One prompt; different results.

In the world of toy photography we all often have the same toys and are inspired by each other but the results are rarely similar. Sort of like the old game of telephone when a group of kids sit in a circle and whisper a single prompt in each others ear. As the phrase travels around the circle it cant help but morph. So by the end time it reaches the last person it rarely resembles the original prompt. Hilarity ensues.

Recently I posted a photo of two stormtroopers out on a hike. They represented an activity Ive been doing a lot this past summer. Sometimes I take toys, sometimes I simply enjoy being outdoors. For this particular hike. the destination was one I had taken other successful toy photos. So I packed a few friends with me for some toy photo fun. Simple ideas designed to be easy and to make me happy.

What I didn’t expect was that my photo would inspire my friend Luigi. While Luigi lives in Italy, we both love getting outdoors and into the mountains whenever we have the chance. I was amused when he told me my simple set up inspired him to create a similar photo on one of his hiking adventures.

One prompt; different results

Of course this whole exchange got me thinking. What would happen if I asked members of our MeWe community to create an image with the same prompt? How different would the results be? Where would their Stormtrooper go? What kind of adventures can two stormtroopers get up to when they leave the Deathstar? And more importantly, how do toy photographers express their individual creativity while working with the same prompt?

Let’s find out!

Individual creativity

I’ve been facilitating toy photography workshops for over five years and I never tire from the sheer variety of ideas from a single prompt. Even if we try, we can rarely copy each other. Sure I can see echoes of the original idea in every photo. But within each image, there is always enough variation to be considered original.

Because our community is world wide, our locations are rarely the same (or even similar). I’m always impressed by Tomek’s use of moss. His home in Poland must be lush year round! And Ann created her image indoors because she’s experiencing the tail end of winter in her part of the world (Australia).

Location, quality o the light, editing choices and of course our individual experiences contribute to that ineffable quality: individual style. I never worry about copying anyone else’s idea or even being copied. Because I know that when we create authentically and with honesty, we cant help but be unique.

Your challenge

If you took your stormtroopers out hiking where would they go? What accessories would you bring? Do they have a companion? How do they get to their hike? What’s the weather like? Do they get lost? What do they eat?

I have so many questions!!

If you would like to answer any of these questions, please take a photo of two stormtroopers on a hike. Any size toy, or style is welcome. Show me your style and storytelling technique. I will add the best ones to this post : “One prompt; different results.”

Shelly

Send your image, sized to less than 1mb to mail@toyphotographers.com or tag me on Instagram or MeWe.