Taking doll photos in public feels weird. :(

I usually have no problem with taking photos of Arioc in public, as long as there's no one around. I'm really picky about the photos I take, and I abhore having random people in the background unless their presence is supposed to contribute to the image...but I also have this underlying fear of someone knocking my boy over or grabbing him or doing something horrible like that. -_-;

I think it's not so bad as long as everyone's not looking. I love your photography, so if you feel uncomfortable in a crowded area, definitely move somewhere less obvious. Hopefully you'll be more at ease! (and post your pictures!)

 

Of course they'll stop and stare, it's very unusual to see someone taking pictures of dolls outside XD But usually it's just curiosity. I just think it's funny.

 

^__^; I tend to find secluded areas, but never succeed in either. To be truthful, I don't mind the stares etc. etc., but that could be because I'm not considered an adult yet ^__^ nothing /too/ out of place, being a teen with a doll. ._o "teenagers get weirder by the hour" ^__^;;;

But what restricts me from taking pictures is, surprisingly, the fact that I dunno if I'm allowed to take pictures or not. ^__^; Some stores don't like it when I take photos of their merchandise/store front >__< So I tend to just take pictures in front of my house instead of outside /sigh

Well, if the comments really bother you, then bring an MP3/Discman and crank up the music x3 tis what I do n__n; You can always ignore the stares >_o;

 

I don't even take my dolls into my front yard for similar reasons (I have really nosy neighbors). The only time I have ever taken my dolls out other than just into my backyard or to my grandmother's house was for a doll meet. It was a lot easier to take doll photos in public when there were a bunch of other people doing it too. ^^;

 

I really think the only time I'll take my dolls out for picture purposes would be for a meetup. I used to take my boy everywhere, but that was before I moved and I was always with friends or family, so it was never a big deal.

 

I have only taken pictures of Arnold inside my house so far, but I'd really love to take him to a park or something. If I did, I would try to do so in secluded areas, or as quickly as possible before I gained TOO much attention ^^;; I'm going to my mom's for the weekend, and I'm taking him, so so far that would be the only place he's been besides my house.

 

Actually... No. Though I did think at first that I would.

I've taken my guys to the park several times now for pictures, and spent all afternoon on the riverwalk with Harumatsu a few weeks ago... and the experience was entirely positive.

Yes, a few people stopped to watch, and a few asked about the guys... Just the usual questions about what they were, where they were from, who made their outfits, and if I was taking photos for a magazine story or something... But no one was nasty or even mildly impolite. Most of them seemed really charmed by my guys. (Even though they *all* thought that Tien Jen was a girl. x_x) When I was out with Harumatsu, one little girl even gave him a flower. ^_^

 

Nope. I'm an art student- we do crazy stuff like that all the time!

And anyway, I'd still do it, just so I *can* get questioning looks. If you give people who stare a really, really, really wide eyed grin, they back off pretty quickly.

 

I went with my fiance to a convention for the Shriners, and as such I was left out of most of the activities. To make myself feel better, I had brought along Leander to take photos. I'm a bit older than most people here, so you can imagine how scared I was to be 30 and wandering around with a doll....it finally took until the last day for me to put him outside. I finally just saw such pretty flowers and a bridge I said "ah, to hell with it let them look!" and had fun.

But I still get nervous...I keep wanting to take my whole crew out somewhere, but kinda afraid people will look like "how is that crazy girl" lol But in the end, it's so much fun I really just don't mind.

 

I love it. I really do think it's fun, even if the general puvlic thinks it's weird. Then again, I'm an art student, so I'm used to it. xD I get bored of taking pictures in the same place all of the time.

I know that I can protect my boy from grabby hands (I'll bite off your fingers!), so the risk of that doesn't bother me. As for the stares, I think it's quite keen. I'm a people watcher myself, so I think that personally if I were to pass by something like that ... I'd find it intriguing.

 

I'm actually planning on goung to the small park one block over from my house tomorrow (weather pending) with three of my dolls. My mom will be coming with me, and possibly my dad, not because I'm worried about what people might say, but what people might do. A lot of the kids and teens in my neighborhood have absolutely no respect for other's property, and I'd be worried about someone trying to make off with one of my dolls. My neighbors, who have this absolutely beautiful huge pond in their yard have had so many kids try to scale their fence and either through stuff in the pond or even occasionally try to steal the fish. I don't think I'd ever go somewhere by myself when I have more than one doll, simply because I'd be afraid someone would try to steal from me.

But as long as I'm on public property I don't have a problem taking pictures.

 

i carry my Lishe with me everywhere and i forget to even notice that people are around and perhaps judging me.

i got over the fear of playing with my dollie in public fast.

 

I'm a fairly assertive person (*watches all my friends who've met me roll their eyes and say 'THAT's an understatement!'*), so I really don't take any sh*t from random people -- if I want to take doll photos in a pretty environment, I do. (Obviously, I ask permission first if it's someone else's property!)

I've had two reactions -- the first more common than the second. The first is intense curiosity, I wind up answering a lot of questions about the dolls -- one Starbucks employee even took a picture of them with her phone-cam, hehe! The other is "Ohh, they're creepy" . . . and, honestly, that can't hurt me, or them. I just smile and say "That's fine -- *I* like them!" If they push it, I generally smile rather viciously and say that *I'm* creepy, too.

For some reason, that always works . . .

Seriously, though, don't be worried about the reactions of People On The Street(tm) -- they don't have any power to harm you or to somehow harm your dolls, so why let your actions be controlled by them? (The only caveat is if you think you'd be bringing your doll into a physically unsafe situation to you or to them, as in, around a group of grabby ill-behaved teenage boys, to give an example.)

Why not go out and have fun? It's spring! Go take some photos!!

-- A

 

All I ever do when I go out is think, "That'd be a great place to photograph my boy!" I'm not worried about what strangers may think. In fact, I find their expressions and curiosity quite entertaining. I'm not ashamed of my hobby or my boy ^-^

 

i'm so nervous to bring skah out in public ;__; i dunno. it's kinna awkward. i almost brought him along when i went to the fabric store the other day, but my mom always makes mean comments about him >.< so then i'm all self-conscious about bringing him out in the first place.

 

I've never bothered to care about people staring and making comments. If I'm not bothering them I don't let them bother me ^ ^

 

I agree with what many have posted here already, just do it! Stop worrying about what random strangers may think about what you're doing. Life's really too short to mince through it, so I say get out there and have fun with your dolls! And when you're ready, please share your pictures in here in the Gallery with us.

Hugs, Juli DC

 

I don't usually even take my dolls out in public, unless it's for a meet up. Every now and then I see a park or similar place that I like and say "hey, that might work for *insert photo senerio here*" but I try to go at times when there's not a lot of people... and it's not really even so much that I'm afraid to be seen in public with my dolls (most people, when they see that I've got a camera in my hand and I'm laying on the ground and taking funny-angle shots of the dolls realize that I'm not exactly "playing" with the doll) I just am not really social and I don't like talking to people I don't know.

 

I've done several photoshoots outside. It is much easier to do with another doll collector/hobbyist/fan with you. We had people stop by and ask what we were doing, and for the most part it was a ball. Plus as others in this thread have noted, another person is great for security reasons. I felt so much more secure with someone watching the dolls while I took pics.

When I do shoots alone, I try to find secluded places, because that is probably where my doll characters would be.

Linda S.
galatia9

 

I know I'd feel a bit weird. I remember one comment I got out of town. "Aren't you a little old to be playing with dolls". I replied, "naw, you can never be to old". I know it's easier if I'm with someone I trust and also likes them, or if they have a doll too.

 

I have trouble taking any pictures in public. (not just doll pictures.) because people always stare and then i just feel weird.....

 

I don't think I felt all too weird. A lot of people do stare and I can say, I mean, I barely see children with dolls anymore let alone grown people like myself and then to pose and photograph them. So it is a little odd to those in our out-group.

My first outing with Minette and the Huntington Beach Central Park Library was QUITE the learning experience. Everyone was staring and asking questions and snickering. I can't say it was awful though (because I'm sort of used to that treatment). I take pride in being an individual and having things no one else has. People don't necessarily like different things anyway...

...but taking pictures of your dolls isn't that crazy, right? I mean look how many people here do it. You wouldn't be alone. You're just alone for a moment, but not in the world.

Besides I've seen much crazier things than someone taking a picture of a pretty doll.

 

If they ask questions, just say that you're an art student. They'll stop pestering you right away. "Weird" things are expected of art students.

 

I took Madolynn out to the park yesterday for our first photshoot. I must admit that I'm a bit nervous about that other people would think. I tried to go when I didn't think there'd be a lot of people around though... lunch time on a Wednesday. I only encountered 2 people... 1 didn't even so much as look my way and the other just smiled and walked past. Wasn't so bad. But I do prefer secluded places, but I guess it might be different if I were with a group of people.

 

The last time I took my dolls out in public, 3 people walked by but only 2 of them were staring as they passed. I was about to pose a doll when they did this so I just paused and stared at them back. You know, just to be careful ^_^

 

I've been cosplaying for a long time, so I'm used to people staring at me for doing strange things in public. So I didn't have any issues taking Akiko with me to California or to an anime club here in town. In fact, I want to take her out more because I take the most interesting pictures when the surroundings are funny or strange. Akiko is an artistic prop for me, both for sewing and photography. If I left her at home all the time, I wouldn't be using her to the full potential ^^.

 

Do you have a really good supportive friend that might be willing to go along with you?...to run interference, and guard your back, so to speak.

Also, check out the meet-up thread for any groups in your area, and if you can, attend some of the local meet-ups.

Once you've gotten to know some of the other BJD folk in your area, you can suggest good locations...like that park... for group photoshoots.

It's a lot more comfortable, and fun!...when you are with a group!

 

I plan on coercing friends to come with me >___> Though even that embarrasses me a bit. My only hope is for Ferret-sama to come visit so we can take doll photos together T___T

 

It helps me feel better about taking photos in public when I am with other people who are also carrying along their dolls. If you want to avoid extra attention, bring your doll along in a bag or tote until you're ready to take the photos.

 

I usually take someone along, so at least I don't feel like a lone nutter! Then it's not embarrassing.

 

Yeah, I've done the "I'm an art/photography student" or "it's for a magazine" excuse. What I actually find really funny is how people come up to you and ask "what are you doing?" when the answer is really bleedingly obvious.

"I'm taking pictures of dolls. What are you doing today?"

 

I've always adhered to a semi-wise, and mostly foolhardy piece of advice from my Audio Visual Club's teacher [whom I respect very much XD] - do anything you need to for your photos. XD This advice has lead me to taking many many photos in public areas and also has gotten me kicked out of a few of these places. XDDD It also leads to a lot of clambering over bushes and constructs to get good pictures!

But it's always worth it when the pictures turn out good, and I feel that once one gets immersed in the image in the viewer, you're likely not to really care or even notice stares. It's always an awkward moment when you pull the doll out from a carrier to start up, but that feeling goes away quite soon - at least for me.

 

It's funny...when I used to do Live Action Roleplaying in the south, we'd get out of our cars and go around town in costuming between games to eat, to get gas, etc. And people would stop, and stare...and smile. Warmly.

Perhaps the only thing I don't like about the north (and it really might be the only thing) is that people up here stop, and stare, and call you a freak, and snicker with their friends, and get out their cell phones and call and report you to their other friends.

So, yeah. Here I might be unwilling to take photos in public. Although I might not be in NYC, as there's already so much strange going on there.

Of course, that might not be a n/s difference. It might just be the passage of 13 years.

 

That has got to be the cutest thing ever lol


I think when I get my boy, I wont be to scared to take pics in public or even just bring him around with me.. hehe I want everyone to see him, I dont mind if they stare or ask questions, I'd be happy to tell them. I do worry with looots of kids around just cuz I've grown up with so many and deal with them all the time and they can be such nasty lil things sometimes... but other then that I'd just keep a close eye one my boy and a firm hand if I was showing him to the kids.

 

I live in Australia (south east queensland) and we have a lot of beautiful areas down here, rainforest and natural beauty. I have planned in what order I will take my doll too but I am so nervous about it.

 

Try doing your out and about bjd stuff with a friend along--safety in numbers helps. If anyone asks, tell them you're doing photography--it's a respected artform, they shouldn't find you weird for it. I get strange looks sometimes with my dolls out in public, but most comments my friends and I have gotten have been positive and the people genuinly interested.

 

haha yeah, one time we were in Leicester Square and the police asked what we were doing (they were just interested), so we said we were doing a photography project. Makes it seem legitimate!

 

I've taken my boy, Reila, out in my yard to take photos a lot. The only other place is at friends houses and thats usually only my one friend who has a doll XD; I did take him with me to an anime club meeting (but my friend had a doll, 2 of them did) and then the only place without friends was for christmas lights festival and I took him because it was just me, mom and her boyfriend going~ I took some photos there in the secluded areas and I rode the merry go round with him on my lap...that was weird I got lots of stares XD And my boys been to the mall but I haven't taken photos of him at my local mall just one about 20 minutes away when I first got him, I took lots of photos XDD I guess it just doesn't bother me enless they start asking if its a girl, then I get upset because Reila is M-A-L-E. Kthdx

My only advice is to be brave o.o;; But i wear funky clothes so I'm used to being stared at XD

 

Lol, I'd forgotten all about doing that...going to eat, stock up on drinks and snacks, etc. while in SCA/Cosplay/TFA costume...we called it freaking the mundanes.
(The live action roleplaying group I belonged to was called TFA, a group up in Seattle.)

Sometimes the mundanes need to be shaken up out of their ruts a bit. It's good for them to get a glimpse of the extraordinary and the fantastical once in a while. They need to see the wonderous fun that is out there, just waiting, if they can stop taking life so seriously, let themselves go and grab it.

Aggity- Maybe seeing you enjoying life, taking pictures of an amazing and beautiful little resin person on a bright spring day, might just lift their spirits and give them something to smile about.

 

I used to run a web site in which I posted photos of a sock doll I had made, which had been taken all over the world. Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, various places in the United States.... He was photgraphed seated in Ferdinand & Isabella's throne, with a Scottish bagpiper at Loch Ness, and in the middle of the Vatican.

In other words, I've run into ALL SORTS of crowds when photographing dolls in public. And what I've found is that if you don't act self-conscious, other people won't assume you're doing something weird.

When I first started, I would have the doll in a backpack, get to the spot, whip it out, take the photo, and then shove him back in the backpack. That attracted a LOT more attention (from guards and passers-by) than just walking around with the doll out in the first place. I learned really fast that if I carried it like it was the most normal thing in the world, most people would pay no attention. Those that did would approach with their questions in a polite manner, instead of a suspicious one, since the assumption was made that if I was mentally unstable or up to no good, I wouldn't be so open about it.

99 times out of 100, if I was asked anything, I was asked, "Is your doll on the tour, too?" (in a totally non-snotty manner, I might add -- there's a big difference in tone when someone is laughing with you as opposed to at you). I would respond: "Yep! I like to photograph him all over the world as a lesson in geography for my students. Plus, it's fun! I don't like being in photos myself, so I'd rather photograph HIM to prove I was here." Many, MANY times the people would then ask for the address of my web site, or ask to have their photo taken with the doll, or even volunteer to help me get a better shot by holding back crowds or propping him up from behind! (Heck, the Ferdinand & Isabella throne shot was acheived with the help of the palace tour guide, who violated the rules to plop him in the chair of her own volition, because it "was just too perfect." I didn't ask her to!)

I guess the point of this long, drawn-out missive is that people often respond to you based on your own attitude. If you act like you're doing something weird and shameful, people will assume that is so, and react accordingly. If you go into it with pride or nonchalance, once again, they will react accordingly. The best way to control other people's behavior is to control how YOU behave!

 

I take my kids out now. I've worked at getting past the nervousness, and yet I still do feel a bit anxious. I haven't had any negative reactions, although I've had a couple people laughing - that was when I was setting them up for some photos. I don't generally wander around carrying them, though - I take them for specific photo-taking purposes, and then home again. My hubby went with me to the last outdoor shoot, at a cemetary, and he played lookout for me. A security guy came by, but was very nice once I explained that I was just using the wrought-iron gate as a backdrop for photos. He watched for a couple minutes, then wished us well and went on his way. Otherwise, I've had people stop and ask about them. And always...ALWAYS...in restaurants, I get people who are genuinely interested and sometimes downright fascinated by them. I've had one or two people who couldn't drag their eyes away, and wish I'd had more time to give them information. It's hard to explain everything in 5 minutes, you know? So I stick to basics. But...I find that having a camera in my hands really changes the attitude of people. If I was just walking with a doll, then I think I'd get strange reactions. But with the camera, it's clear that I'm taking pictures for some purpose, and that always peaks peoples curiosity. So far I'd say my experiences being out have been almost 100% positive, and I'm looking forward to some fun outdoor excursions this Spring... :>)

 

I was in Toronto yesterday at the University of Toronto campus there and they had such gorgeous old buildings. I wanted to take pictures of July (I brought her and a camera, just in case) but couldn't muster up the courage to take her out amongst all of the students walking around. T_T I was with my BF and his boyfriend, who both know of my doll. But three other people who I didn't know as well were there. So... Yeah. T_T I'm a wussy. I feel bad for not having the courage to take pictures of July in public though.

 

Sometimes when I take mine out, I do get some weird looks. It doesn't bother me too much though. THe beautiful pictures I get are well worth it! I've taken them to a few different parks, and many times out in the neighborhood where of course lots of people can see them. They probably think I'm a little nuts, but oh well! I guess they are not entirely wrong LOL!

I've never had anyone say anything rude about them..not that that would stop me. Most people have been very nice about them actually.

 

i cosplay, so getting odd stares is nothing new to me. but then again, i LIKE getting people to stare, just to let them know that there are other things out there that they haven't experienced.

i'm still waiting for my debit card to be approved, before i can order my first doll, but when i get him and dress him up, i'm SO bringing him on a stroll to the park!!! ^^

 

I have a great yard for photo shoots, big, open, outbuildings, big trees.... but I also have neighbors who already think I practice voodoo and witchcraft (the two black cats in the windows don't help!) so if I take the dolls outside, they'd for sure think something was up.
I never take them anywhere else because I never go anywhere else.
v

 

Lizzard has it right, if you act open about it people 75% of the time people are nicer when they see you with your doll. They respect you more if your not trying to hide the fact that your walking around with a doll.

When I first started carrying Kiyoshi it was like "Okay, in the purse than out for a photo-op" people would look at me odd. When I started carrying him around on my sholder like it was no big deal, I got less stares. (unless it was teenagers or something, but they stare at anything "weird".)

Some of my faviorte shots have beem taken in public places, the only drawback I've founs is when other people get in the way. Thats the only reason to look for more sucluded shots.

 

I've taken pics of my dolls outside my home for years. I've taken a Barbie into the local casino, Taryn my Traveling Tyler JUST about everywhere (the very busy beach at Virgina Beach), and soon (with the nice weather) Treya & Imbri everywhere they can be carried.

The trick to doing this (I'm terribly self conscious and have zero self esteem) it to act as if (and BELIEVE) that what you're doing is perfectly normal. Don't look around at the other people. Talk only if you're spoken too. IF you should hear a derogatory comment either ignore it and do something bold, or turn at look at the naysayer and SMILE...just smile UNAPOLOGETICALLY like you are having the MOST fun ever and THEY are odd for not understanding and joining in.

Don't miss that shot you're dying to take because someone looks at you funny. C'mon, we bought and paid for these very expensive dolls so we could ENJOY them. Don't let some stick in the mud (and, that can be YOU yourself) stop you from having all the fun and enjoyment you can.

 

I don't think I'd take more than one doll out with me unless it was specifically for a photoshoot - in which case I'd probably bring my boyfriend or another doll-friendly person with me, if only because a spare pair of hands is useful, let alone the reassurance factor!

I often take one of my dolls with me when I go out, and I always have at least one camera with me plus my tripod. I do get a bit shy about staging a sudden impromptu full-on photoshoot with other people around though. I did a photoshoot with Marius by myself on a beach in Wales, but it was early in the morning and I had the place to myself; the only passerby was a man walking his dogs, and he just assumed I was working on an art project, wished me good morning, and carried on.

 

Not that I'm adding anything new to this but I'm one of those who doesn't like taking pictures of my crew in public. I do go to a 'park' (it's actually now been offically called a garden) where there aren't that many people around (I usually head into the woods away from the few who are around) so I don't have a problem there. I'm just very shy and don't like to talk to people (strangers) a whole lot, especially those poking their nose into my business.

If I was with other people, especially other doll people, I wouldn't care. Safety in numbers, ya know? They can deal with the people while I hide... ;oD

Yes, I'm a coward...
Loki'd Mom

 

I have absolutely no problem taking my dolls out in public and have stopped traffic before. Heh. Really.

I've been in Beverly Hills and have had people honking their horns... kids siding skateboards by...yelling, "Look at those little dudes!" Been on the beach (numerous times) on Venice, in Santa Monica...in the mountains....

I don't honestly care what people say. I'm a little nervous if people run by and try to hurt, damage or steal the doll so I usually go with one other friend. That usually scares people off. That's my ONLY concern really...I just don't want anything to be damanged or stolen. I don't care if people make comments, because usually I either laugh at them if they are asses (making them feel like morons for saying anything to me) or they get interested in the dolls. So...it's usually pretty cool.

I wouldn't let it bother you! You're missing out on a lot of fun and a LOT of great stories...I LOVE all the funny stories/experiences I've had out and about. I've had some of the best times. Especially the time I was out and some dumb guy whistled at me and Trent, and he was riding a bike, and nearly rode into apposing traffic because he wasn't watching where he was going. My roomate laughed and LAUGHED over that one. DUH! 8)

 

I really couldn't care less if people stared at me.. It amuses me a lot, even. There was once i was carrying Heisa around on Halloween and there were pumpkins on display in a supermarket i happened to be walking through.. I pretty much just propped him on the display and clicked away. Mind you, this was a weekend, so it was pretty crowded..

 

I'm probably just weird, but I don't feel even the tiniest bit odd or even a touch of shame, having Kaleb out with me. I think it's because he's so cool, and I always seem to have a snappy comment to make if someone says anything about him. (example: a cashier complimented him, then said, "His hair is weird." Me: "Hey, now, he didn't insult you, did he??" that's the mildest. XD)
I think it's easier to carry around an obviously male doll than a girl doll because you don't get the whispers of "Why is that chick carrying a Barbie?" A punked-out boy is quite obviously not a Barbie, and so they give a little more respect. (Or just stay further back. XD)
(Note: I love the feminine boy dolls, but I'm sure you all know full well that they get mistaken as girls by non-BJD owners! ^^)

On that note, I'm more afraid of a security guard stopping me for taking pictures at a place where I probably shouldn't take a picture (I work security at a mall, so I know perfectly well that photographs should not be taken on mall property...anywhere XD)....OR afraid that any of my kids might get touched or fall or whathaveyou if out in a public place. I took Ariela to the Museum of Science for the Star Wars exhibit, and did a cute picture where she's like pressing her face against the glass to look at something, and I was absolutely paranoid in the ten to twenty seconds it took, that someone might come by and step on her or touch her or whatever.

However, I've also:
-walked around Boston in costume
-dressed like a whore with a pimp with an ex, just for fun
-done crazy things with my hair
-skip, bounce, and dance around, while at work, in my uniform. Yes, I'm a professional, serious person at work....when I have to be. XD Otherwise, I'm enjoying my life, thanks!
-and other things which would normally make people stare

The stares don't bother me. I've always been the kind of person that does what I wanna do, when I wanna do it, how I wanna do it. I draw the line at outwardly offensive things (example: I'm modifying a replica Sid Vicious jacket for Kaleb, and plane on making some clothes, but refuse to do the swastika shirt, because that *would* offend people...)
I've had small religious and anti-religious buttons, but nothing that screams in people's faces; you've got to really look to find something offensive.

So anyway, I'm rambling.

I know it's hard to revamp your mind and your outlook at things, but you need to stop caring about what others think about what you do, when you're only doing something that brings you happiness. If you're hurting or offending others, well, stop. But if you're not harming yourself or anyone, do whatever you want.

 

I think some people can deal with stares and some can't. I don't like it either, but will be OK if there are others with me. I don't mind stares if I'm at a meetup with others. But going on my own, I will avoid unless I have to. And those times I'll just set up very quickly when there aren't people nearby and take quick shots and pack up again!!! I know I shouldn't care about what others think--and I really don't, but I just don't like people bothering me!!!

I usually do my shots indoors where I can be priviate--in backyards where I can be alone. I don't even like family and friends about, unless they're doing the same thing or ignoring me totally!

 

OMG, that was you! I thought the name looked familiar! I loved your site to death. XDDD

And in an attempt to add something to the topic -- I've taken out my first doll, Asher (AR Present Ren), just once. I went to a fabric shop and took a random photo of him standing on a shelf and holding his wig on a styrofoam ball just for giggles, and I didn't mind when a clerk was watching from across the aisle. But in general? I just don't think so. I'm too shy to do it when there's other people around. Plus I really don't want to open myself and my dolls up to getting made fun of. :/

I don't think it'd be bad in a group though, since everyone's doing it. *pondering groupthink now, which is good for the psychology paper*

 

I'm so self-conscious that I barely take out my Pinky St figures (10 cm plastic figures) out for photoshoots!! I'm always so worried that people I know will see me and will make fun of me >_<

The only time I've ever taken Soye outside is for a dollmeet with Annika in Brussels. I was worried to death that I'd get funny/weird looks. In the end, it wasn't so bad. You could tell that a few people were wondering if I was holding a doll wrapped in a plastic bag (to protect her from the rain). One saleman was really friendly though. He asked me 'So is she your little girl?' in a really friendly tone. It immediately put me at ease and I said 'Yeap, she's my girl' with a smile.

 

i'm utterly shameless =^^=

he's my baby and somebody to be proud of tho i wouldnt take him out without my bf cuz im afraid somebody's gonna snatch him ya know
people stare but i dont mind, cuz i stare too when somebody holds something unusual so meh xD

 

I do feel a bit awkward with my doll in the public, but I agree with the "I'm an art/photography student" excuse. XD Its highly effective as an excuse to make you look normal when doing abnormal activites. As for the stares, don't let them get to you. Its only natural, because if I saw someone photographing her doll in public I'll stare too, but its all out opf curiosity, so don't worry too much. =D