Elevated Toy Photography

Elevated Toy Photography

Author: Steve Brazill May 4, 2023 Duration: 56:16

So, funny story… I get people pitch themselves for my show very often. It’s usually some bizarre pitch, for a subject matter that has zero to do with what my show actually is about. Sometimes it’s the potential guest emailing me, and sometimes it’s their “representative”, but it’s almost always some “motivational speaker” that wants to help my listeners. In almost every case, when someone pitches themself it’s not a fit, until the other day on Twitter.

I had tweeted that sometimes the onboarding process for guests can be…. difficult. I didn’t mean that as a dig at my guests at all, just a statement that picking a shot, getting the stuff I need to write the show notes and blog post, and coordinating schedules can be time consuming. Well, I got a reply from Jesse Feyereisen saying  “If you ever want to chat with someone about Toy Photography, I’d be more than happy to talk!”.

As soon as I saw his name I knew who it was… we both have a connection to Platypod. I also already of his work, and he’s fantastic! So today, I bring you the Elevated Toy Photography of Jesse Feyereisen.

Calling Jesse a “Toy Photographer” doesn’t really cover it. He is a photographer, graphic designer and digital creative based in Wisconsin. While he went to school for Visual Communications, and Television Production, he is sort of visual, jack of all trades, working on everything including websites, print ads, video, photography, and nearly anything digitally creative.

At some point, his love of photography brought him to try all sorts of genres, from outdoors and wildlife, to astrophotography, macro, and product photography. When he “accidentally” discovered toy photography he instantly fell in love with it.

Accidentally or not, his ability to bring toys to life in his photography ended up catching the attention of the folks at Platypod, and he is now a Platypod Pro.

Join toy photographer, and Platypod Pro, Jesse Feyereisen and me as we look at how you can elevate your toy photography, on this Behind the Shot.

Connect with Jesse

Website: jessefphotography.com
Instagram: @jessefeyereisen
Facebook: @jessefeyereisen
Twitter: @JesseFeyereisen
YouTube: @jessefeyereisenphotography
LinkedIn: linkedin.com
Jesse’s Print Shop: jessefeyereisen.smugmug.com

Toy Photography Book for Charity

Stop Wars: A collection of photos produced by over 50 Toy Photographers from across the globe: amazon.com

Jesse’s Photographer Pick

Harry Nguyen: @_cinematoygrapher_

Steve’s Whiskey Pick

Barrel Craft Spirits – Vantage: barrellbourbon.com

 


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Making More Creative Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:46
I have always been fascinated with the education side of photography. I don’t have a formal photography education myself, and I am very aware of what skill sets I wish I had been exposed to earlier in my photo journey. I…
Concert Photography Photo Releases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:59
This is a show I have been thinking about doing for a while, and that I believe is an important subject for both new and veteran music photographers…. BUT even if you’re not a music photographer, this subject should matt…
Capturing Warbirds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I will never forget growing up hearing my dad talk about his days flying P-51 and P-40 planes. His walls were covered in model planes of classic war birds, as though he was trying to relive his youth. When he passed away…
3 Guys Walk Into a Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:11
One of the things I love about the podcasting world is the instant camaraderie you sometimes feel when talking with other podcasters. It’s hard to explain the connection you get when you have something creative in common…
Photographing Spirits of Carnival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:49
The photographers I am exposed to by doing this show never cease to amaze me. Recently, my buddy Ian Spanier told a friend of his that he should be on the show, and gave him my contact info. At that point, Jason Gardner…
Product Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:16
I never used to go to photography conferences. It’s not that they didn’t interest me, it’s just that none of them cover my genre of music photography. WPPI is all about weddings and portraits, and while Imaging USA seems…
Artistic Macros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:22
One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is that I get to discover and meet some amazing photographers, and L.A. based Nikon Ambassador Joey Terrill is a perfect example. We’ve all joked about a photographer we kno…
Architecture Photography Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:44
I find guests for Behind the Shot in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s a referral from a friend, sometimes it’s a cold email I send after seeing an image I just need to know more about, and now and then it’s through a pho…
Portrait Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:53
One look at the client list at the bottom of Paul Mobley’s About page and it’s quickly apparent that he’s one of the best commercial, advertising, and editorial portrait photographers working today. It’s a list of A leve…
Elevate Your Portrait Images [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:51
Zoe Rain is one of those photographers in the rare group of artists that was born to do what she does. Some people can learn to become amazing artists, while others, people like Zoe, seem to have a natural gift for seein…