Hi, I’m Chuck

I’m Chuck Eiler, the Chicago-based cinematic miniature artist behind Killcutter Toy Photography. I transform action figures and handcrafted sets into dramatic, story-driven images.

My work is inspired by the sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and pop culture that captured my imagination as a kid, and continues to shape the stories I tell today.

  • 21K+ followers on Instagram

  • Official Content Creator for BigBadToyStore

  • Featured by leading publications such as Gizmodo, PetaPixel and Bored Panda

  • Collaborated on projects for Macfarlane Toys, Super 7, The Loyal Subjects, Operation: Monster Force and more

AS FEATURED IN

From Concept to Creation

Every image starts with an idea. Characters, atmosphere, lighting, and composition all start taking shape long before the camera comes out.

Story

Miniature worlds are handcrafted using custom dioramas, practical effects, natural materials, and carefully placed props to create believable environments at toy scale.

Build

Shoot

Using careful posing, cinematic lighting and practical effects, the scene is photographed almost entirely in-camera to capture as much realism as possible.

Post

Subtle digital editing is the finishing touch — not the foundation. Small enhancements help complete the illusion without replacing what was created in-camera.

A Bit About Me.

Just an 80's kid that grew up on Star Wars, G.I. Joe and Transformers, with a dash of He-Man for good measure.

That early obsession never left. Today, I combine handcrafted sets, practical effects, lighting, and digital artistry to bring those larger-than-life worlds into focus.

  • Sci-fi. Also, dinosaurs appear in my photos way more often than they probably should. 🦖

  • Low laying fog from my trusty handheld smoke machine. Blood effects are a close second.

  • 1/12. Mainly because all my dioramas are built to this size but also I started in toy photography shooting Hasbro Black Series

  • Cat hair is the sworn enemy of a toy photographer 🐈

  • GI Joe U.S.S. Flagg

  • Spray your figure with clear matte spray to cut down on hot spots and that plastic-y look

My Favorite Comments

  • Text post on social media stating "Stories of The Epicness of this photo will be spoken throughout the galaxy!" with a small profile picture of a person in blue and purple clothing next to the text.
  • A wall painting of a city scene with skyscrapers, vehicles, and people.
  • Instagram comment praising a photo as the best seen in a long time, with a heart and a thumbs-up emoji
  • Instagram comment on a post by toycavestudios stating that every piece made is a work of art.
  • A colorful oil painting with abstract patterns and bright colors.
  • A person with a blue digital mask or face paint, possibly in a costume or futuristic theme.
  • A social media comment praising art, with emojis of lightning, fire, and a victory hand sign.
  • Instagram post by kingdomofweird with the caption 'Incredible mix of practical and digital fx' and a waving hand emoji, posted 23 weeks ago, with one like and a heart icon.
  • Comment praising a photograph, mentioning mastery of color and clapping emojis.
  • Instagram comment expressing admiration for photos, with multiple heart eyes emojis.
  • A detailed diorama that took extensive work and editing to create.
  • Instagram comment praising an artist's detailed artwork, mentioning appreciation for a BTS tour backdrop and Easter egg design.
  • Instagram comment praising a belly button tattoo with thumbs-up emojis
  • Screenshot of a social media comment expressing enthusiasm for a piece of furniture, likely a wooden chair or similar item.
  • A person is looking at and admiring a detailed printed image of a landscape with mountains and trees, possibly a large poster or artwork.
  • A social media comment highlighting a creative scene, expressing admiration and praise.