Eight months ago, Shelly (@xxsjc) Paul (@bricksailboat) Nick (@wiiman) and I sat at a bar in Seattle, enjoying a cold beer on a warm afternoon, having just finished a group photography outing. We marveled at the engaging experience our photo safaris tended to be and decided to invite others to come meet us… in Las Vegas.
Last weekend, I found myself in the beautiful Nevada desert taking photos of toys with a dozen other people. They had traveled from miles away to hang out (and in my case bunk) with folks they had never met. Each had their own artistic abilities, interests and styles, but the rocky landscapes seemed to bring out everyone’s best. Figures were borrowed and techniques were discussed, all with a peppering of laughter and playful competition. We got to know each other throughout the weekend, but nothing was more impressive to me than the positive attitudes and good-natured sensibilities that I encountered from this amazing group of artists.
While waiting to board my flight home I thought about why I felt so good. Why did I have such a strong sense of pride about a silly little meet-up? Two things come to mind. First, because we actually did it. People talk all the time about things they ‘want to do’ but we just did it. That is tragically rare and utterly awesome. Secondly, because I have been fortunate to photograph toys with my friends and it was wonderful to help others see how great that can be. Photography tends to be an isolating experience in many ways, but if you can go shooting with another person it becomes altogether different, if not improved.
We’ve begun talking about the next #toyphotosafari and I look forward to seeing my friends again, but nothing has me more excited than the thought of adding to our numbers. Finding others who love to take pictures of toys, bringing them together and share the fun of group photo sessions; that’s the new challenge and reward ahead.
That’s why I feel so good.
Jaiken – @dinoczars
I just wanted to share this note we all got from Jon on Sunday morning while he was waiting for his flight back to Seattle:
“It was great getting to meet all of you and put beautiful faces to the beautiful photos…
You’re all so talented at expressing your artistry in unique variations of the same basic idea. It’s amazing to see.
Shelly, Nick, Paul and I have been fortunate enough to enjoy shooting together for a few years now and it’s been truly wonderful to expand and share that with you.
It took time, energy, money and bravery from each of you to make this weekend happen and I couldn’t be happier with the emotional and photographic results.
Or, as the four of us are fond of saying… ” Shit just got real.”
Audios amigos. See you next time. #bamf_summer_2016″
His note struck a cord with me since it got to the heart of this whole crazy Instagram social media toy photography group. We all definitly left Las Vegas richer in memories, friends and photographs. The good vibes continue a week later as we continue to discover photographic gems.
Thank you all for going on this journey with us and I hope next year you will be able to join us in person.
~ xxsjc