AN ORIGIN STORYI'm Nathan Gabriel — a photographer and miniature artist with a passion for creating whimsical, cinematic science fiction worlds through the lens of photography. I blend practical effects with miniature, handcrafted dioramas, and digital editing to create what I call photo sculpting — a visual storytelling process I began developing back in 2015.
Rooted in techniques found in classic film production, my work draws on the same spirit of creativity seen in the practical effects and miniature work of films from the '70s, '80s, and '90s — the golden age of science fiction. I thkn of Star Wars, Blade Runner, Jurassic Park, Alien, and Indiana Jones, these kinds of stories that shaped my imagination and artistic direction from a young age.
Whether I’m photographing custom-built sets, sculpting tiny props by hand, or staging toys and action figures in dynamic scenes, I’m always chasing that childlike sense of wonder — the feeling of holding an entire universe in the palm of your hand.
With over 30 years of experience in art and photography, I’ve never stopped building, experimenting, or playing. I believe there's something magical about miniature and through my art process, I aim to bring that magic to life.
A Journey So Far…As technology evolved, so did my art. I began with traditional methods — drawing, painting, sculpting, and classic film photography — these are the foundational techniques that taught me how to observe, create, and build with my hands. But with the rise of digital photography, my creative process shifted, opening up new ways to capture and manipulate images.
Later, the introduction of 3D printing became a game-changer. I dove deep into learning this new medium, and it became a natural extension of my miniature work — giving me even more control over the details of my sets, props, and models.
Today, I work at the intersection of classic artistry and cutting-edge technologies. From hand-painted miniatures and physical sculpting to a digital sculpting workflow incorporating 3D printing, laser cutting, and die-cutting machines into my toolset, my process has become a fusion of past meets future. These tools allow me to build entire worlds with precision, creativity, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship in all its forms.
Looking Ahead: Creating My Own WorldsAs a kid, I loved collecting action figures — staging epic battles, creating my own stories, and getting lost in the universes I imagined. That big kid in me never left. I still collect today, and these figures have become an essential part of my creative process. They’re no longer just toys — they’re characters, actors, and vessels for storytelling in my art.
So, where do I go from here?
The future as I see is one of limitless possibilities & creative freedom. My goal is to build and explore my own stories, my own original worlds — crafted entirely from my own imagination. Through visual photography and immersive storytelling, I want to invite others into these unique universes, full of wonder and curiosity.
With every photo, every miniature, every sculpted detail — I’m laying the foundation for something bigger. The tools are in my hands, the ideas are in my head — and the possibilities are endless.
Now, Go Make Your World!