Distorted photos

Can we see one?

From your description it sounds like you're too close and have the camera
positioned too high. Keep the camera lens no higher than the doll's face
and hold it parallel to the doll's body not pointed down. Sounds akin to
photographing a toddler from adult eye level. Not flattering. Get down
to their level.

 

You can also get different kind of 3D perspective distortions depending on what the focal length of your lens is (examples: Untitled Document )

I don't own an iphone, but a quick google search suggests it is ~30-35mm. So closer features, like noses in face shots, may look bigger. It sounds like changing your height solved your problem, but you could also try simply increasing the distance between camera and doll

 

Like ella said, it's due the lens in your iPhone's camera.
The focal length of ~30-35mm is good for portraits, selfies and landscapes when using your phone, but as soon as you get a little closer to your object you will see some distortion.

This is also true on a regular camera.
When I use my 35mm prime on my full frame camera (Canon 5D MKII) I get that slight bobble-head look too when I'm too close to the doll.
For MSDs and smaller the lens really isn't suitable anymore, the effect just gets too bad and looks very dorky.
It's a good lens on a crop though (but that's a different story).

In conclusion: move away from your doll a little, go on eye level (like you would shoot a regular sized person) and if necessary crop the photo instead of getting closer to fully fill in the frame with your doll.

 

On a camera, you should use 50mm or 85mm (or even higher) for close portraits. 35 mm also works, but from a distance. Phones... eh, I really dislike phone photos, mostly they are so distorted and you can't help it...

 

iPhones do indeed make your dolls head huge no matter what because they tend to distort around the focal point. A lot. My Dad says there's an app you can get to un-distort them but I haven't found it. I'll post here if I do.

 

Play with lighting and try different angles and poses of you doll.

Lighting highlights the pint it hits causing the eye to focus more so on the particular area.

Angles are important because if you are too close the doll will engulf the lens/frame. Also if you are at an awkward angle that doesn't compliment the doll it will come out funny looking if it is not intentional. Also instead maybe moving your doll around for nice pictures, try moving yourself around and not just the camera and doll.

Pose your doll to give it more life and perhaps have them doing something with the environment. It gives a photo the life of action.

 

I’d be interested to see the app. I’m testing out iPhone tips and tricks this year.