If you’re reading this expecting some insights into toy photography, let me stop you now. You won’t find any tips, tricks, insights or. This post is purely self-indulgent hubbub.
Monday
Last week I tuned in to James’ chat with David (Father’s Figures) on the latest episode of the Toy Photographers podcast. As their chat, coupled with caffeine, washed away the drudgery of a Monday morning at work, the talk shifted to the upcoming Toy Safari and their recollections of past adventures. As they recalled their times at previous Safaris and expressed their excitement for the May Toy Safari on the Oregon coast, I was jolted back to reality.
Yes, I’d signed up. And yes, I’d paid my registration fee. But on this Monday morning as I listened to James and David talked about the Seattle and San Francisco Safaris, the imminent Oregon Safari was still a pipedream for me.
Tuesday
You see, making the journey to take photos of toys and hang out with other toy photographers is an immense logistical and financial commitment. And as David and James’ tales filled my ears, I hadn’t 100% pledged my allegiance to the cause.
I’d never believed I would travel over 14,000 kilometres to be with friends I’d never met before. Never in my wildest whimsies could I have imagined taking photographs of toys would involve a passport, exchange rates and visas. I never could’ve envisaged I’d be throwing thousands of dollars down to take photos of toys with my fellow toy photographers.
Wednesday
But, with James and David’s reflections still buzzing in my ears provoking me, the thoughts of meeting signed-up attendees rousing me, and the encouragement from my family, I took the plunge!
Leave from work has been approved. My passport and visa has been sorted. Money has been exchanged. And flights have been booked!
the 2018 Toy Photography Safari
Hurray!
I’ve looked through the list of registered attendees. Some from this list I’ve known since I began taken photos of toys. Some of them are good friends I’ve never met. A few I’ve got to know along the way. And some will be new friends. But I cannot wait to meet every single one of them.
So get ready to meet an overly excited Aussie @shellycorbettphotography, @debaere_lego, @Mrs.Playwell, @lego_laws, @wikitoybox, @doughleyg, @thereeljames23, @Rygar32, @brickandmordor, @coneydogg, @Papajov, @Lizzybelle9, @krash_override, @greaterbeast, @fathersfigures, @Lady.Nightingale, @Wiiman, @Intangibledandy, @buttsintheair, @Tronsoda, @camrc_ and @toy.at.heart!
I warned you this post was self-indulgent gibberish. But sometimes when you’re so excited about something, you just have to shout it from the rooftops!
Is it too early to begin packing toys?
– Brett
Will you be taking the plunge this May? Can I add you to the list of Toy Photographers I’m excited to hang out with?
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1) It is never too early to pack toys
2) I am looking forward to meeting you as well!
Safe travels, and I shall see you in Oregon!
1) Phew! I thought I was being ridiculously keen/silly thinking about toys this early
2) Me too!
Can’t wait to actually meet you mate.
Jealous! A new chapter for my wife and I begins after my daughter graduates high school in 2019 – a chapter which I think will bring a lot more freedom to pursue these kinds of wonderful activities. (I hope it’s not a chapter of extreme poverty brought on by trying to put my kid through college!) Have a wonderful time and I hope to see you at a Toy Safari in 2020!
Wow! Exciting times ahead for you, your wife and your daughter Mitchel.
I’m sure 2020 will be just as exciting and awesome. See you there!
You haven’t packed your toys yet?!?!?! ? Well then who is going to tell me how to narrow the mountain range of “needs” running through my mind daily? So glad you are coming to this strange country. Toys and friendship may be the only reason to visit these day. ? See you soon Brett! ?
I feel like I should start packing?
I can’t wait to see your strange land, and to meet you.
Soon? Yes, it is! 32 more work days, but who’s counting?!
The excitement is building! This is shaping up to be a grand time!
It sure is! Both the excitement and grandness!!
Can’t wait to meet you as well Brett! And to share what (IMHO) is one of the most beautiful places in the States with you!! Leila, Cindy, Shelly, and I will be taking a trip to location scout this weekend. Hopefully in all our excitement, we can remember to share some pics with everyone to help others with their toy packing predicaments. I know I am personally looking forward to a little help in narrowing down my selections based on the anticipated environs.
As you can imagine I’ve been googling where we’re going and I’m somewhat speechless. The scenery is jaw-dropping!! I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes.
But until then, any hints the four of you share as to what I can pack will be a tremendous help. I’m allowed 23kg (50lb) of checked luggage, but I don’t think 22kg of toys will clothe me for 2 weeks!
Looking forward to meeting you Jenelle!
Well damn – its about time you got excited! But seriously, I really appreciate you making the trip to the beautiful Pacific Northwest for a week of rain, moss, toys and friendship. I promise you that the trip will be more than worth the effort. I plan on dropping you back at the airport, completely exhausted with full SD cards. You can sleep on the red eye.
And yes, the podcast featuring Father’s Figures got me excited too! Anyone on the fence should listen to it and then immediately sign up to join us!!
Excited doesn’t even come close.
I love the idea of being exhausted with full SD cards! And I shall wave farewell from the plane to you, leaving behind much love and much Tim Tams!
James’ chat with Father’s Figures about past meetups should be where we direct anyone unsure if they should attend!!
What, you haven’t packed yet? Haha. I’m excited for you, I’m not even going. I wish. But if I lose enough weight, would you be able to fit me in the checked-in baggage? That list of attendees looks awesome.
Start the diet now! Or, keep eating yummy food and start saving for 2019!
Haha! I’ll probably start dreaming of a 2019 trip then. Wohoo!
Brett I’m SO EXCITED to meet you and that you’ll be joining us here!
Likewise! 31 more work days for me…but who’s counting?!!
I’ve got the Utah UFO Fest to run that same weekend or I’d be there… sounds like it’ll be out of this world fun though! Safe travels to y’all.
Bummer! It’d be ace to meet you in Oregon. Next time!
Oh I wish you could pack my in your suitcase as you fly from Tullamarine Airport Brett!
Perhaps, I’ll be able to join the Toy Safari meetup one year!