating a spooky Halloween ambiance in a dimly lit room.
A laughing pumpkin face flickers on an old television screen, surrounded by mini pumpkins, creating a spooky Halloween ambiance in a dimly lit room.

Pumpkin on the TV


  • Props used:

    • Dolls' house television set

    • Mini wooden box

    • Mini pumpkins

    • Wooden base

    • Dolls' house candles

    • Wall paper printed design on an A4 sheet

    • Pumpkin face (from a decorated candle holder)


  • Techniques:

    • This image is stitched together from three photographs. The first captures the entire scene with the TV, pumpkins, box, wallpaper, and candles. Inside the TV, I added a layer of static along with another featuring the pumpkin face.This image was inspired by the film, Poltergeist.



Constructing a cracking Christmas through toy photography


That special time of year and toys are inseparable. I've created these still life photos to capture the festive magic.

A charming festive scene with a tiny snow-covered figure in a red hat, surrounded by colourful lights, a vintage toy train, and miniature Christmas trees, capturing the magic of the holiday season.
A charming festive scene with a tiny snow-covered figure in a red hat, surrounded by colourful lights, a vintage toy train, and miniature Christmas trees, capturing the magic of the holiday season.

Wooden girl at a Christmas train station


  • Props used:

    • Wooden doll with pigtails

    • Toy train and tracks

    • Small book (for the train station platform)

    • Artificial confetti snow

    • Model trees

    • Model Christmas village houses

    • Spray fog

    • Black backdrop


  • Techniques:

    • I lit up the scene from the side with some continuous lights and used a speedlight to brighten things up from the front. This way, I managed to capture the spray fog coming off the side of the train.


      At the same time, I was sprinkling fake snow over the scene with a sieve.


      With just two hands, I was spraying fog, sprinkling snow, and snapping the shot with my cable release all at once. Creating this image felt like trying to rub my belly and pat my head simultaneously.


Festive wooden figures dressed in cozy red hats and outfits stand amidst a snowy wonderland, surrounded by miniature trees, evoking a joyful holiday spirit.
Festive wooden figures dressed in cozy red hats and outfits stand amidst a snowy wonderland, surrounded by miniature trees, evoking a joyful holiday spirit.

Boy and girl dolls in a winter wonderland


  • Props used:

    • Wooden dolls

    • Powdered snow that turns into slush when wet

    • Green and red model trees

    • Tissue paper

    • Yellow card for the backdrop


  • Techniques:

    • Anyone who says the camera always tells the truth is mistaken. Just a little defocusing can create amazing effects. Those mountains you see? They're actually just crumpled tissue paper. Using a really wide aperture helped me make them look like snowy peaks.


      And yeah, you've caught the red and yellow theme. I picked these colours on purpose to make the image stand out and give off that cheerful Christmas feeling.


Two charming Christmas figurines, stand amidst a snowy backdrop with softly glowing lights and red conical trees, capturing the festive spirit.
Two charming Christmas figurines, stand amidst a snowy backdrop with softly glowing lights and red conical trees, capturing the festive spirit.

Old man and woman elves in a winter wonderland at night


  • Props used:

    • Wooden dolls

    • Fairy lights

    • Powdered snow that turns into slush when wet

    • Green and red model trees

    • Tissue paper

    • Yellow card for the backdrop


  • Techniques:

    • This picture used the same setup as the yellow photo above. I just switched out the toys and backdrop and added some fairy lights to create a cosy night time scene.

A festive miniature train glides along snow-dusted tracks, enveloped in the warm glow of twinkling lights, capturing the magic of the holiday season.
A festive miniature train glides along snow-dusted tracks, enveloped in the warm glow of twinkling lights, capturing the magic of the holiday season.

Toy Christmas Train


  • Props used:

    • Red toy train and railway tracks

    • Fake confetti snow

    • Christmas tree

    • Fairy lights


Two adorable mini snowmen with black hats and colorful scarves stand side by side in a snowy landscape, surrounded by glistening lights and a backdrop of evergreen trees.
Two adorable mini snowmen with black hats and colorful scarves stand side by side in a snowy landscape, surrounded by glistening lights and a backdrop of evergreen trees.

Mr and Mrs snowman


  • Props used:

    • Two plush toys

    • Fake snow

    • Model pine Christmas trees

    • Coloured card

    • Fairy lights


A cheerful toy figure dressed in winter attire cheerfully skis through a snowy landscape surrounded by miniature pine trees.
A cheerful toy figure dressed in winter attire cheerfully skis through a snowy landscape surrounded by miniature pine trees.

Wooden ski toy on the slopes


  • Props used:

    • Wooden ski toy

    • Fake snow blanket / skirt (usually found around the base of a Christmas tree)

    • Model trees

    • Coloured card

    • DVD cases


  • Techniques:

    • To get that sloping mountain look, I stacked up DVD cases like steps. Then, I laid a snow blanket over them. For the background, I added another "mountain" using coloured card.


Two adorable, fluffy birds dressed in vibrant red plumage sit cozily on a soft, snowy background, capturing the warmth and charm of a winter scene.
Two adorable, fluffy birds dressed in vibrant red plumage sit cozily on a soft, snowy background, capturing the warmth and charm of a winter scene.

Robin red breast plush toys in the snow


  • Props used:

    • Two robin red breast plush toy chicks

    • Fake confetti snow

    • Fairy lights


  • Techniques:

    • I sprinkled some fake snow over the fairy lights to make the ground look all lit up.


Super Mario rides a toy motorcycle through a whimsical winter scene, flanked by iconic game elements like a Goomba and question block.
Super Mario rides a toy motorcycle through a whimsical winter scene, flanked by iconic game elements like a Goomba and question block.

Mario Kart riding through a winter snowscape


  • Props used:

    • Super Mario toy and props

    • Model trees

    • Fairy lights

    • Fake confetti snow

    • Coloured card

A whimsical miniature wooden Christmas train featuring festive characters set against a bright, snowy white backdrop, brings a touch of holiday magic.
A whimsical miniature wooden Christmas train featuring festive characters set against a bright, snowy white backdrop, brings a touch of holiday magic.

Wooden toy Christmas train


  • Props used:

    • Wooden toy Christmas train

    • Fake confetti snow

    • White tinsel

    • Fairy lights

    • White paper


A cozy miniature Christmas scene featuring a festively decorated fireplace with a wreath and garland, complemented by a small Christmas tree adorned with colourful tinsel and ornaments. Gifts are nestled beside the tree, adding to the holiday charm within an elegant, patterned room.
A cozy miniature Christmas scene featuring a festively decorated fireplace with a wreath and garland, complemented by a small Christmas tree adorned with colourful tinsel and ornaments. Gifts are nestled beside the tree, adding to the holiday charm within an elegant, patterned room.

Festive fireplace on Christmas Eve


  • Props used:

    • Dolls' house props

      • Fireplace

      • Fire grill

      • Black powder (to emulate ash)

      • Matt

      • Lantern

      • Broom

    • Wall paper printed on A4 card

    • Wooden surface

    • Mini red and gold present decorations

    • Mini tinsel

    • Mini Wreath

    • Mini white Christmas tree


Conclusion


In conclusion, toy photography is not just a fun pastime; it is an art form that celebrates creativity and imagination. By exploring various techniques and themes, photographers can create captivating images that resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, the world of toy photography offers a playground of opportunities to express your artistic flair.


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