How Chris Rose from Culcheth became a toy photographer

But a Culcheth photographer’s insistence on keeping a piece of his childhood alive has led to a lucrative and high profile career.

Chris Rose takes pictures of Star Wars action figures, Lego models and teddies, among many other toys, and his talent for it has seen him work on campaigns for the likes of Disney and Sony.

Chris Rose has worked with Disney, Sony and Lego

The 49-year-old describes his connection with toys as a constant throughout his life, having collected Star Wars toys since he was six.

Chris has also enjoyed photography since his college days in St Helens but only got back to it about 12 years ago when his wife Helena bought him a DSLR camera for his birthday.

It was not long before his two passions then came together.

Chris Rose's toy photography

Chris, who attended St Lewis’ Primary School in Croft, said: “One day I decided to shoot some of the vintage Star Wars figures that I had collected and through that I stumbled across the world of toy photography online and saw some of the amazing images out there.

“I knew I’d love to try and have a go at recreating some of those scenes and bringing my imagination to life.”

Chris takes most of his images when he is out and about in the fields and streams around Warrington while walking his shih tzu Ralph.

Chris Rose's toy photography

He added: “Walking and spending time outdoors around nature is also big part of my life, so toy photography felt like such a natural way to connect these two hobbies.

“I mostly take the pictures in Croft and Culcheth. Having lived in those areas for most of my life, I know all the little footpaths and quiet areas where you can set up a shot.

"But I probably look a little strange to passers-by, who might spot me lying on the grass or crouched down in a stream seemingly playing with my toys!

Out for a ride with the Mandalorian

“Sometimes I head out at dawn in the hope of catching a beautiful sunrise. At other times, I might just head out with a few figures in my camera bag and let the scenery or weather dictate the shot.

“It began as a hobby, but I’ve been really fortunate to have had my work spotted online by some big companies like Sony and Disney. I’ve jumped at the opportunities they’ve put in front of me.”

A big part of Chris’s work is embracing his inner child.

Chris’s skills have been recognised by Lego

He said: “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.

“I hope that my shots can help people reconnect with their own inner child, their imaginations, and how they played with their own toys as a child.”

That approach was essential to Chris being handpicked by National Express to help with a nationwide campaign in 2019.

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Chris, who also works part time as a self-employed landscape gardener, photographed each toy ‘passing the time’ until they were back in the arms of children.

He added: “I had so much positive feedback on that project to the point where lots of people got in touch offering to ‘adopt’ them if they weren’t returned home.

Alien meets Yoda

“The younger me wouldn’t believe I’d be getting the opportunity to play with, and photograph, toys as an adult.”

Far from a niche interest, Chris is now part of a community of toy photographers worldwide.

He said: “In the time I’ve been involved, the scene has grown enormously. I’ve made lots of new friends and we share ideas and tips with each other. Through my love of Lego I have become a member of Stuck in Plastic, a creative group of toy photographers from across Europe.

Chris still loves Star Wars figures

“We are officially recognised by Lego for our toy photography so we get to work with Lego on some awesome toy photography projects before the sets are even released. I originally met the gang on a ‘Toy Photography Safari’ in Edinburgh where fellow toy photographers meet up to shoot. So there’s a great sense of community and a great social aspect to the scene.

“Lots of the toys and characters have been part of my life since childhood. To have been approached to produce images by the companies that make them, and to be trusted to represent their brand and keep a legacy going, has been an amazing experience.”

Chris Rose's toy photography

Chris, a member of the Warrington Guardian Camera Club, can also be found at comic conventions and he has an exhibition coming up at Technically Brilliant art gallery in Golden Square, starting on April 21.

He added: “When I’m at some of the comic cons or markets it’s a great feeling when someone smiles at my prints and then takes the time to stop and chat about what that particular toy meant to them.”

For more from Chris go to instagram.com/chrisrosephoto and chrisrosephotography.co.uk