Look sharp boys, we’ve got company

If you find yourself under a creative dry spell and are unsure how to break it I recommend a trip to the nearest toy store (or childhood treasures in your attic). Toys are a great way to spark the imagination, not just of children but also adults. Playing enables us to be free of conventions and let our imagination take over.

I often find myself imagining stories simply by looking at toys in the store but ideas really start to come if I actually purchase a few and put them on the table in front of me. Once my mind gets going I usually grab my camera and go in my photography corner, setting up my actors and the lighting to take an interesting picture that really captures the scene in my mind. As I really enjoy photography I sometimes go through a rather elaborate setup process but often a simple snapshot can be as fun and effective so feel free to pose and shoot away.

While the photo above is of Star Wars action figures there is an abundance of toys and dolls out there that can be used for all types of story ideas and concepts. And if you have children by all means play with them. A child’s mind is a wondrous thing and you never know what great and fantastic stories all of you can come up with that can potentially turn into something more.

Note: While I neither condemn nor condone purchasing toys bearing arms I do encourage parents to take the time to play with their children and take the opportunity to provide moral principles. We often feel the urge to fight that which unlawfully oppresses us and are attracted to good fighting evil in epic battles for justice and righteousness. I find it important that these natural desires are directed in a meaningful and wholesome manner rather then left to their own devices.

Tags: Photography by Thorsten Becker, Republic Commando, Star Wars, storytelling