Part of a documentary photo series titled "Playing at war' Playing at War delves into the phenomenon of war simulation. At the heart of the series is Rockingham Airsoft and Tactical Support (RATS), a Christian-rooted organization in Reidsville, North Carolina. Participants at RATS engage in airsoft games within a deserted elementary school, wearing military gear and using realistic replica firearms that shoot plastic pellets. ​ This visual exploration examines the complex relationship between culture, religion, representation, and the appeal of simulated conflict. It prompts viewers to question their own engagement with war imagery and explore why individuals seek fulfillment and community through these activities. The contrast between religious undertones and simulated violence in an abandoned school prompts reflection on how personal beliefs and recreational activities can intersect in surprising and complex ways. ​ The series opens broader considerations about place, play, and human behavior. Although the setting may evoke unease, participants find in these spaces a sense of community, physical activity, and shared purpose. On a larger scale, Playing at War taps into broader conversations about America's relationship with militarization, recreation, and violence, raising questions about how cultural narratives of patriotism, power, and identity are expressed through war-themed entertainment and community-building activities.