If Brendan Crates of Perth was a superhero, his superpower would be his imagination and ability to travel through time, back to his youth.
His passion is photographing toys, putting them in different scenarios and giving them a look of reality, earns him Instagram likes from toy manufacturer Mezco, the “green” Power Ranger stuntman Ernie Rayes and of course, a God-like status with his three-year-old son Peter.
Brendon is heavily involved in several online toy enthusiast groups, he’s a passionate toy collector and he also produces a podcast called That Movie You Like The Sequel with friend and colleague Mick Spohn, who he met while studying film production at TAFE.
Fostering his creative side, Brendon went on to obtain an advanced diploma in screen, and while he hasn’t worked as a teacher (other than teaching English in Japan and Taiwan for a year), he also has a teaching degree that he’s able to apply in the disability sector, training staff in positive behaviour support and crisis management.
But every chance he gets Brendon can be found moving with the stealth of a Ninja Turtle around the streets of Perth, several carefully chosen toys in hand, looking for fun places to take their photograph.
“There’s a lot of getting down to ground level, which can be a bit hard on the body,” he laughed.
“I use a macro lens and funnily enough, the hardest thing is getting the toys to stand still – they are prone to falling over!”
As far as he’s aware, he’s the only toy photographer in the state, however it’s a large and growing career in other places like America, where good money can be made working for Disney or with marketing agencies on advertising campaigns.
“I’ve had a few photos featured by toy companies on Instagram in the past few years and it’s a real thrill when someone I know in the toy world likes my work.”
Brendan’s favourite movie, and the associated merchandise, is Ghostbusters – a movie he loved when he was a young boy and is also a favourite of his son.
“I’ve photographed Ghostbuster characters in the past and then one day, when I went out to do some photography with Peter, he took a Ghostbuster toy to take his own photo, which was pretty cool, so I’m right back into them now.”
As you would expect, there is a whole room full of toys at the Crate’s place.
A life-size Leonardo greets you just inside the door and another room is dedicated office and podcast studio space.
Like the most serious of collectors there are plenty of toys untouched in boxes that will hold or increase their value, but overall Brendan believes toys are meant to be played with and enjoyed, and the majority come out of their boxes at every opportunity.
He’s excited about seeing the new Barbie movie, and while he doesn’t tend to buy dolls, he is considering getting a Barbie car, mainly for other toy figures to drive “on location”.
“It’s something I really enjoy and if it turns into something that I could make some money off that would be cool.”