@ToyPhotoCast

The Toy Photo Cast — Episode with @BLKSRS

What started with a Star Wars Black Series Captain Phasma figure turned into a 10-year journey through toy photography, diorama building, Photoshop, and eventually paid work with major brands like Hasbro and Jazwares.

In this episode of The Toy Photo Cast, Zay from @BLKSRS talks about his evolution as a toy photographer, the creative process behind his images, and what it takes to turn a hobby into professional opportunities.

We also dive into:

📸 Toy photography & creative workflow
🏗️ Building detailed dioramas
🎨 Photoshop and editing techniques
📷 Lumix S9 and camera gear
⭐ Star Wars Black Series
🤖 The rise of AI-generated images
💼 Working with Hasbro and Jazwares
💡 Advice for beginners and overcoming creative ruts

00:00 — Intro & @BLKSRS
01:00 — The Captain Phasma figure that started it all
07:11 — Dioramas and attention to detail
15:14 — From hobby to paid gigs
19:30 — Star Wars Black Series & dream figures
34:25 — AI-generated images and toy photography
44:20 — Lumix S9, lenses & Photoshop
48:11 — Advice for beginners & creative ruts

Follow @BLKSRS and check out his work

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#ToyPhotography #ActionFigurePhotography #StarWars #BlackSeries #Hasbro #Diorama #ToyPhotographyPodcast

Chapters

Mastering the Art of Toy Portraiture with Jay Khaled | ToyPhotoCast - Episode 41

Watch on Youtube here!

I sat down with Jay Khaled, a UK-based toy photographer known for his striking cinematic portraits and practical in-camera effects.

Jay shares how he discovered toy photography during the COVID-19 lockdowns and developed a creative process that allows him to balance photography with family life and a full-time career. The conversation explores his approach to lighting, portrait-focused compositions, lens selection, editing philosophy, and the importance of staying authentic in a social-media-driven creative landscape.

We discuss the influence of his street photography background, the lessons he learned from fellow creators, and how he developed a signature style centered on close-up portraiture. Jay also explains why lighting plays such a critical role in his work, how experimentation drives his creative process, and why practical effects remain an essential part of his photography.

The conversation also covers avoiding burnout, defining success on your own terms, staying grounded in a rapidly changing social media environment, and the importance of supporting fellow creators. Along the way, Jay shares gear recommendations, creative insights, underrated creator shoutouts, and advice for photographers looking to stand out while remaining true to their own vision.

Whether you're an experienced toy photographer or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical insights and thoughtful creative advice.

Connect with Jay Instagram

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#ToyPhotography #ToyPhotoCast #ActionFigures

Watch the video on ⁠Youtube⁠!

Guest: Jared Middleton (Sir Dork)

Dakota chats with toy photographer and content creator Jared Middleton (Sir Dork) for his first return to the podcast in five years.

Jared shares how he discovered toy photography, the creators who inspired him, and how a casual hobby evolved into a full creative career across photography, collecting, YouTube, and storytelling.

They dive into his creative process, shooting outdoors with practical effects, developing a unique style, and building an audience online. Jared also opens up about major setbacks, including losing his Instagram archive and recovering from a hacked YouTube channel with over 60,000 subscribers.

This episode covers the realities of long-term content creation, from burnout and motivation to consistency and community, with practical insights for both new and experienced toy photographers.

Follow Jared (Sir Dork):

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Website

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Thanks for listening to Toyphotocast!

Thanks for listening to Toyphotocast! 

Find @desultory_toys on instagram

Find @inspiredbyandre on instagram

We sit down with an up and coming toy photography fan and practitioner: Liam Simard. 

The man, the myth, the Scruff! Join @Inspiredbyandre as he welcomes Luis to the conversation. @Scruffylookingphotos

@Dagobah_Days

@Scott.Bline

@Inspiredbyandre

I'm so grateful to have the multi-talented @nikkithai_ join the conversation! We discuss his journey and all that he is up to in the world of toy photography. Enjoy the episode!

Check out his customs page here: https://www.instagram.com/thailabs_custom/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=31015342&fan_landing=true

Hardcore Listener - Patreon hardcore member shoutout to Jordan Dodrill, Scott Bline, and Steve Mank!

Patreon | Nikki | Dakota | Teepublic | Youtube

Enjoy!

@Plasticaction

@Noserain

@Dagobah_days