Photography First ever photoshoot

Aww, she's cute! Your photos are pretty good (like you I am still learning), but here's a tip that a friend gave me a little while ago - when taking photos, try so get a little light reflection in your doll's eyes (like in your first outdoor shot) as it helps bring the doll to life. But otherwise your photos are really cool. ^^

 

Oh wow after reading your post I went back and looked at the photos again and yes 100%, I agree!

 

Your doll is super cute!

When taking photos outside, it's best to take them on a cloudy day or in the shade to prevent harsh shadows. The softer light in the shade and on cloudy days looks a bit nicer than the direct sunlight. ^^

Quiet and Insane is right about the little reflection of light in the eye. That's something that portrait photographers will often add in Photoshop if it isn't there in the picture.

The posing looks good and natural. It's seems very realistic.
Great job for a first photoshoot!

 

But seriously if this was your first attempt on photography i'd give it to you. You seem to be creating effective poses which brings a little life to the doll.

One thing which is inevitable but could lead you to be a more serious doll photographer is to get a better camera; even a cheap dslr, it really does change everything!

Here's my list of constructive criticism (please don't take it too harshly! i'm just a little harsh)

- All your photos tend to have her centred. It begins to become a bit boring and non interesting, play around with where you place her in your frame! You may have heard of the rule of thirds or golden ratio, if you haven't it's a good idea to read up on it!
- There are harsh shadows on her face and body which is also very hard to avoid for beginner photographers. The harsh contrast is unpleasant on the viewers and can be fixed if you were to take the pictures in the shade. Optimal photography sessions would always be grey, overcast days.
- The eyes are a little dark and that's what you want to avoid when you taking photography of dolls, I believe there was a proper term acquainted with it 'Eyes of the Void'? haha.
- I noticed that you haven't edited the photos and some photographers prefer to not and have their pictures raw. But if you learn a little editing on photoshop it would really bring out the photo and life! Using dodge tool on her eyes can also help bring out the colour, etc.
- One other thing that you have to take into account is the background, seemingly it looks like an average backyard which is not something you want the viewers to see. You want the viewers to believe that it is a high-key photo shoot and it is professional. So be mindful about your setting, look at it yourself and think; is it alright? Does it look too common and homely?

- Basically the main things you have to take into account is :framing, lack of editing and camera quality.