Forbidden

Because it's Balakov (AKA Mike Stimpson) and...well...see for yourself.

"She was a promising young X-wing pilot with amazing hair. He was a simple Stormtrooper. They knew it was wrong, they knew the risks, they knew that one day she would probably help to destroy the orbital battle station on which he lived, but what could he do? Girls who like Stormtoopers are quite rare."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Lovely Ladies of the Empire

It would appear that both Exobrick and Pedro have made recent purchases at Arealight and MinifigMaker.

First up we have Exobrick's lady friend with AreaLight torso, MinifigMaker helmet, and modded BrickArms M23 pistol. I'm not sure what is about a lady in uniform, but I'm sure Balakov shares my appreciation.

Pedro prefers his female troopers with head tails...Twi'lek head tails that is (get your head out of the gutter). This little lady is all Arealight from head to toe.


I know I've voiced this time and time again, but I really think TLG should consider making a female minifig mold with curves (a la Arealight's design). I recognize that it would require a new mold and perhaps modification to production lines, but after seeing this print curves just don't do it for me anymore...erm, what I meant to say was...I better quit while I'm behind.

(Via Exobrick's and PEDRO-79's Flickr streams)

So Long and Thanks for All the Pics

Balakov has reached the end of the line for his July Scavenger Hunt. Here are the last two pics, enjoy!

Item #20: In the Third Drawer

"Stormtroopers and helmets, they're like women and shoes. You can never have enough."

Item #21: Curtain


I like to think of this as the compliment to "No Peeking".

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Balakov's Back on the Hunt

I don't know if Balakov's July project can really be called a true 'scavenger hunt'. I mean the man is making the items, not finding them!

Just a couple more items on the list to complete, and then we're done...I promise.

Item #18: Hybrid

"Many troopers leave the ranks of the Empire to try other things. Some are more successful than others."

Item #19: In My Day

"When you're stationed on Tatooine with no droids to look for the days and nights aren't much different."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Balakov's Cake Trooper

Wait a minute. A Balakov pic that's not part of the scavenger hunt?! Yup.

"The 307th Imperial baking division is one of the most feared special-operations units in the Empire."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Three from the Scavenger Hunt

Item #15: Synchronized

"It's a good job Astromech droids are waterproof."

Item #16: Taped

"This is not a situation you ever want to be in."

Item #17: No Entry

"You shall not pass. This was all that was needed to protect Endor from Imperial occupation."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Two More from Balakov

Item #13: Calendar Girl

Item #14: Dumb Bell

"Jedi training isn't all lifting X-wings out of swamps with your mind."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Your Daily Dose of Balakov

We aren't even half way through the month and Mike Stimpson is well on his way to completing his 20 item scavenger hunt challenge...

Item #11: No Peeking

Item #12: Floppy Hat

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Two More Scavenger Hunt Pics

Item #8: Scavenger

"Many a traveller of the sandy wastes of Tatooine falls foul to these vicious scavengers. Be wary."

Item #9: Pod

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

New Items in Balakov's Scavenger Hunt

Item #6: "Oil"

"The old-style Stormtroopers need a little more maintenance."

Item #7: "Hunter"

"Who knows what he's hunting. Perhaps wild bantha? Maybe he's trying to bag a rancor? Or perhaps he's just the Empire's version of Cupid, inspiring love and romance between the troops. It's probably one of the first two though."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Balakov's Scavenger Hunt Continues

Item #4: "Underwater"

"His last line of defence against sharks was not as effective as he'd first thought."

Item #5: "Stacked"

"Everyone forgets about sterling work that the Empire's administrative division perform. They keep everything running smoothly."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Balakov's Scavenger Hunt Pics

On Monday we mentioned that sometime LEGO photographer, Mike Stimpson, was going to recreate 20 'scavenger hunt' scenes over the next month. His first two pics are seen here.

The first picture is titled "Violence is Never an Option".

The second picture is titled "Creature Comforts".

"I realise this may have Godfather overtones, but that was not the intent. The horse is completely intact and happy in his comfortable bed. Those are real silk sheets you know."

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

Balakov Update: Books and Lists

Mike Stimpson (AKA Balakov), is back with some minifigure photography news.

First up, Mike has added this picture to his Flickr page titled 'List'. It seems that he has signed on to do a scavenger hunt where he will recreate these 20 items in LEGO. Now diet being marked off the list here either indicates he's completed this item or that he hates diets. Either way, I'm looking forward to a month of 20 new Balakov photos!

Over on Facebook, the Mike Stimpson Photography page has a link to Blurb where he's selling a photo book of his LEGO stormtrooper photography. The book is titled,"Stormtroopers, We Love You " and I would recommend purchasing it soon. TLG has a habit of shutting that stuff down when they catch wind of it.

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream and Blurb)

That's Not A Moon. It's a...Golf Ball?!

Mike Stimpson (AKA Balakov) has started to sell three of his LEGO Star Wars images (including this one) as greeting cards on PigSpigot.com. If you haven't perused Mike's photos on Flickr your in for a real treat!

You can print a card for $3.99 USD or send an electronic version for free.

Mike also has prints available on RedBubble and diviantART.

(Via Mike Stimpson Photography Facebook Page)

Balakov's Anatomy of a Photoshoot

I love Balakov's photography. Many times it doesn't need any additional commentary other than the picture and his captions. This one is no exception.

This photo contains at least 5 of my favourite things.

Lego. Stormtroopers. Cameras. Girls with glasses. Télégramme magazine.
(Not necessarily in that order)

(Via Balakov's Flickr stream)

The Wisdom of Balakov: R2-BBQ

As the summer months approach and thoughts turn to the backyard grill, Balakov reminds us...

R2 has an attachment for everything.

(Picture from Balakov's Flickr stream)

Balakov Won't Let Us Forget

Mike Stimpson (aka Balakov) simply reminds us...

"Stormtroopers. They're still awesome."

I guess this is what those guys did in those wide Death Star corridors...

(Picture from Balakov's Flickr stream)