My professional background in post-production, vfx, and animation provided a strong foundation when I started toy photography in 2015. My first photos included the use of digital screens as backgrounds which I coined “Digirama” at the time. We’ll explore this technique while creating an San Diego Comic Con inspired toy photo.

The Multiple Plane (Multiplane) technique is something I have been eager to dive deeper into since beginning my exploration of visual effects techniques. For action figure photography, it is an extremely simple way to achieve the look of mid-air flight or floatation.

Continuing with a series that explores visual effects techniques for photography, we’ll recreate the iconic Death Star trench run scene from Star Wars: A New Hope using an Infinity Mirror setup. Though the concept is straightforward, there are plenty of challenges to overcome in bringing this shot to life - but this is where the fun begins!

To celebrate the International Day of Human Space Flight, we'll explore a technique known as camera tracking to create a practical, in-camera lightspeed effect. As a long-time fan of Lego and the original Space series, I thought it fitting to feature my 6931 FX Star Patroller with Benny in the cockpit.

This year I’m exploring various visual effects techniques to implement into my work. To celebrate Mario Day, we'll be using light painting to create a practical, in-camera Rainbow Road for our favorite Mario Kart racers! These Hot Wheels karts by Mattel were the perfect toys to bring this concept to life.

As we progress through this series focused on incorporating techniques and visual effects in toy photography, we will explore how to shape the natural bokeh in your photos to create a totally customized look. This concept featuring Mondo's 1:6 scale Batman and Joker from Batman The Animated Series gains more impact and value with this simple photo hack.

In this ongoing series of exploring techniques of visual effects, we turn our attention to the magical illusion referred to as Pepper’s Ghost. To help demonstrate the technique, I have created a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle concept based on the Last Ronin comic series by Kevin Eastman and Ben Bishop, using NECA action figures and diorama elements created by Jordan Affanso, aka Oiler’s Workshop.

In this tutorial we construct a 1:12 scale office hallway using inexpensive craft materials. Fans of The Rexin Around show may recognize that this build is inspired by the show’s intro video, which is exactly what we want to plan to recreate!

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through my process of creating a Mandalorian inspired wall and doorway, using a 3D printed door from Figure Works, and scratch building the surrounding wall and light-up control panel.

Creating your own diorama set pieces isn’t as difficult as you think. In this tutorial we’ll focus on creating a few key pieces to enhance your scene!