Ansel Adams Tribute: Nick Micheels’ LEGO Creation Celebrates Legendary Landscape Photographer

Few names in landscape photography resonate as profoundly as Ansel Adams. Over the years, his remarkable work has ignited inspiration in many, including Nick Micheels. Merging his admiration for Adams with his knack for LEGO design, Micheels crafted an astonishing 1,104-piece set aptly named “The Landscape Photographer.” This unique design, now showcased on the LEGO Ideas platform, is closing in on the coveted 10,000 votes needed for official production consideration.

Many might recall their younger days filled with LEGO constructions, and Micheels was no different. But as time passed, like many, he drifted from this pastime. However, the pandemic era drew him back to the therapeutic and meditative nature of LEGO design. Under the pseudonym Lobster Thermidor, Micheels began sharing his unique designs on LEGO Ideas.

Drawing parallels between LEGO crafting and photography, Micheels notes the therapeutic symmetry of both passions. “Both are about reshaping existing elements to forge recognizable forms”.

Being a photographer himself, Micheels’ childhood was enriched by an Ansel Adams photo collection of the National Parks, a gift from his parents. He was always enchanted by Adams’ perfectly balanced compositions and unrivaled ability to capture vast scales in his photographs.

Micheels’ LEGO tribute encapsulates the essence of Adams. Complete with Adams’ iconic 8×10 large format camera atop a wood-grain station wagon, it offers a tangible peek into the photographer’s world. Skillfully, Micheels incorporated specific flora – yellow monkeyflower, white leaf manzanita, and ponderosa pine tree – paying homage to the plants native to Adams’ cherished Yosemite.

While the entire set is a testament to Micheels’ dedication, he admits the station wagon was particularly challenging, given it was his first attempt at crafting a car. With his wife’s invaluable feedback, Micheels eventually perfected the design. The camera, with its intricate details, was equally daunting. Micheels meticulously worked through numerous designs, even adding a swappable lens feature.

“The Landscape Photographer” has currently garnered over 8,500 votes on LEGO Ideas. Achieving 10,000 supporters will prompt the official LEGO team to consider it for production. For Micheels, this potential recognition would be nothing short of a dream actualized. He says, “I’m excited about the prospect of LEGO’s design team refining my idea, and more so, to possibly share the building experience with my children.”

Should you wish to support Micheels’ Ansel Adams tribute in LEGO form, you can cast your vote on its LEGO Ideas page.