As a relatively new photographer of toys, I want to share why toy photography is meaningful to me. Part of the attraction of toys as a subject, it that I’m able to create images that have personal meaning to me. That’s not to say I keep it serious; usually, it’s quite the contrary. Especially as I draw on experiences that help me connect or reconnect to myself I’ve found my sense of humor.

I love creating images based on a range of memories. These might include recreating a scene from my childhood such as my mini me sharing an orange slice with my great-grandmother. Or recreating a more recent memory while using a photo I captured on one of my frequent travel adventures as the background to one of my images. 

As a frequent participant in Shelly Corbett’s toy photo workshops, I’m sometimes given a topic or prompt that challenges me to dig a little deeper. And sometimes these photo challenges stir up emotions and feelings I didn’t realize were bubbling under the surface. Such was the case in the recent challenge to chose a “word of the year” and create a cooresponding image.

Soulfire

I’ve never really bought into this idea of a word to inspire a year much less a New Years Resolutions. But I thought I’d give it a go since it was related to toys. After referencing a few word lists and combining a few ideas, I came up with “Soulfire” as my word. This one word captures all the feelings of magic, and joy that feed my inner fire. The fire that feeds my soul. 

The next step was to visualize what soulfire would look like. I decided that if my soul were on fire, it would have to be glowing red. Plus I needed a toy that can also strike a pose of self-determination while standing in personal strength. These are the ideas and feeling I want to convey in my image. While looking through my little folks in plastic, I landed on a Mouse Guard figure from Crazy Bricks.

Soulfire by Stephanie Saunders

One more step

To really bring this idea of a word to guide my year, I took the process one step further. I printed out an copy of the image and created a journal. A journal I’m dedicating to my ambitions and dreams for this year. 

Taking toy photos that are meaningful, whether they’re Frankenstein and his friends on vacation, or creating smaller scenes with minifigures, energizes and honors my creativity. Standing firmly grounded on a rock cliff, overlooking the fire in my soul, 2026 has become my “soulfire year.” 

Stephanie S

Did you choose a word to guide and inspire your year? What is it? Have you created your own image to inspire you all year?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.