Jman’s Cantina

In this episode, I conduct a panel discussion with Max Sabin, Greg Heffernan, and Sam Shumaker on the current state of the toy industry. We discuss everything from the golden days of hasbro, to the failings of Hasbro in recent years, as well as the succession of Jazzwares. We also discuss Toy Photography itself, sharing our secrets and tips to succeeding in the hobby. So bop in your earbuds or headphones, get comfy with your favorite pillow, and relax for the first ever discussion of Jman’s Cantina!

To kick off 2021, I interview my good friend Sam Shumaker (Rustbelt Collector). Sam has risen through the ranks of toy photography by incorporating elements of his favorite films and games into his work. Every shot he posts feels as if it were ripped straight out of the source material. Sam also discusses reviewing both action figures, and bootlegs on his youtube channel, and his skill as a customizer. So come in from the cold winter of 2021, settle into a cozy spot, and see whose behind the lens, of Rustbelt Collector.

For today’s episode I interview Greg Heffernan, or Galactic Battlefront on Instagram. Greg has been a Toy photographer since he started on Flickr in 2009, doing Lego photography. In those 11 years, Greg has crafted a style iconic to him, known for his dark shadows, vibrant colors, and cinematic poses. We also discuss how the Toy photography community has changed over the years across Flickr and Instagram. Grab a drink, commandeer your favorite spot in your home, and relax as we journey behind the lens of Galactic Battlefront!

For today’s episode, I interview MJ, who you may also know as Chef_Toyardee from Instagram! MJ photographs figures from every dimension, including (but not limited to); Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Hellboy, Mezco, Classic Horror Films, and so much more! Each shot is carefully crafted with aesthetics that will make you remember why you love what he’s shooting. Each shot is layered with deeper themes and emotions. Apart from toy photography, MJ also has a educational food photography and stop motion page, called BC_and_Spuds, where he takes an artistic spin on his skills as a chef, taking food to a new level! The interview covers not only the hobbies of MJ, but his passions too, including the therapeutic nature of toy photography. Settle in to a cozy spot, and see whose behind the lens, of Chef Toyardee.

For my first episode, I am interviewing one of my good friends Max Sabin, otherwise known as FOVModels on Instagram. Max is one of the best photographers out there, using figures and vehicle’s from multiple scales, eras, and universes. His star wars shots are some of the best out there, and his tank shots will blow a hole in your mind like a Panzer to a Sherman. Max also discusses his aviation focussed podcast, Planes On The Prairie! The interview goes deep into Max’s life, passions, and losses, giving you a better idea of who is behind the lens of FOV Models.