Jesse Feyereisen’s AT-ST: A Backyard Build with a Cinematic Feel

We’re back with another incredible toy photography feature from Jesse Feyereisen, and this time, he’s brought out the heavy metal—a custom-built and weathered AT-ST standing guard in the backyard.

“Standing guard.”
— Jesse Feyereisen

Jesse has a knack for bringing Star Wars miniatures to life in big ways, and this latest shot is no exception. The AT-ST model, which Jesse built, painted, and weathered himself, looks like it just stepped out of Return of the Jedi—only this version was captured using natural light and a bit of backyard ingenuity.

Small Model, Big Presence

Here’s a breakdown of the setup:

• Model placed on an apple box to elevate the subject and give it a sense of scale.

• Shot in open shade, which helped maintain even lighting and avoid harsh contrast.

• Canon EOS R + RF 70–200mm, dialed in at 1/20 sec, f/8, ISO 100.

• Camera positioned low to the ground using the Platypod eXtreme and Platyball Elite for stable, low-angle shooting.

That low angle is key—it gives the AT-ST a towering, authoritative presence despite being a small-scale model. Jesse’s gear allowed him to shoot from exactly the right vantage point without having to fuss with bulky tripods or worry about camera wobble at slower shutter speeds.

Simplicity with Impact

“Natural light in the shade, and just some minor color correction and grading in post.”

There’s no heavy compositing or elaborate lighting here—just great model work, thoughtful composition, and the kind of gear that lets you execute a vision quickly and reliably.

This image is another reminder that compelling storytelling can happen right in your own backyard—and with tools like the Platypod eXtreme, you can make even the smallest setups feel epic.

Be sure to check out more of Jesse’s work and BTS insights over at 👉 jessefphotography.com/blog