Outdoor photoshoots and non-doll crowds

Go when it's not crowded and bring friends.

 

*shrugs* I just bring my dolls along when I go out with my hubby and kids. Then I can do photos and be left alone while hubby plays with the kids, but makes it obvious I'm not alone, too. I also take advantage of meets to do solo shoots with my dolls, too. Then non doll people in the area know there are a few of us there, and tend to leave alone anyone on their own unless they're interested in getting info on the dolls. And every once in a while, I just go out on my own. When alone, though, I don't go too far from home.

 

While I've never had a problem taking any of my other dolls out in public for photo shoots (or the stuffed monkey I dragged all around San Francisco, for that matter), I did specifically choose the Brownies as my first BJDs because of their portability. Tiny dolls, tiny camera (a Canon PowerShot A1100), and I'm good to go!

Giving off an air of confidant nonchalance helps too. I'm long past the age of caring what total strangers think about me, my family, and whatever odd thing we might be doing at the moment.

 

I probably wouldn't go without my dollie friends with me, if it were a shoot! I'd be so scared to take my good camera out alone ^^;
these dolls aren't very well known where i am , but not many people bother me bout em when i do take mine out! Sometimes i take him to the mall or stores to find things I can use with him. Don't get strange looks or strange comments for having him.
I don't think MSD sized dolls are big enough to get the attention c:

 

-Ignore all outside stimuli while you work. Learn effective use of taciturn grunts and monosyllables. If you're silent enough, or brusque enough, people assume you're some kind of Professional Artistic Temperament person or some kind of crackhead street-person. Either way it's usually enough to get left alone.

-Or, take the opposite approach. Pretend you're a tourist, too. Shout "OK, say cheeeeze!" at your doll while photographing it. Pretty much anybody recognizes a "travel-gnome photo op" moment when they see someone holding a doll up in front of a landmark & pointing a camera at it.

-Or, bring a friend to serve as your Muggle Wrangler. This receptionist-type person answers the usual passerby questions & maintains a safe gawker-free radius around you as you work. If friend is doll-owning friend, favor is usually repaid by you guarding them next time they want to do photos. If friend is non-doll friend, favor is usually repaid in beer or ice-cream (depending).

-Move to a freak-friendly city where people are used to finding weirder things than you free in their breakfast cereal.

-If it comes down to it, pretend you don't speak English.

-Stay away from malls. Fluorescent lighting is unflattering & people are jerks.

 

I took my dolls to a Matthäus Passion-from scratch last saturday for some photoshooting in church. Besides, my two companions love them too.
It was pretty crowded, so I did some photoshooting during a lecture about the history of musical passion recital practice. I didn't make a lot of pictures, juggling two dolls and still people walking around. But I did piece together a photostory I need to translate this week. Posted the Dutch version at BJDcafé and The Dutch Dolfie Dots.

 

I'm planning to take my doll out for the first time - to my university when her new wig arrives - I've found a usually deserted stairwell I want to do some some photos in. Should be fine, I know I won't let her out of my sight and it's the art department so you can carry a lot of weird stuff around without comment but I still had a nightmare about it last night! Something unspeakable about grabby hands and breaking resin, I think.

Personally, I don't have any doll friends (damn, I don't really have any friends now I think of it....) to act as "muggle wrangler" as JennyNemesis puts it so well, so I've just about accepted there are some great photo opps I'll never be able to take up. I'm pretty confident on my own, but I find my confidence multiplies exponetially when I've got a friend with me to validate my weirdness.
My nerves can't take the stress so I'll just have to settle for building sets at home.

I think a fairly deserted place is your best bet. Secluded parks and suchlike. Places where people can't sneak up on you or your doll while you're busy concentrating behind the lens.

 

Never go alone. I'm very lucky since my husband shares my hobby, we do our photo outings together - I hold, pose and guard the doll, he photographs.

If heaven has not blessed you thus, get a photoshoot buddy some other way!

 

I do most of my shoots outside alone, but in the suburbs usually I've driven there and the car is nearby. That said, I've learned to look at "small spaces". You don't need a whole scenic expanse for a doll. Sometimes just a tiny portion of a wall or stairway is just what you want. Or little nooks and crannies of other people's landscaping. Learn to see SMALL and you'll find all kinds of good spots.

And timing is important too -- I hit the office/industrial parks around my workplace on Saturday afternoon after work, if I see no cars in someone's parking lot already. Others are better on Sunday mornings. Parks are less crowded in the mornings than afternoons. A park/lake where others are doing their hobbies (fishing, remote mini-motorboats, kites) is more apt to leave you be than one with mostly parents walking their children (they always seem to want to ask questions). Joggers are good, they're too busy maintaining the heart rate to want to stop and make inquiries. (Lunchtime power-walkers, however, always seem to think anyone doing anything else during lunch besides treking down the street with handweights is very odd. You do get looks. OTOH, I think they give the same looks to people who actually EAT LUNCH during their lunchbreak. )

Recently, the side parking lot at a supermarket, where the workers were parked and there was little come-and-go got me shots with some nice shrubbery. A closed medical building on the weekend was great last spring with all the fresh plantings of tulips and daffodils. (Not to mention the fabulous cluster of cherry blossom trees that's at a building right around the corner from my workplace!)

Of course, it's always easier to just be taking portrait pix, or a few shots for a plain gallery shoot. Photostories take more thought, generally, and you'd best have at least a rough idea of what you want to do, and be prepared to adlib if circumstances or doll gravity refuses to cooperate. And it also pays to know your doll, know in what ways, for what poses it's fiddly, or what poses it falls into most easily, or whether it's a balanced rock despite winds, or tends to fluoresce in bright sunlight. Get the surprises out of the way ahead of time, and you can strike, shoot, and sweep away like a camera-ninja! And, JennyNemesis is totally right -- look artsy, and you're a Creative Type, not an Oddball. I know someone who carries a small sketchpad too at all times. Whether or not any sketches actually get made, it gets laid out in full view, with a pencil case laying on it. Ah, an artist, the civilians think, and move along.

 

I always go to totally deserted places like the middle of the forest, or elementary schools after school is out. XD;;

 

Love this.

I find that if you don't make eye contact with others then they tend not to approach you.

 

Also agree with JennyN's first comment. I'm quite reserved and definitely not an exhibitionist but I've learnt how to screen out external stimuli and put on "tunnel vision" -- really helps with overcoming self-consciousness! Main thing is to look busy, be confident (or put on an air of confidence) in what you're doing, and ignore passers-by. If you look like you know what you're doing and are actively engaged, people are less inclined to bother you.

I usually photoshoot alone in secluded but public areas and I haven't been bothered by people yet. But I once was shooting in what was technically private property, and a security officer came by. I was polite and said hello when she approached; when she saw I was just taking photos of a doll she left me alone. (It was also a public holiday and the grounds were deserted.) Being confident and polite helps; furtive or self-conscious glances around are more likely to attract attention with any authority figures that happen to pass by.

 

i live in the middle of nowhere, which is great for outdoorsy type shots, but if i want to go out in public with my dolls to take photos i drag my friends with me. usually followed by dinner somewhere i can afford XD

 

I've yet to have a problem with this. I've taken out numerous dolls with and without my sister around. I've taken up to 4 (which is half of my group) out at one time on my own and I keep my dolls I'm not taking pictures of, usually right by my foot where I can feel them and cover them. I've never had a problem with people passing by other than asking what type of dolls they are and I answer them and most are rather curious but then leave me alone. I've gotten stares and heard comments, but I quit caring a long time ago. I've done pictures at major conventions, small conventions, large busy parks, museums, trains, rest stops, just about everywhere.

 

I have a big Lands End canvas tote bag. Toss dolls, cellphone, and camera in, and *poof* you look like anyone else walking anywhere, until you stop to take the dolls and camera out.
When you do take them out, concentrate on the shoot you want to get, and ignore everything but the tap on the shoulder.
Of course, that nearly gave me a heart attack when I took a shot of a mini on a people-mover at the Phoenix Airport. The guy waited patiently (I didn't know he was there - I'd carefully watched for a large empty space before getting on) for me to finish, then told me softly in my ear - because that's where my ear ended up when I stood up! - that that was pretty neat, before walking quickly on past me.

 

I act like everything's normal, really. I go alone, take a couple (or a few, depending on the size) dolls with me, and since I have an expensive camera (from several years ago, granted, but still expensive) people assume I'm photographing them for either a class assignment or some artistic reason. Either one is usually the case anyway. I don't get many people staring or bothering me when I go out. I'm sure eventually one or two will, but acting normal and not self-conscious usually keeps people at bay.

 

So far most of my shoots have been either in my backyard or my neighbor's yard, or in the empty lots nearby. I did once take a batch of photos by a river at a campground I was staying at, with my sisters helping. Apparently we got some "looks" and stares, but I was so busy taking photos and posing the dolls I didn't notice! I personally would prefer to have a helper with me in a very public place if at all possible, just to help spot and guard.

 

I either ignore the people and strange looks I get, but then I've never been accosted about my dolls. Usually though I go to places where people aren't around (like caves and cliffs or cemeteries), or parks when people aren't going to be around.

 

This. If you don't act like there's anything weird or wrong about what you're doing, most people won't give you any trouble... Humans are social creatures, and we take a lot of cues from each other. If you're confident and comfortable, they'll tend to be as well.

I've taken pictures of my crew in all sorts of public parks and other places, and while people do sometimes stop to look at the dolls or to ask questions (I guess I must look approachable for some reason, because people do tend to talk to me-), I've never gotten any hint of hostility or "OMGwhatafreak!" from any of them.

 

Taking big camera and being alone is actually an advantage in my opinion.
People never tried to disturb me because my look is quite "serious" and they may think that I'm "working", LOL.
I had tried to take public dollie photoshoot with my friends and bringing a small dc, then there was a high chance for being stared at or asked for some questions.

 

A lot of times, I take pictures in my dorm's bedroom--just because I don't have a lot of time between classes and work. XD;;

But when I do manage to go out... I do what a lot of people have already mentioned: have a bag for my camera (one of those spiffy camera backpacks) and then toss a doll or two in their carrier. The bag makes things look professional (also helps that there's a giant tripod sticking up out of the side pocket... XD) and so that I'm doing something Artistic for a class. I usually get left alone, but if people approach... I talk to them while still photographing, so most people get the hint and leave, or are willing to put up with me being distracted. XD;

 

I usually take outdoor photos in my backyard because its very large and has lovely flowers. When I go outside my backyard I always have someone to accompany me. To help carry the dolls or camera ^_^. Never had any comments from passingby people. I think that will only happen if you dance around naked here.

Totally doll-unrelated I do get comments about my black wool coat when I was in America. They called me man-in-black <__<.

 

The first time I took my dolls out, I was attacked. Had bricks thrown at me and all sorts, I have yet to go outside with them again, I haven't even managed to go out in the garden with them yet.

Reading this, I hope I can find a dolly friend who I can go outside and take pictures with!

 

Look clean, look artsy, look confident, and try not to go out alone unless you're in a safe public place with lots of nice witnesses around should anyone accost you.
Nice witnesses, not people at a local bar down the street witnesses. Use your better judgement on the sort of place you go. Many of the people in our hobby are women and are, by statistics, vulnerable if out alone and not paying attention to their surroundings, staring through a lens. Even you guys aren't invulnerable to heckling or assault. Please try to take friends or go to safe, well lit public places and let others know where you intend to be.
Looking professional goes a long way toward avoiding too many gawkers. Neat well fitting clothing and a focused attitude, with a camera and doing the photographer silly dance (pose, lean, frame shot, squint, focus, pose, kneel, angle, frame shot, click, repeat) are all "obvious earmarks of an artist at work" and people will generally move along.

 

Generally, I would just ignore the crowd. I'll just glare angrily from time to time when they try to take photos of the dolls. No offense but i think it's extremely rude to just go up and take photos of someone else's things without asking their permission.

Half the time, i'm just battling with security guards. Cause they think i'm a threat to national security by taking the dolls out to take photos in the location. So yeah. The crowd annoys me greatly yes but security guards are my main peeves. Especially with the whole bullshit of "YOU'RE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY". Oh the lulz, those people just don't know the photography rights.

I think the only insane thing I've done so far is taking doll photos within a commercial office building (thank god we evaded security), at the nation's borders where it's the final frontier and at an abandoned railway tracks which has an approximate 10 stories drop down to the deep river below. ^^;

 

JennyN has hit it on the head. Follow her instruction and you'll survive. I might add this bit: if you are alone, and shooting, and someone starts distracting you with questions, say politely: "I'll be happy to answer all your questions after I'm finished", then continue with your photoshoot. Hopefully, they'll get bored and leave.

 

I can really only add to the excellent tips you have been given here, that I often look at my watch in a hasty and 'peeved' way as if I am on a tight schedule when going on a solo photoshoot.

That is one technique to keep away interested parties from questioning you.

(I actually have no problem with people being interested in my dolls, the problem is me in the fact that I blush too easily in unfamiliar situations)

Be careful about doing solo photoshoots in lonely places……as has already been said use your better judgement as to the suitability of a place.

And I manage all the gear and the dolls by keeping near the car so that everything can be swept back into the car quickly if needed.

And have an emergency plan ready about what gets put away first in the case of a problem….for me it is the dolls.
The camera, tripod etc can be replaced the dolls cannot.

Good luck and I hope you manage it sometime in the future

 

Being on a college campus, I have to deal with crowds all the time. And college kids are not the nicest people :/
I've had people be completely rude to me, asked me why I was taking pictures of my bratz dolls o_0 (because a DOI luke looks like a bratz doll)
The best thing you can do, which may be obvious, is stay away from highly traveled paths. Don't take pictures in the middle of a sidewalk; move off into the grass or something. If you're in someone's way, then they're going to look, they're going to say something.

If people say something rude, don't just ignore them, be polite to them or a polite smart-alic. Just say "thank you" and they'll just wander off, but if you ignore them, they'll stick around.


also, be aware of people around you, don't completely zone yourself out.
you will probably have your doll, your camera, purse/bag, and more with you. And if you're in a public area you need to keep conscious of where those things are. I've had a child run up and almost knock over my doll while I was taking pictures at a zoo, I've also had my purse stepped on.

so just make sure you know where your stuff is and keep in contact with it. Don't let yourself get totally lost in the shoot.

 

The to my mind most important advice has already been mentioned by several people: be completely at ease doing what you're doing. Make it clear to any observer by your demeanor that you're just going about your normal business, and that this business is nothing in any way remarkable or noteworthy. Chances are they will neither note nor remark upon it.
Being aware of your surroundings is critically important because you never know what might sneak up on you, but don't let your surroundings notice you're being aware of it.

There is an even better piece of advice, though, and this has also been mentioned several times: never do it alone.
Unfortunately this will not always be practical to everyone, but it is still the very best way to avoid trouble.

 

Just learn to not care what people think(easier said then done XD), somebody's bound to have a rude or nasty comment about something no matter who you are or what you're doing. As everyone has previousley said, confidence helps too. If somebody feels they need to come up to you and say something mean or snarky, just smile and politely tell them to back off. Though truthfully, if you're confident in yourself and what you're doing the only people who will comment or come up to you are people who are purely curios~

 

This thread is awesome. I think that everyone should have the opportunity and confidence to be able to fully enjoy this dolly hobby, including doing photo shoots/stories whenever and where ever...well almost where and when ever. lol.

For people who are just venturing out in the world of outdoor doll photography, you should start by going someplace comfortable and familiar to you. I started by being in my neighborhood (and dorm hallway at school...not outside, but still public). The more you do it, the easier it will become! Also, if this is a planned shoot, try to take bags that you can strap to your body (bookbag, bodybag, or something). People'll be more likely to bother you if they think you have something (other than a doll that they don't know the worth of, and a camera) worth stealing.

 

I was a bit hesitant at first taking my dolls out for photo shoots. The first time I did, I felt a little uncomfortable at first, but quickly got over it. I picked a Sunday morning to go to a nearby botanical garden hoping there wouldn't be many people around. Unfortunately, I completely forgot it was Mother's Day, and all mothers had free admission. >.>

Once I started shooting, however, I was pretty much OK with it. I got a couple interesting looks, but for the most part I think people were pretty accepting of what I was doing. A couple folks asked if I worked for the doll manufacturer, was taking photos for a class, or putting together a book. I guess carrying a decent looking camera can let you get away with anything!

 

I agree lugging around a dollie (especially if he or she is a big one!) and a big camera would be a job in itself @.@ thankfully I only (so far) have an MSD and he's pretty simple to carry around. But of course when going out in public with your dollies your bound to be asked a few questions or get a few stares. I took my boy and my friend took her boy to the local mall one day, we got no questions but we did get some looks :P It's something I guess you get used to as it goes on, getting the questions and looks and whatever else. I personally love to show off my boy, I think it's really fun to explain what the hobby is all about, and almost always the comments I've gotten are just very interested people, never anything negative. Usually people are nice about that kind of stuff :P

But make sure: Watch your doll at all times. Today, for example, a friend and I were having a little photo shoot in a park near my house. Right across from where we were was an electrical generator dealio thing, and we just had to go to the park on a day where all the maintenance was being done. So the guy in his real big truck pulled up in the grass and was only a few feet away from my friends boy @.@ it was really scary. He didn't even see the little guy in the small field. So ALWAYS watch your dollies!