Embracing the Dark: Using Rich Shadows as a Creative Tool @jaykhaled_m

Mastering the Art of Toy Portraiture with Jay Khaled | ToyPhotoCast - Episode 41 In this episode, we sit down with Jay Khaled, a UK-based toy photographer who has spent the last 7–8 years creating striking, cinematic action figure portraits. From discovering toy photography during the COVID-19 lockdowns to developing a highly intentional creative process, Jay shares his perspective on balancing creativity, family life, and a full-time career while avoiding burnout. We discuss his spontaneous lighting techniques, preference for portrait-focused compositions, love for the 85mm lens, commitment to practical effects, and why he avoids chasing social media trends. Whether you're an experienced toy photographer or just getting started with your first camera and action figure, Jay offers practical insights on staying original, approachable, and creatively fulfilled. 01:00 – How Jay discovered toy photography during COVID-19 01:36 – Moving from simple figure photos to creating intentional artwork 02:33 – The influence of custom artists and Jay's street photography background 03:12 – Finding his signature style through close-up portraiture 03:55 – Spontaneous creativity versus planned setups 04:51 – Jay's 2–3 hour experimentation workflow 06:14 – How his grandfather inspired his patience and attention to detail 07:47 – Why lighting matters more than posing 09:18 – Lightroom editing tips and capturing strong images in-camera 10:40 – Why the 50mm and 85mm lenses are his favorites 12:00 – Balancing toy photography with family life and a full-time job 13:09 – Avoiding burnout and maintaining a healthy relationship with social media 14:50 – The dangers of chasing trends and hype 19:01 – RAPID FIRE SEGMENT ⚡ 23:47 – Using shadows and creative mistakes to improve your work 25:42 – Why the toy photography community is so supportive 27:30 – Is toy photography finally being recognized as a legitimate art form? 28:24 – Underrated creator shoutouts 32:26 – Defining success beyond follower counts and algorithms 35:00 – Advice for new creators trying to grow on Instagram 36:04 – Future goals and dream brand collaborations 📸 Connect with Jay Khaled Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaykhaled_m... 🎙️ Follow ToyPhotoCast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toyphotocas... 📱 Follow Dakota Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dagobah_day... 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of ToyPhotoCast! #ToyPhotography #ToyPhotoCast #ActionFigures