When I’m selling my work in person, I’m frequently asked why I photograph toys. It’s a long story, so let me cover the highlights for you.
Midlife crisis
Honestly my journey towards toy photography began with a serious midlife crisis. I wanted to blow up my life as an excuse change it. Luckily I found my way towards more productive and creative outlets. These included learning to make jewelry which scratched an itch left over from high school.
I also discovered the joys of live music. This led me to a long standing volunteer commitment with my local radio station, KEXP. After a few months of photographing live in-studio performances I was recruited to join the video team. Even though capturing and editing video for the station helped me overcome my technical insecurities, it also reinforced my love for still photography.
My first LEGO
During this period I also bought my first LEGO. I was at a show supporting my then husband while also entertaining our kids. We went to the nearby LEGO store and I discovered the recently introduced collectible minifigures (CMF’s). I immediately fell in love with the Geisha and Samurai figures and they continue to be some of my favorite characters to photograph.
Here I was, a woman in my my mid 40’s, only now discovering the joy of playing with toys. I will confess it took me some time to start photographing my toys. But when I did, I also found laughter, friendship and community.
At first I used my phone to capture my figures. But, soon I was using my full sized Canon DSLR to create the images I saw in my mind’s eye.
Adventure Awaits!
My toy photography obsession became my excuse to explore the Pacific Northwest with the kids. We often went hiking in the woods or to local beaches. I always brought a box of minifigures along to keep me entertained.
One highlight from this time was spending my 50th birthday in Moab, Utah, hiking and photographing toys. I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate this milestone birthday. My passion for toy photography has led me to more amazing adventures than I can possibly list. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
While my attention has shifted away from collecting and is more focused on improving my photography skills, I still cherish my small, plastic subjects.
Finding my joy
When I hit my midlife crisis I didn’t realize that what I was missing in my life was joy. The biggest gift this 15 year journey has given me is that joy back. Somewhere in my haste to build a career, get married, have kids and be an adult – I had lost my joy. When did I grown so serious??
Which is why when I’m asked: “Where do your ideas come from?” I often respond that I have a strong relationship with my inner child. Through toy photography I’ve been able to reach back to that little girl and bring forward the best parts of (her) myself.
Of course this joyful journey isn’t over. Now I’m privileged to be able to work with adults through my workshops. Here I offer a safe and supportive place for others to explore the joy that can be found at the intersection of toys and photography.
My midlife crisis has taken me on a journey that I could never have imagined. But I’m grateful for every crazy step.
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin (The Left Hand of Darkness)