Figured Out: Toy Stories in Nature

Chris Rose is a British toy photographer renowned for his creative storytelling and cinematic imagery. His passion for toys began, as it does for many, in early childhood when he started collecting Star Wars figures and imagining their backstories. This early fascination evolved into a lifelong pursuit of blending narrative and photography.

What sets Chris’s photography apart is his commitment to practical effects and natural lighting – the majority of his images are shot outdoors, using real-world environments to bring his scenes to life. He ensures that the magic in his work comes primarily from in-camera techniques, with minimal digital enhancement. Chris likes to shoot on location in and around the North West of the UK and his hometown of Warrington, making this exhibition a celebration of both his art and the local landscapes that inspire it.

Through his lens, Chris Rose transforms toys and action figures into dynamic characters, crafting scenes that blur the line between fantasy and reality, igniting the imagination of viewers of all ages.

Over the years, Chris has collaborated with major brands such as Disney, Sony, Lego, Hasbro, and Mattel, contributing to advertising campaigns. His work has featured in international exhibitions, including in Cape Town and Shanghai. He is also an active member of the Stuck in Plastic community, where he shares his passion for toy photography with like-minded creatives.

“My connection (translation: obsession) with toys has been a constant throughout my life. I’ve collected Star Wars toys on and off since I was six years old and I always loved imagining the ‘backstories’ of the characters, wondering what happened once the main story had ended, or just making up my own tales for them. Walking and spending time outdoors around nature is also a big part of my life so Toy Photography feels like such a natural way of connecting these two great interests”

“Ultimately, I think that my passion for photography is driven by the connection I can make with people. Witnessing surprised and delighted reactions to my work, seeing the expressions on people’s faces, and hearing about their own connections with these toys and their childhoods is so fulfilling and rewarding. Creating images is often a very private and personal process for me, yet the photos can evoke an emotional resonance in others that connects us.”