What happens when you give the same prompt to a group of photographers: create an image based on a Mother Goose nursery rhyme? How will different photographers interpret this challenge? Will I be able to see their individual style and creativity shine through?

I find the process of creativity to be endlessly fascinating. And giving one group of people the same prompt really showcases the infinite possibilities. Which is one of the ideas behind our MeWe Bingo Challenge as well as my workshops.

I’ve been creating photos challenges since my early days of toy photography when I was a moderator for BrickCentral. With each challenge I create, I get a front row seat for the creative process. Because toy photography is a puzzle to be solved; a puzzle with no right answers. Each photographer follows the same simple steps to radically different solutions:

  • Create an idea or interpretation of the prompt
  • Choose a toy (subject)
  • Chose a setting
  • Pose and set up the scene
  • Design the lighting
  • And somehow bring all these skills together in a unique way.

Toy photography is never easy, but always fun!

Recently I challenged the photographers in my Creativity Roulette workshop to create an image based on a Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme. It was so much fun I expanded the challenge to our monthly Clubhouse meeting. I was not disappointed by the results. One prompt and many photographers reinforces how creatively diverse we are! There is no chance of a duplication even if we choose the same Mother Goose rhyme to work from. Check out our results below….

Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes

Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle…

By Stephanie
Behind the scenes

When you’re happy and you know it…

by Luis
behind the scenes

Jack be nimble…

by Jean

Little Miss Muffet…

by Deborah
The behind the scenes image shows the scanography set-up.

Mary had a little lamb…

photo by Jane

Old Mother Hubbard…

Image by Lynn

Little Miss Muffet (another interpretation)…

by Shelly
behind the scenes

Humpty Dumpty…

by Jennie (Great use of the diptych!)
behind the scenes

The butcher, the baker…

By Ellen
behind the scenes

In conclusion

I’m curious what you think about the Mother Goose nursery rhyme challenge? I know I enjoy connecting with my inner child and these callbacks to my childhood help me. Maybe your childhood had different stories. If so, what kind of images can you make based on them?

When I was first starting out on my toy photography journey I worried that I might copy someone else’s idea. But in time I realized that as long as I came from a place of authenticity, that will never happen. Even if I borrow bits and pieces of other photographers ideas (a great accessory, interesting point of view, original setting or distinct bokeh style) somehow I always arrive at something that is mine. Which is the beauty of the infinite power of our creativity.

“Everybody’s got creativity. Dive within to the ocean of infinite creativity.”

— David Lynch

Your challenge

In invite your to take on this challenge and see what you will create. Choose a Mother Goose nursery rhyme that appeals to you. Create an image and tag me. I would love to see it!

And if you’re interested in joining one of my workshops(which also gets you a monthly invitation to the Clubhouse) check out my offerings here.