Get to know Toy Photographer Stevan Nikolic

We love to feature our awesome community members and today’s special guest is Stevan Nikolic, an amazing toy photographer. Today he shares some of his favorite photos and a bit more about his journey. Take it away Stevan!

I’m Stevan Nikolic, a 42‑year‑old self‑taught toy photographer from Germany. Most of my work can be found on my Instagram account @kidult_1983. I’ve been photographing for more than twelve years, starting with nature and macro photography.

At some point, I saw the Masters of the Universe Origins figures in a supermarket, bought a few out of nostalgia, and suddenly reconnected with a piece of my childhood. That moment pulled me back into collecting and eventually into building miniature worlds around these characters.

Over time, I realized that action figures and small-scale environments fascinated me far more than anything else. They allow me to build entire scenes from scratch, control every light source, and tell stories that would otherwise only exist in my imagination.

Toy photography became the perfect combination of everything I love: photography, set design, lighting, atmosphere, and storytelling. Every shoot feels like building a tiny movie set, with props, fog, practical lights, and characters that come to life through pose and mood.

What I enjoy most is the moment when a figure stops looking like a toy and starts looking like a frame from a film. That transformation is what keeps me going.

Over the years, I’ve learned patience, precision, and how powerful light can be. I’ve also learned that toy photography is not “just a hobby”, it’s a legitimate art form with its own language, challenges, and emotional impact. And I’m grateful that more and more people are beginning to see it that way.

I’m excited to share my 10 favorite photos + short notes with you! Let me know what you think in the comments 🙂

1. Cozy Christmas Room

A full miniature basement room I built myself. The challenge was creating cozy lighting without making it look artificial. I love the nostalgic 80s touches. Check out Steve on hobbyDB

2. Back to the Future – Hoverboard

A tribute to one of my favorite movies. Balancing the NECA figures and building the set was the hardest part. It’s a fun, energetic scene. Check out the Ultimate Marty McFly and Ultimate Griff Tannen on hobbyDB

3. Count von Count – Gothic Library

I wanted a theatrical, stage‑like feeling. The lighting comes from multiple angles to emphasize the dramatic pose of Count von Count, the hard shadow and the gothic atmosphere.

4. Behind the Scenes – Big Bird & Skeletor

A humorous “film set” concept. The challenge was balancing the studio light on Prince Adam and keeping the scene readable without losing the playful chaos.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Donatello

A quiet, cozy moment. I wanted to show that toy photography doesn’t always need action, sometimes the atmosphere is enough.

6. Deadpool vs. Zombie Cop

The lighting is cinematic and moody, but the moment itself is intentionally playful. I like this photo because it balances atmosphere with humor, and because it shows how much personality you can get out of figures when you treat them like actors on a miniature set.

7. Masters of the Universe + Oreos

A chaotic, humorous kitchen scene. The biggest challenge was keeping the cookies from falling over, they have a mind of their own.

8. Thundercats – Hairdryer

A fun, everyday‑life twist on an iconic character. It’s simple, but the humor and personality make it one of my favorites. Check out both Lion-O characters on hobbyDB

9. Freddy Krueger – Under the Bed

A horror‑themed miniature set. Getting the lighting right was crucial, scary, but still readable. The fog adds the final touch.

10. Frankenstein’s Laboratory

One of my most detailed sets. Lots of props, and warm backlighting. I love the classic horror vibe and the dramatic expression.

Which one is  your fav?  Or got ideas of what you love to see?