A STAR Wars fan from Dorset has combined his love of photography and Lego to recreate stunning scenes from the cult sci-fi series.
Dan Sands, 34, grew up playing with Lego as a child and later in life developed an interest in outdoor photography.
The dad-of-four from Portland has now combined his passions with his love of the iconic films to create stunning pictures that Star Wars fans are bound to love.
Using everyday household items like baking powder and an old bicycle light he has created a stunning range of special effects in many of his images.
Computer programmer Dan said: "When lockdown hit, I was a bit like 'What am I gonna do now?'
"I really enjoy creative photography, and with Lego lying around I thought I'd give it a go.
“It trialled off a bit at the end of last year as we were allowed to get out due to the easing of restrictions.
“But I am starting to pick it up again and it’s an ongoing project of mine.”
By using objects lying around his house, he has managed to create some great pictures.
For example, Dan used ash from his barbecue to create atmospheric smoke, baking powder to resemble snow and an old bike light for effective lighting.
Dan wanted to create the cinematic shots on a budget and use household items and show expensive equipment isn't required to make high-quality photos.
He said: “I try not to use any expensive items or expensive camera kit, but just cheap and accessible stuff.
“I want it to be simple with no fancy studio. The first ones I did I used an upturned pizza box on my tumble dryer, used a bike light for lighting and some baking power to resemble snow.”
Being able to create fantastical images with everyday items was a personal goal of his.
Pictures include recreated scenes from 'The Force Awakens' such as troubled villain Kylo Ren's shuttle cruising through the darkness.
Another is a recreation of arguably one of the most classic Star Wars scenes; a fallen AT-AT Walker from 'The Battle of Hoth' in 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Dan said this was the picture he was most proud of, and that he felt he'd managed to capture it "just right" – but recalled how he had to retrieve the set from his son’s Lego box.
He said: “I tried to recreate that scene and there’s a funny story as that particular set I have had for 10 years.
“I had it on display and I gave it to my son. After I made these initial photos, I thought I would use the set and I couldn’t find all the bits and I only had three legs.
"But you wouldn't tell from the photos.
“It was quite nice to shoot and I felt like I made a really dynamic shot.”
He also has taken pictures even the most casual fans would recognise such as the famous Stormtroopers marching.
Once created Dan posts his images on social media including his own Instagram page.
He continued: “I share them all on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
“They have gone down really well. I’ve inspired a few people and they sent over their pics.
“It’s good to inspire any other fans!”
When asked if any of the Star Wars actors had seen his work, he replied: “I don’t think so but I think that be very cool.”
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