So this is apparently the best examples of the tilt-shift technique. Sadly, a real tilt-shift lens will never yield the selective focus that enhances that "minature" look (specifically on images like this, or this or this). So, just know, its not really tilt-shift photography, but "I'm Good At Using Masks In Photoshop To Make Things Looks Really Tiny" Shift.
Remember way back when tilt/shift was used to create infinite depth of field? I think Scheimpflug just got too hard to spell.
Yeah, the original intent was for correcting the "bowing" of large objects landscape (mostly architecture) or to keep everything in a plane of view in focus. I have a 24mm, and the effects are amazing, but never like these faked ones. There's always 1) tremendous distortion on the edges 2) extreme vignetting on the edges. Its more "ethereal" than "tiny" in real life.
And you're right Kyle, Joshua's last name is awesome (and real).