Taking doll photos in public feels weird. :(

I think it really depends on where you live. For instance, I used to live near a very large state park and never had any problem with people giving me odd looks no matter what weird stuff I was doing. Now I live on the other side of town and I go to another park that is closer by and I have had people come up to me and give me a hard time about carrying my camera with me. You just have to take it as it comes and try not to let it get to you too much

 

If i ever get any hassle (just jokey banter really, nothing truly hostile) i just give them a load of old crap about taking photos for a magazine shoot and they mostly fall for it and are a lot more interested in the dolls - i once got a mouthy bloke to pose with the dolls (what a prat).
If i ever get any hostile reactions and it's something i feel i can deal with i give as good as i get and generally they back off - looking like a rabbit caught in headlights is not a good attitude to have when photographing dolls in public.
It might be easier for me as i am older and can look like a potential axe-welding maniac when i want to plus i often have someone with me (male) so i recommend not doing public photoshoots on your own.

I have never felt weird taking the pics but i don't like that funny feeling that someone is always watching you!

 

I do it anyway. My reasoning is thus: "Why NOT?"

As evinced by the fact my friend and I did a shoot in Tire Kingdom's office while waiting for my tire to be patched...I have no shame about these kinds of things and I LOVE making my dolls take funny photos. If people watch, I just laugh and see if they ask to help. Most people are quite interested, at least to get a closer look at my dolls, and I'm always happy to explain where I got them from and how much they cost. Although "did you get those in the dealers' room?" at anime conventions gets more than slightly tiring...

 

At first I felt a little shy because I suffer from social anxiety/panic attacks etc etc and I was putting one of my dolls on the back of this little bear statue and people were starting to stare but I wanted the picture sooooooo badly, well I lost my nerve and took her down so then I think I probably just looked weirder to them heh....
BUt I have a new camera now that takes pictures quickly! And now that school has started there wont be so many kids around I am hoping!

 

I photograph Ryu at school all the time. Even did a photostory there.

I take Ryu with me everywhere pretty much. He is my security blanket so to speak. I take pictures of him constantly.

Some girl in the dollar tree put a sticker on his jacket. It was so cute. ^__^

Don't be afraid. If so...Start talking to you're doll they'll go away.

 

I'm just afraid of someone grabbing him and running of with him if i tried to take a photo. i dont think i'd ever have the confidence to out outside with him except for my back yard.

 

I took Virgil with me to a convention once and had a nasty experience with a rude grabby girl. But mostly I don't take him places because he's so big and all. I'm also not really the type of person to take dolls or stuffed animals with me everyplace I go. *shrug* Some people do and some don't.

 

LOL You forgot about "Did you get these at this mall?? Which floor?" XDDD Ahh, good times.. Must not forget about the photoshoot in Build-a-Bear and that other toy shop LoL (and the push carts! whee!)

 

I just did a shoot in Boston Common, and it was really amazing - people stopped staring at me as soon as I pulled out my camera. I was carrying Shay around for a little while with my camera still in my bag, and I got all kinds of weird looks - I'm sure you guys are all familiar with them, the "what's with that weird girl with the doll?" look. But then as soon as I had my camera around my neck and started posing him places? The only people who were looking would just smile and move on. I even got one comment from a rather "gangsta"-looking guy who thought Shay was "cool". XD

So my advice with the photo taking is just to go for it! I think it's really a case where having the camera and taking photos sort of legitimizes the whole carrying-a-doll-around thing, at least in the eyes of other people. The assumption changes from "freak/crazy person" to "art student/photographer/project/etc". I actually find it's more comfortable having my dolls out when I'm in the middle of photographing them than at any other time. ^^

 

I want to go to a local Pumpkin farm to take pics of my gang looking for that perfect pumpkin. I know if I go during day and a week day will not run into to many people and can take pics like crazy. But since I want to take at least 3 of my BJD I would hope I can get DD to help mainly for watching my back as well as setting them up. Plus if she wanted she could bring her 2 and I would bring all 4. But is the risk worth it, as I could just as easily buy several pumpkins and put in yard for decoration, even pick 2 big ones for son & DIL to carve. But which would be better. Take them or just get the pumpkins. When you have choices it helps, but like when I go to Japanese Garden in town, will need to just bring 2 at most. In any case it all depends on what can be brought home and what can't. If you can help go for it!

 

Hahaha~ It really depends where you are sometimes... Over here in Adelaide it doesn't happen that much with people staring at you... Occasionally you've people asking you about the dolls and stuffs but that's really rare... One good thing is having someone you know who's also a doll owner along with you... And even if he/she isn't one, it's fine so long as there's someone with you...

Most of the time I take pics of my dolls in more open and less public places... So to speak, nature... But I really want to take pics of my dolls in public places... T_T Haven't got the time yet... I don't mind people staring... ^_^ I do my own stuffs, you do yours... However, once I'm back to Malaysia I'm not sure how it's gonna be like... >_> Just the fact that you're slightly out of the norm, dressing goth/rock/punk etc earns you stares, even in more civilized cities... And I live in a suburb in a "peaceful" state... *A*

It'll be my first time going back with my dolls so actually I'm kinda looking forward to it!!! But yea, definitely will earn stares... It's just the mentality of two different countries... *head desk* Aiks, rambling but I'll at least try to avoid crowded places with too many people...

*whines* Me wants to take pics of my doll in modern architecture backdrops!!! Psst: Ignore that line...

 

Oh I have the same problem here ><* I'm really shy in generally, I've never been out with my doll in public...you see we only know of 3 or 4 doll owners in the whole country -.-' and people here might think your out of your right mind if you just walk around with a doll. There will be an animecon tomorrow, and we allso have our little meet there, so I guess taking pics will be more comfortable there with other doll owners.

 

I've never really taken pictures of my dolls in public, rather, I've carried them around from place to place. This being Iowa - especially Cedar Rapids - anything that's 'out of the ordinary' is kind of looked at with some scrutiny. For example:

I took Matti out to the local craft store (Michaels) to see if I could find anything there that would be in scale for him for Halloween...everyone that saw him kept staring, and the older women I ran into gave me these looks that were just plain uncalled for. The cashier looked at him, got really quiet and nervous, and tried to tell me this story about a little porcelain doll her mother used to have...she was very eager to help the person in line behind me.

So...I will take them out in public, I will photograph them, but...I don't know if I can handle the people so much. I'll find some places that aren't so populated.

La

 

Aw, that sucks silverstar! People are such rude...arseholes sometimes honestly. If I took a doll to the mall I'm sure people would stare(because there's a bunch of little kids and old people >.>) but jeez, you were in michaels!

 

Just to add that a few hundred more people in Orlando, Florida have now been exposed to BJDs as me and Rei have just returned from a holiday where I went photo-crazy around International Drive and Disney World.

Most people regardless of their age or nationality were just curious and usually friendly about Rei. Even the UK airport security man who opened my bag and checked him in his dollmore goth bag on the way out, was really sweet! And one bemused guy on the plane loaned me items to photograph Rei with... >_< most UK people are really fascinated by them i think!

Anyway... Disney was a particularly great place to take pics as everyone is so busy taking pics or carrying toys they don't even notice. Anyone who lives near a Disney park has a total gift there for photoshoots so don't be shy!

(Some of the cast members in Epcot's Japan part were particularly excited to see a BJD for real, for the first time. Rei got many little handshakes and it was a real confidence booster for me as a doll owner!)

 

That must have been wonderfull donnoir!

 

i have yet to go to a public place and my neighbors have made me even more nervous about it.
i was taking pictures in my frontyard, the gate CLOSED and one of the girls jumped it because she wanted a closer look at Autumn.
Well i told her she could just look at her because i already had her posed and she just came up and picked her up. I was annoyed of course but what made me angry was that she THREW her back at me
i was caught by surpirse and almost dropped her and the camera
i was tempted to yell at her but her mom's one of those parents that think their kid's an angel.
my poor baby almost had a hear attack
*pets Autumns head* its ok T__T

 

in my country, the weird feeling thing's not really the problem. it's the paranoia. just shoot something at some place and they think you're a terrorist or you're planning to heist some place or something @_@. (doesn't help too if you have a big slr, and of course adjusting settings do take time..)

 

I take my dolls out to the local park to take pictures, and people have stopped and stared but it's mostly just curiosity, nothing ill-intentioned. One couple who were hauling around a video camera even asked to film me posing and photographing the dolls

 

I don't really get any werid feelings. I will get tons of attention wheather I have my boys or not. I wear full Lolita everyday so I stand out as it is. So half the time I don't notice if people say anything, Over the years I've just gotten in the habit of tuning everyone out and going about my business.

Though taking pictures in public can be a pain sometimes. It's hard to shake off little children >< Oddly enough it's the boys that are more interested than the girls o.O and they're determined to play with my boys lol. Or at least help me with the pictures o.O

 

I don't have a doll yet, but I don't think I'll have a problem going outside with him. ^^ I dress funny, so i get stared at all the time anyway down here.. I'm an art student too, and I've been just about everywhere with my sketchbook and camera, so having a portable model won't seem that strange.

"It's for a Art/School project." is always a great excuse for unwanted attention. ^___^

 

Well, I've gone out to the big mall in town here with a friend to get pictures of her doll, and people were generally really cool about it. One friend said the doll was "scary" (He was pre-face up and eyelashes), but that was the most negative thing we had happen. A lot of women working at stands would call us over and ask us all about her little guy, wanting to touch his hair and see the details.
It makes me feel better about my chances when I go out with my littles. I just hope no one tries to steal them, that's my big worry!

 

I'm an art student, too! XD I know exactly what you're talking about. I was worried more about how my family would take it than I was about how my peers would... I actually plan on taking my Sanyu (when I get her) to school to show her off. (In a padded case, of course. I'm paranoid...) I actually think that my fellow art students would really appreciate the beauty and the detail... And I also know how to make people who stare back off. XD I can look really freakin' creepy if I want to. (Used to work in a haunted house. XD) So if anyone gets on my nerves, I can just stare at them and 'pet' my doll's hair. They'd back off right quick.

 

I always have at least one other person with me, usually my sister who actually takes the pictures, that way I can be right there minding the doll. People are usually pretty good about it, some are curious and ask about the doll, and I can keep an eye on little kids who might have grabby hands.

If you feel you need a place to start go where other people take lots of pictures. Xavier did his first out door shoot at a Victorian house and garden where people take pictures all the time. Everyone was so interested in their pictures they didn't pay much attention to him.

Where I got the most attention was taking my Christopher Walken doll to Hollywood. He posed at the Chinese Theater, played with some of the street performers, and a guy stopped to have his picture taken with the doll. It was fun to tell people it was the doll from You Tube. You hold your head up high, smile, and remind yourself you have a cool thing not to many other people do. When your doll goes out to play celebrity they are an ambassador for their kind!

 

I really wanna take My boys out for a public shoot, but I've got a couple of minor problems:
1) That wierd feeling I get. It's not really embarassed... but it's alot like that feeling that people are staring. Normally I don't care about or actually enjoy stares (cosplayer!)... but it's different with my boys for some reason.

2) Physicality. Necross is huge. He's a hound after all. So wether I'm acting casual or not, it's kind of hard not to have to shift him constantly (while I'm carrying him) and generally attract a LOT of attention. Now, this by itself wouldn't be so bad, but I've got kindof a guilt complex ^.^; I feel guilty if I take out Lane without Necross or visa versa. So while One Hound or one MSD wouldn't be so bad by themselves, A Hound AND an MSD is a little harder to carry, especially since I usually go out by myself. (I Have this thing about dragging people along who won't be actively enjoying what I/we're doing, so dragging the boyfriend is a no go. ... maybe that'll change when I get him his girl..)

So, Like everybody says, we shouldn't care what people think. But there are ocassionally other problems ^.^;

 

Oooh, Ayilachan, you can get one of those baby strollers from a yardsale or something to tote them both in And if you feel guilty about attracting attention, you could always pulls the cover over it with a blanket over the guys. This would help block sunlight too, so it's a win-win, I think. :S

I have been bringing Hiroshi into school a lot lately because we sometimes use him to model off very basic costuming designs for our drama class - he's loads more proportionate than Kiril is, so that's why I use him We've taken many many pictures, but sadly I don't have them -- they're in the drama class's hands. ^^;

 

As for the doll jealousy they will always have a bit of that. If I take Shi Shi out Xavier gets pouty. People are going to look because they've never seen an ABJ before. My going out and about with one of my dolls got me in to doing presentations on them and getting paid for it!

If you need to losen up about being seen with a doll take it to the mall with you. My minis have been in Friends 2B Made so mny times they wonder where they are if I don't have them. Everytime Jareth goes out he gets tons of attention. When I took Xavier shopping for a birthday presant I had shop people helping me look for what I wanted.

It's not you they're looking at, unless you're in costume, it's the doll. They're celebrities and they know it.

 

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think those sound like the sort of women who would have looked at you like an absolute horror show if you bought an overly saucy color of worsted wool to make a winter cap! Uptight old bats!

Judge not lest ye be judged, scrapbookers and needlepointers of the world!

They probably thought it was voodoo. They should get out of Iowa a little more. (You know, like once.)

Definitely save it for big gorgeous fields and birds as company!

-K

PS- I go to Michaels' way too often, and trust me, NOBODY in there needs to be gettin' judgmental. Hobbies are just inherently geeky. There's specialized tools and knowledge, magic ingredients and techniques. People stare on the train and ask questions when I knit, etc. People are always more childlike and curious for the most part, but sometimes they're rude, not because you are wierd, but because they either don't get it or have jumped to the wrong conclusions, cause the odds of you hurting them by doing these things are almost nil.

However, having lived in some not-tolerant places, some folks have the unfortunate situation of having the decide if revealing a bit of themselves that may intitially shock a few people is worth the hassle they'll get, and if so, comfort dictates keeping it private. I think that explain the whole "way more out gay guys in NYC than in the rural areas" thing....there's not really less, they're just keeping it to themselves for now.

-K

 

My very best suggestion is...bring someone along! The most fun I ever had taking pictures was when I brought my friend, Marci along with me! Not only could we help each other out to not feel weird, but it seems less weird to other people if there are two people, clearly having a good time, doing something, rather than one person all on their own with a nervous look about them. Plus, having her there meant that we were always having some sort of conversation with each other, which meant people who were truly interested would feel more amiable about asking questions, and people who might have been inclined to make fun just stayed away. The friend doesn't have to own dolls either, just be there with you and help 'guard' the dolls while you stand back to zoom, ect. It is also very helpful to have someone make little adjustments to your doll while you look through the lense (or on the screen) so that your pictures are extra perfect

 

In my experience (and I live in Alabama which unfortunately is a pretty close-minded place as it is) if you dress your doll in more what people consider "normal" clothing, they're less likely to be rude and nervous about it. To most older people around here, the unique and strange = unchristian/satanic/witchcraft. So whenever I take my babies anywhere other than photoshoots, I dress them appropriately and there's a rather big visible difference I swear people are so weird sometimes.

 

Heh, and the older you are when you cart a doll *outside* by yourself, the more likely you will be asked if you have any or is this a substitute for grandchildren! The suburban mind only has one track --

And they really do seem to believe and live the concept that once you pass a certain age, you don't need and shouldn't want anything or anyone beyond your family! Try being an older single and see how well that works --

The only time I don't get antsy is when the asker has a bunch of noisy children in tow. Then I get to say, "But my little person is SO much quieter than -- and cleaner -- than yours...."

 

I feel weird when they stare, but almost insulted when they don't ask. XD
I love confrontation, though, and a chance to tell these old farmers that there is a bigger world out there beyond the potato field.

 

In the area where I live it's pretty quiet, but I live in a tiny little hamlet just outside a larger town and if I took my doll into the town centre it would almost certainly get ridiculous amounts of attention.. In a bad way
If I took Eilonwy out she'd either get broken, stolen or I'd get abuse hurled at me.

 

I write for Doll Magazine so I have a good excuse for taking photos of my dolls. I have raised a few eyebrows and a some laughs when I am taking photos for features. For the most part people are facinated by the dolls and how beautiful they are.
I say lets get more people out taking photos and sharing our wonderful dolls

 

Lol, I take mine out to restraunts all the time. Lol. Nathan is a permanant fixture in my purse. He peeps out the top, and then sits on the table and plays with my friends.
I'm gonna miss my resin kids when I go to San Diego!

 

Adding to this~ I took Hiroshi with me to the doctors yesterday, and then to the library for pictures. It's the first time he's been out by himself, since normally I lugg Kiril around with me as well, but he got a really good response, even before the camera got pulled out. O_O;;
I was totally shocked, since I wasn't expecting that to happen -- especially since I was all by myself too (and we're in a small town) LoL But a lot of people stopped me to ask about him, or gave me the genuined thumbs-up and a shout-out of "I love your doll!"
Many people thought he was a girl though, so maybe having a girl-doll is more acceptable? I noticed a few eyebrows were raised when I mentioned he was a boy T_T;;

So..... do it anyway, even without a group? I admit it's more fun in a group, but it's not impossible to do it alone~

 

I don't have my doll yet, but I'm a photographer anyways, so I can relate. I also have bright red hair and a kind of strange reserved yet punkish style, so I get weird looks whenever I'm out in public no matter what I'm doing. I don't think I'll have any problem taking a doll out to photograph. XD In fact, I like the attention - good or bad because people's reactions amuse me.

Don't be so nervous, I mean if you go to a park or something similar, what's the chances of you ever seeing the same people ever again? Even if they think you're strange, it's not like you have to see them the next day at work or school, so just roll with it!

 

I don't have a doll yet but I took pictures of my friends for a class project and had them dress in their club outfits (which is on the gothic,cybergoth,raver side since thats what we do) and people stopped me like well what is this.. blah blah. its going to happen don't worry about them just let them stare or ask.
mmmm maybe i just have the photographer personality of just taking pictures and no caring.. but its a thing to get used too indeed.. take you dolls out and take pictures of them. if you dont feel comfy alone take a friend.. that ALWAYS helps me out. lol

 

Yeah, it does feel weird but that's why I go with Semienigma so I don't feel so weird. XD But, if I were to go alone, I'd probably go somewhere secluded. Not because I'd be afraid of being stared at, but just because I'm nowhere near creative enough on my own ^^;;

 

I don't feel comfortable, but I don't really care about it, if I really want to take the picture!

 

This is an old topic but something I was thinking about so I'm not sure if I'm allowed to start a new one.

but I am completely on the same side as you. I'm lucky though that my current dolls are fairies so that city or more populated areas are not something I look for. And even with my house being surrounding with green and trees and my college being 26,000 acres (mostly woods with a small campus lol) I still haven't really taken my doll outside. I did a few weeks ago but then my mom started coming up the drive way and I panicked lol it was an awesome mushroom and she fit perfectly on top of it but it was also directly in front of my house so I was nervous my neighbors would drive by and see me lol.


But I do feel like its a personal time whether you see your dolls as characters or as subjects just to photograph is can be annoying and embarrassing for people to try and put their nose in your business

 

Today, i am taking my Kira out for her first REAL outside experience. my house is outside of town, but is right on the only roud between two counties (not counting back streets and dirt roads) so there is always traffic. i worried for a long time about what other people might think, and I still do, but i have major anxiety all the time so im used to being afraid of people and going against my better judgement to find out things aren't that bad after all. some of the advice on this thread is so hysterical and warming, it can be applied to many facets of life. my favorite one was the "it's clear that many people do it on here, so you're really not alone at all. you're only alone for a moment."

 

I don't think it's weird at all to take pictures of dolls outside. It gives an opportunity to people who don't know BJD dolls, to meet you and discuss the hobby. I was glad the first time I saw a person in costume in a mall, 20 years ago. It gave me the chance to know fascinating people, go to medieval, eventually cosplay and lately a cosplay friend introduced me to BJD. If we stay alone in our living room with our dolls, who will we share our passions with ?

 

very well said. it's true, we have to open the door to let in the bad, and the good.

 

I've never taken my doll outdoors unless you count going to the patio of my yard to spray MSC ww

I'm socially awkward so I don't think I could handle having people come up to me if I'm taking a picture of my doll. I love love love pictures of dolls in the outdoors but I'm such a wimp. Usually if I even mention to someone about something I like, but I don't really know the other person who I'm talking to I get so nervous and jittery. It's inevitable that I'll also turn bright red in the face... I'll probably start sweating too!

I'm fine being the indoor princess, while my doll is my indoor prince! ^^

 

I have anxiety issues and such and I get really nervous taking photos outside of anything at all. It helps to have someone with me. I never leave the house anyway so, yeah :-p

I'm always worried someone will try to steal my camera, I can't imagine the worry of having my doll out and vulnerable.

I probably would worry some about what people might say/think but I think of it this way... people take pictures of all sorts of things all the time... like themselves or their cars. How is this any different?

 

Taking photos of models in public can also be weird. Imagine how street portrait photographers must feel when they go out and get permission from strangers to take a photo.

A lot of times in order to get the right shot you have to be a little bit brave!

 

This is so true! I LOVE street photography but don't have the guts to ask strangers to let me photograph them. I know legally I don't have to but it would feel rude otherwise. Seems like it would be easier to just do dolls, but no lol

 

I got used to this over time to the point where I don't notice so much. ^^; But when I first started it was with encouragement from friends, and often with them tagging along. I was also doing it on a university campus, and a lot of eccentric behavior gets overlooked in that sort of environment. Especially if it looks like an art project.

When I go to a public place, I tend to look for isolated spaces, or spaces that aren't crowded at the time. Not so much from fear of attracting attention, but because that way I don't have to worry about where other people are walking (or about them accidentally photobombing)!


I still feel awkward if someone I know personally catches me at it. Assuming it's someone who doesn't know me well enough to be as aware of my hobbies <_<;

 

Ive had this problem too. I wanted to take my dolls out, but felt a bit wick as we say. The only time i took one was to the local playground when taking my daughter there, but there was noone else around. I already get funny looks from people because of how i dress, so i suppose i shouldnt worry so much about being a weirdo carrying a doll.

 

I only had trouble once - it was in the park across the road from my unit at the time. I went over there to take some photos and then these teenage boys showed up and started calling me 'retarded' (not to my face, they'd say it to each other loudly then hide under their hoodies). I decided it best to pack up and go home as we were the only ones in the park. Got home and my husband was like 'Didn't you just go?' so I told him and he got so mad lol. He said 'C'mon' and we went to the park. As soon as they saw him approaching them with me walking behind they ran, it was so funny. That said, I've NEVER had any other issues - some people stare but a lot of people ask friendly questions

 

I, personally don't think that it's generally weird, but to me I get very nervous on how people think of my dolls, whether really interested in them or appalled by them like I know my brothers do (ah, brothers xD.) It's not even like a personalized thing, I feel awkward standing outside when people think I'm playing with barbie (which I honestly get pretty annoyed about). Plus, my neighbor is a guy friend, and I know he'll definitely tease me a ton; so no, I'd rather not prefer taking photos in public, but if I can without people staring at me, I'll pounce xD

 

For me, if I sensed someone about to make a shtick, I'd tell them that "time is money" and "don't bother me".

&#12288;

I guess I'm lucky that I come from a big city in a way, because here, you might get stared at, but very few people will have the guts to walk up to you and ask questions, so you can do almost anything without being bothered. (Unless you're on someone else's property, in which case, politely ask for the owner's permission first.)

&#12288;

I was a bit of an art student myself, so I would often get odd stares for doing unorthodox things. (I was already unorthodox to begin with, but you know.)

&#12288;

For the people who are nice about it, like to ask questions, and are generally interested, well... I'm a talkative bugger, so I generally take to strangers like a duck to water. If they want to know who my doll is, where I got it, why it's painted the way it is, how I did that... You can guess that they're in for a treat of endless chatter.

&#12288;

Otherwise, in those neutral situations, just go about your business. If you're not bothering anyone, and you're not acting in some suspicious way then very few people will even bat an eye.

&#12288;

When I was in Fuzhou, China (February, 2011), I was walking around a park with my father and his girlfriend. When we stopped by the waterfall, at least 50 Chinese people gathered on the bridge to watch us, and several pulled out their cameras and phones to take pictures of us like we were exotic creatures. (I'm white, and being in a smaller Chinese city where all they've ever known is Chinese people? Yeah. Hard to avoid being stared at.)

&#12288;

At the same park, as we were preparing to leave, an elderly woman shamelessly walked up to me and tucked my shirt in. (It was one of the funniest, and darlingest thing I had happen to me while I was in China.)

&#12288;

At another park (in Suzhou, I think), there was a woman doing a professional photoshoot in a pink kimono. When she saw me, in an instant, she dropped everything and wanted a picture with me. I obliged, and still actually have the photo stashed away somewhere. Haha...

&#12288;

So if I'm already pretty shameless about having my picture taken by total strangers, why should I give a rat's rear about what people think of some doll getting its picture taken?

&#12288;

The doll is an art piece, and photography is an art form. Get over it.

&#12288;

And as for another semi-conversation topic that was going on in this thread, I'm a website owner with a webcomic that I'm releasing, (one page a month due to a full work schedule) and I've been debating making a few BJD up to look like characters in the comic then use them as "real life mascots" on the site/forum/wherever else I deem it necessary.

&#12288;

I'm probably one of the few who didn't come to BJDs through anime. XD

&#12288;

Someone else also commented that people will consider it weird that you carry the doll. Well, if they ask, the doll is your photography subject and you just don't see packing and unpacking it repeatedly just to get the shot(s) you want.

&#12288;

ohmyhi: Don't feel bad about reviving this topic. If anything, it's good food for thought for those of us who are new to the hobby. (And even some veterans, I'm sure.)

&#12288;

dotworkdoll, kittydorkdork: I also love street photography. I remember a while back when I was walking around with my camera, and wanted some pictures of dogs. The only thing that annoyed me was that... as soon as I would ask, they would all say the SAME THING. "Okay. [Insert name here], sit!"

&#12288;

Cue that moment of, "Nooo! I wanted your doggie to be him/herself!" ;____;

 

I have zero shame. I frequently go outside in various forms of cosplay/steampunk/deiselpunk. I'm used to being looked at funny. It's the same for my dolls. If it's a lovely day and I want to do a shoot, out they go. If anyone stops and stares, I ignore them and go about my business. If anyone actually talks to me, I am polite and always answer questions. You never know...you might get a dollie convert.

 

Taking photos in public never feels weird to me! Why should it? Plenty of people do stranger things on their own than simply whip out a doll and a camera, I actually think doll photography in public is rather tame in comparison to the craziness of others out there.

 

Yes, I would feel embarrassed! Once I get my dolls on the wishlist, I will take pics. But I prefer taking them in spots I cant be seen. Ie there wil be lots of pics in the forrest. My favourite place to be :-)

Skickat från min GT-S5660 via Tapatalk 2

 

When I was very young, I was horrifically shy, and wouldn't have even considered taking a doll out in public to take pictures of it.

I am older now, and have spent many years in the SCA and so wondering around in public in costume, having people stare feels completely normal to me. I like to LARP and wear fairy costumes, and once accidentally{ (taking a short cut) walked through a Black Expo in a huge convention center thronged with people} while dressed in an electric blue metallic fairy gown with huge silver lace wings... and got nothing but smiles and compliments.

Being older IS better, as one grows older one becomes more self assured, and less worried about what other people think of you. Everyone I know has seen or at least heard about my BJDs. My dolls go out to restaurants, to my knitting group, occasionally to work with me, I am a security guard, and my supervisor is a real sweetie who used to be a beautician... and will braid my dolls wigs for me. I take pictures of my doll wherever I please, and just don't worry about it. I have never had anyone say anything rude about my dolls or my taking pictures of them. I have occasionally had small children walk up and want to hold a doll, if they seem well behaved ( and have clean hands!) I let them. If they seem too rowdy I just explain that the dolls are very fragile.

I am calm and friendly and talkative, and I think a positive, matter of fact attitude makes people viewing me and my dolls and camera, treat me in a positive manner. You get back from the universe the energy you put in to it.

If anyone gives me a funny look I just give them a big wicked smile.

So just try not to be nervous and go ahead and enjoy yourself taking doll pictures. Take a friend along if it feels more comfortable. If they have dolls, so much the better, the more dolls, the more fun the picture taking is.

 

I don't have a doll yet, but I look forward to taking my future resins on public outings. The movies, out to eat, museums, parks, my monthly anime meetups!! I do weird things anyway, so I'll adjust quickly Also, I figure it will be a great way to meet other weird and interesting people!

 

The one time I took my doll out to photograph my fiance (who took the pictures) and I got some rude comment aimed at us by some guy driving by. The thing is I just brought it up with my fiance (it happened about eight months ago) and he just commented that the guy needed to get a life. I haven't taken my doll out since, not because I'm embarrassed but we got super busy, moved house twice and went on holiday so we just haven't had the time.

 

I feel very strange when I'm going out with my dolls. People keep looking at me! So I don't like take a picture in public.
It could be they were looking at me warmly, but I felt so weird.. haha