@ToyPhotoCast

Dakota James Spicer
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Visual Arts

The #toyphotography community is filled with remarkable artists driven by a deep love for storytelling. Join both celebrated and emerging toy photographers as they explore key topics, exchange creative insights, and reflect on one of the most impactful art movements of our time.

  1. Aug 13

    Episode 42 - @BLKSRS

    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 & @BLKSRS01:00 — The Captain Phasma figure that started it all07:11 — Dioramas and attention to detail15:14 — From hobby to paid gigs19:30 — Star Wars Black Series & dream figures34:25 — AI-generated images and toy photography44:20 — Lumix S9, lenses & Photoshop48:11 — Advice for beginners & creative ruts Follow @BLKSRS and check out his work Follow The Toy Photo Cast for more conversations with toy photographers, collectors, artists, and creators. #ToyPhotography #ActionFigurePhotography #StarWars #BlackSeries #Hasbro #Diorama #ToyPhotographyPodcast Chapters

    Episode 42 - @BLKSRS

  2. Jun 9

    Episode 41 - @jaykhaled_m

    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 Follow ToyPhotoCast Instagram Follow Dakota Instagram Subscribe and follow ToyPhotoCast for more conversations with toy photographers, creators, and artists from around the world. #ToyPhotography #ToyPhotoCast #ActionFigures

    Episode 41 - @jaykhaled_m

  3. May 29

    Episode 40 - @sirdork730

    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 Follow Dakota: YouTube Instagram Follow Toy Photocast: Instagram Apple Podcasts Spotify

    Episode 40 - @sirdork730

  4. 09/26/2021

    Episode 39 - @articulated_times

    Thanks for listening to Toyphotocast! @articulated_times @dagobah_days @toyphotocast

    Episode 39 - @articulated_times

  5. 05/22/2021

    Episode 38 - @desultory_toys

    Thanks for listening to Toyphotocast!  Find @desultory_toys on instagram Find @inspiredbyandre on instagram

    Episode 38 - @desultory_toys

  6. 04/05/2021

    Episode 37 - @liam_simard_photography

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

    Episode 37 - @liam_simard_photography

  7. 04/05/2021

    Episode 36 - @Scruffylookingphotos

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

    Episode 36 - @Scruffylookingphotos

  8. 03/03/2021

    Round Table #3 with @Scott.Bline / @Inspiredbyandre / @Dagobah_days

    @Dagobah_Days @Scott.Bline @Inspiredbyandre

    Round Table #3 with @Scott.Bline / @Inspiredbyandre / @Dagobah_days
See All (46)

4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

The #toyphotography community is filled with remarkable artists driven by a deep love for storytelling. Join both celebrated and emerging toy photographers as they explore key topics, exchange creative insights, and reflect on one of the most impactful art movements of our time.

Information

  • Creator
    Dakota James Spicer
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dakota James Spicer
  • Show Website
    @ToyPhotoCast