The Walking Dead: Behind the Scenes of EW's cover shoot

Last June, EW met up with the cast and crew of The Walking Dead for an epic photo shoot. In addition to the first look of season 6, we're also bringing you six exclusive collector's covers (which can be purchased here). What ensued from the shoot was a mix of frighteningly realistic props, fascinating discoveries, and hilarious behind-the-scenes takes. 

Here, a zombie actor hangs out between shots in a space where church pews are usually stored from the set of the hit AMC show.

Is this the prop table or sushi, Walking Dead style?

Prop master John Sanders invented a retractable Katana sword by fixing an old TV antenna to Michonne's weapon. This way, the character can stab her sword into things without harming anything and the FX crew can fix the shot in post.

Photographer Dan Winters set up a portrait studio in a giant soundstage on the set of the show.

EW Photo Editor Michele Romero's shoot schedule for the day, complete with lazy doodles.

Part of the Walking Dead prison set is now displayed at the local Starbucks in Senoia, Georgia. I'll have a skinny Grande Zombiatto with no foam and an extra shot of RUNNNNN!

A T-Dog prop decorates photographer Dan Winters' office for the day.

The hardest part of photographing zombies? They eat all the catering before the crew gets a lunch break!

Dan Winters' camera set up to photograph Rick Grimes' gun for EW's props portfolio.

Andrew Lincoln gets down and dirty for his EW cover shot.

Love this moment where the gang cracks up because Norman is being cheeky.

Remember this shot of Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, and Andrew Lincoln from last summer's cover shoot? We can never see this photo too many times.