DARTH Vader in the bathtub with a rubber ducky. A stormtrooper armed with a plunger, preparing to tackle a blocked sink. Surfers heading off to catch some waves at Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg, the iconic beach huts behind them and seagulls flying overhead.
All striking images, all the work of one guy from Hout Bay in Cape Town, who's taken the art of toy photography and turned it into a lot more than child's play. And it's all the result of an idea clicking into place.
Many of the scenes Robert Whitehead conjures up are created with Lego characters from Star Wars along with superheroes and action figures. He also features characters from Roblox and Minecraft along with animals, dinosaurs and aliens. Nothing is off limits when his creative juices start to flow.
Robert uses special lighting and other tricks, and anything from his studio and backyard to the beach - can become a set for one of his enchanting toy stories.
"When we go for a hike I'm always on the lookout for the perfect moss patch or rock for photo scenes," the 43-year-old father of two says.
The Muizenberg beach scene is one of his favourite shots. He suspended the seagulls by attaching them to thin wires and then removed the wires for the pic using Photoshop.
Robert started toy photography 10 years ago. At first, it was just a hobby but it's grown so much it's now his main job.
His clients include the American company Jazwares, which makes a wide range of toys, and the Lego company. Several of his photographs were included in the plastic brick maker's coffee table book, Lego in Focus: Explore the Miniature World of Lego Photography.
For Robert, making a living from toys is like being a kid again and he loves immersing himself in the wonderful world of play.
"I get a big kick out of making a toy look like it's not just a toy - like it's alive and running and jumping."
This story is from the 11 January 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 11 January 2024 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you
