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
Posing Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:33
At WPPI this year I ran into Vanessa Joy, my first time meeting her in person. We chatted about the classes and workshops she was doing at the conference, and the friend I was with suggested that I get her on the show ag…
In Public: Street Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:34
George Schaub is a photographer’s photographer, and that may be the best compliment I can give anyone. George has a been a professional photographer since 1966, when he was the House photographer for promotion, brochures…
Overpower Daylight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
Rick Sammon has said that he specializes in not specializing, and I am seeing that approach to photography more often. Today’s guest is Will Cadena, and his portfolio include Weddings, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Event…
College Wrestling Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:51
A few days ago Jeremy Lanthorn (@Snackem on Twitter) sent me a guest suggestion: @stevebrazill check out @LeviVentura_ and this shot of @GableSteveson at the NCAA wrestling tournament. Would make a great BTS episode. I g…
Nikon Auto-Focus Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:52
NOTE: This is not an official Nikon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, and Nikon was kind enough to allow my guest, Mark Cruz, to come speak about the Nikon AF system options. This is not intended to be a te…
Choosing Black & White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:38
I don’t think Dr. Larry Tiefenbrunn, or Dr. T as he’s known to many, ever sleeps. Larry is a practicing pediatrician, and active photographer, and he’s the founder and CEO of Platypod. I first met Larry through Rick Samm…
Photographic Gesture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
I get guest suggestions on a very regular basis, and most of the time I actually do follow through on them. Unfortunately, I often don’t get any response. Periodically however I not only get a reply, but we end up with a…
Photographing History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
These last few years of the pandemic have been an interesting time. While I would definitely hope to not do it again any time soon, there are a few things that have come out of the pandemic that have been amazing. One of…
Canon Auto-Focus Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
NOTE: This is not an official Canon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, and Canon was kind enough to allow my guest, Rudy Winston, to come speak about the Canon AF system options. This is not intended to be a…
Master of Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
I feel like I have been studying Joe McNally’s work since I first picked up a camera, so this should be the easiest show post I have ever done. He is an absolute master of light, and I own his “The Language of Light” Vol…