how it started

This is hands-down my favorite photo project I've ever done, and honestly, most expensive. And it's still not complete. 

#FUNKOSONLOCATION brings nearly every Stranger Things Funko Pop to almost every real-life filming location from seasons 1-4, and hopefully soon - some season 5 locations. 

The first time I did these shots, I had it fully mapped out. I had a list of which ones were needed at each location and specifically where, while at that location, this way I could have them as close to on-screen scenes as possible, if possible., without wasting any time. and especially without forgetting to take photos of them. I also wanted to make sure i had enough time to take some landscape shots of each place, and also time to actually enjoy being there and not just rushing through it. 

This project seems like such a simple thing, but in reality, it's pure chaos while trying to get some of these shots. Not all the film spots are 'hangout' spots. Some you can only just drive-by because they're located on private property. And honestly, some places you really shouldn't even get out of your car at all. Please remember that even though some of these shots were taken at the actual filming locations, they were most likely taken YEARS ago, when times and places were different. 

The chaos that ensues during one of these trips goes just like this - me, pulling over at or near film spot in my car, scrambling through a large rubbermaid in my trunk that's full of loose ST Pops, shuffle thru extremely fast trying to grab the ones I need off my list, grab my camera, grab my keys, try to get the Pop to stand up and not fall over, take a bunch of shots from different angles, set up another one at a different spot, repeat cycle. For example - while at 'Bradley's Big Buy' we could take our time. I had a medium sized tote bag that I kept about 5 different Pops in while in the store so it was easy to negotiate between Pops per photo spot - BUT- at the 'Lab' - whole different story. Sometimes there's filming going on (tons of stuff gets filmed there) or the gate is closed. If the gate is closed, you might be able to park at the very front entrance and walk all the way back, but lately they will just tell you to leave. Sometimes you get kicked out. Sometimes they don't care if you're there, as long as your respecting the property and not being loud or trying to go inside. So basically, it's hit or miss. Sometimes it's even raining. I can plan it as much as I want but it never really goes as planned. And somehow, I always forget to do one or 2 shots.

Beyond the chaos, the end results are always worth it. As each season goes by, new locations always come up, new Pops come out, and the project starts all over again. Sometimes I retake the same shot with the same Funkos just to keep as a time lapse of the same spot. It's going to be this way, no matter how many times I get to visit these spots. 

With season 5 getting ready for production, I'm excited to see more new locations, and to also try and locate them, but mostly I get excited for new Pops! Hunting for them in stores is also a big part of the project too, because sometimes you can't just buy them online....

For a quick time line of the below photos - it took almost 2 years to collect and plan, the first shots for this project were from late 2019 and the most recent were taken Nov 2024 closer to the bottom. This project is still current and continuing. Next visit will hopefully be end of June 2025.

For a more behind-the-scenes experience, visit my @funkosonlocation Instagram. Each photo caption tells a story or maybe even has some fun facts about the locations you may not know of. And don;t forget to give me a follow so you can keep up with my project!