Taking doll photos in public feels weird. :(

I've probably already replied in this thread, but new day- new opinions.

I love taking my doll out into the world to take photos of her, but I have to admit that sometimes being in public places and having people stare can make me feel little awkward. Feeling awkward can result in my photos being less that great, which I don't like.
What I find helps the most is being with at least one other friend to act as reinforcement. If you have one or more people with you, it's less like you're a crazy person and more like you're part of something other people are into. I like going on "mini" meets with one or two people to a park we might all want to shoot at, or other such place, and then being able to keep more eyes on the dolls as well. It makes it more social, but can still be introspective at the same time.

 

When I'm out I always see places where I think ' wow that would make a great dolly photo' but am not sure I want to take my dolls out of the house. So I have a plan - I ordered myself a Pukifee, she is small enough to go in my hand bag, so when I go out for the day I can take her with me, that way if I see a good place then I can take the photo then and there. I feel using a smaller doll will help get my confidence up as she is not as easy to notice to people passing by. Then in time I can move up to my two msd dolls then when I am really confident I can take my SD out. But I think trips out with larger dolls will need a lot more planing.

 

I don't really mind. I took my naked pukifee to the grocery store with me (she had no clothes and I was too excited to leave her home alone) and took pictures with her on all the food. Sure I got stared at but I don't really care. my dolls are a part of me!

 

I haven't take any photos of my dolls in public thought. But I sure would like to, I think I would feel very uncomfortable having people staring at me XD
It would be great if I could get a friend to be by my side.

 

I just usually take my dolls to quiet areas - to lake shores, forests, backyard or just a quiet spot in town - but still, most attention I get is just the curious type really. It's not really other people's business what you do in you free time. But anyhow, it might be more so calledly safer to take someone with you, since you never know when you pull some unwanted attention.

 

How far are you from a wooded park, state park or really natural out of the way place. That would be my first choice to do photography with a doll. Take them out where there simply is no one so there isn't any awkwardness or distraction. Pretty much the same thing people do when taking pictures of full scale models.

 

I always feel weird taking photos outside. Unless I'm at an anime convention or take photos while people are at work.
:3

 

I live in the centre of a big city and I don't have a garden. If I want outdoor photos of my dolls, I have no other choice than taking them to some public place or another. It does feel weird taking pictures while being observed by passer-bys, especially when I have to crawl or lie to get the perspective I want. However, I think it would still feel weird if I didn't have a doll with me. I don't like doing art in public, no matter what it is, I couldn't paint a watercolor picture while people are watching … at least not a good picture. I'm worried that my doll might fall or that someone might grab my equipment while I'm working and I find it hard to concentrate. But when I take pictures of dolls, I usuallly get across that point, and then I start to enjoy taking photos. Sometimes I take a friend as an assistant which makes things a lot easier.

Nevertheless, I find that taking doll photos in public is quite fun. People are usually very positive about my dolls, and I don't mind answering questions or chatting.

 

I completely agree. Going out alone makes me feel a bit awkward but going with a friend changes everything and just makes me more comfortable. It's like us (and our dollies) against the world lol XD

 

i usually go out super early to avoid people but sometimes if there's people around i'll just ensure they don't touch my dolls. >.< i had people touching my dolls and i don't really like it. LOL

 

Yeah I'm not sure why being an art major = strange but I guess it has its advantages. My only problem is that there aren't a whole lot of easy access places for me to take pictures in my area. I'd like to take my doll pals to the botanical garden or something.

 

take a friend with you, it tends to keep people from being TOO weird about it (its more intimidating if you have another person with you, lol) where as if you're by yourself they can and most likely WILL approach you. Some of them just want to ask questions, others want to hurl insults (which is really unneccessary but its a part of just about any hobby). I take my girls (and sometimes the boys) to a lot of places and while during transport they are often in a bag, if i have only one of them, i tend to say screw the bag and just carry the doll. I do get some odd looks, but i'm kind of used to that after living through high school XD I've had a problem with someone non doll minded ONCE in public. on a bus some 40-50 year old guy carrying comics and video games (not classic ones mind you, the newer ones) told me i was a pedo cause i had dolls when i had my girl out in my lap adjusting her wig, this was my first doll and my first time taking her anywhere except the grocery store. I have no idea what possessed me at this point cause i'm a very shy person, but i turned to the guy and told him that he had to be a pedo too then since he was carrying comics and video games and is OBVIOUSLY older than i am. it shut him up pretty fast and the japanese girl in front of me struck up a conversation with me about my doll.
Having a smart ass comment lined up if someone insults you seems to keep people at bay for some reason, i guess i must smirk as they come up to me or something XD cause that was the last time i had any crap from anyone on the bus (either that or word gets round =p)
I take at least one doll with me nearly everytime i go out, often its a tiny that has decided to live in my purse for a while =p or a floating head sometimes (i keep finding Soo in my purse with no clue how she got there XD) But seriously, dont let fear of other people bite at you, its not worth your time worrying about what they think. this is YOUR hobby and you should ENJOY it

 

I was just thinking of this. If you go out with another doll friend, or even one that doesn't mind being around them, or likes them or anything is better than going alone if you feel uncomfortable. I personally can't use my yard to take outdoor pictures because my family never keeps up on it and its really gross looking. I have to go to a park for outdoor shots. I haven't actually gone yet, but when my next doll arrives I really want to, and I would definitely take somebody with me. I usually don't mind weird stares from the public (I'm far too used to it) i just hate having to take the time away from my shooting to stop and explain to every person that walks by what I'm doing. It gets tedious.

 

I pretty much have alligator skin - I've been a cosplayer/belly dancer/SCAdian for so long that I'm totally used to causing a commotion when I go out my door for one of my geeky (or OMG witchy stuff - having taken part in public rituals really makes attention about anything else pale by comparison).
So going out w/my beautiful dolls for photos is a walk in the park (usually literally) for me - I actually love having people come up & ask me about them
I've gone up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for pics but my common location for public photos is my front yard - & people do stop to ask me about them!

 

Big state parks and cemeteries are some of my favorite locations. I've also shot a fair amount in abandoned buildings and ruins where people are very unlikely to be on weekend mornings. Apart from the awkwardness, I find that when there are people around it's just distracting and I end up not getting much done. I definitely prefer solitude so that I can lay out my gear and dolls, dress and prep them, set up supports and lighting, etc.. all without having to stop and explain, or feel like I'm in someone's way, and without having to keep an eye on my stuff to keep it from getting nicked.

 

I try to calm myself down and think on the bright side. I mean what could possibly happen? A zombie apocalypse?

 

I was very hesitant/nervous to take pictures of my doll in public at first. Until my cousin asked me to join her and her dolls in a coffee shop and take pictures of them the other day. That's when I first had the courage to step up a little. I'm now planning to take her outside to do another photo shoot one of these days. The fulfillment that I feel whenever I take good pictures of her surpasses whatever fear I have when it comes to taking her outside or the comments that I'll get from other people.

 

I had the same feeling but after awhile you just ignore it. You should do with another doll friend so your more comfortable

 

Ive never taken my boy out and i don't think i ever will..

 

I have taken my doll out for at least 5 times and I just heard bad wording once only.
When I am taking photo for them, some time there are people looking at me. But I feel that their kind and so I just continue my works.
Sometime people come and tell me that my doll is beautiful. I feel happy about that ^ ^

I fell happy when I am taking my doll out as I can take good picture for them.
Also, I don't care how other people think as I just think that I am doing something normal.

 

I say just go for it! Unless you know of a place where it's more secluded. I wouldn't worry about it! I know a nice man who goes to metal concerts with his BJD girl If anything people may just be curious (positively) about your dollies. Good luck hun!

 

I think that people react strangely to many facets of art, It's to be expected since beauty is so subjective. I don't let it bother me.

 

Seems that I am actually quite lucky that the local park is usually quite empty. I can take dolly pictures without being noticed by anyone. But then, I live in a small city and there is a high possibility that someone who knows me might notice what I am doing.

 

I know the weird and awkward glances may feel bad at first but it's really fun to get nature shots if your dolls! Or even ones near or in the city. My advice is don't worry about the glancers and try to explain to those who ask genuine questions with positive answers. Unless it's negative questions then maybe you could ignore them. Eventually taking your doll out in public won't feel so weird anymore!

 

I wouldn't do it, but the dolls I have are more just kind of for display so I don't like taking them out, I can't imagine carrying them out with me in public it would be like taking my mums expensive china out for a photo shoot haha

 

I have never taken my dolls out for an outside shoot, I would be too stressed about my dolls or equipment getting stolen.

 

I always worry that my doll is going to throw herself off things when I stand her for photos and I definitely don't want to get her dirty. But my little brother usually helps with the people being weird. He just stares at them like they stare at my dolly until they feel uncomfortable and leave. I'm not fond of the method but he thinks it's funny. He also likes to pose my Yosd boy like it's a creepy model, teenage boys can be strange, just saying.

 

this is one of the funniest things I heard/read today xD But, yes, it really helps to have a friend everytime you go out to take some photos. People 'outside' of the hobby (friends, family members) can get a little impatient (with you taking the 20th photo of the same pose lol xD) but a person who's also a bjd collector accompanying you is a great thing. 1. Because you feel more confident in public 2. Because s/he may give you some ideas and notice things you haven't noticed (about posing and so on)

 

I feel the same way.. I still fell strange taking about this passion, afraid of the reaction, comments and smile.
I do want to take them out but maybe I should find a dolly friend to go with and see how I fell.
Do you meet some friend to go and take some pictures ?

 

So I just did this for the first time myself last week end. I took my girl out for her first photoshoot (I had taken a few phone pictures at home when she first got home, but nothing fantastic). I'm used to glares and stares when I go out because I have weird hobbies like metal detecting or hunting butterflies (just imagine the glares I get when running around with a net) but I was still nervous about taking her out for the first time. I got quiet some intrigued looks, to which I find the best answer is a giant smile. I find the fact of having a camera around is also giving me assurance, like what I'm doing actually has a ''purpose'' (photography) instead of being just one crazy grown-up girl playiing with dollies. And the reason why I think smiling back at the even ugliest glare is the best possible answer is that I found that true in my other ''weird'' hobbies too, it makes them either feel stupid for being judgemental, or makes them feel comfortable to go foward and ask the questions that burns their tongue.

 

I'm really excited to take my girl out one day when it's sunny with nice different backgrounds! It have to be a day when it's not raining like it always do here in Sweden! x'D

About people giving stares and all that i myself dont really pay any attention to it, if they ask about the dolls then i'm open and glad to tell them it's a hobby like any other hobbies it's mostly for styling and to photograph. Don't be afraid to take your doll/dolls out in public, it's a hobby like any other hobbies!

 

I'm terribly conscious about this! I usually use a friend's backyard or shoot at home. Last autumn I brought a few dolls to a state park but in reality I think it was a bit of a pick-up scene...cars/trucks were cruising the parking areas nonstop. I was so terrified that someone was going to approach me!

If I was female, I'd probably have the nerve to do it more. But as a male, I'm always worried that someone is going to start trouble with me in public...

 

[MENTION=60630]tuneful87[/MENTION] - Life is too short to avoid doing things that make you happy.

 

mollym: That is true, but I'm a rather private/reserved person to begin with so I don't mind the extra work to create sets at home. However, I'm sure there are some lovely semi-private places around here that I could use. It's just a matter of finding them when there aren't many people around, I suppose!

 

I was feel weird too in first but then i bought my first SLR camera with huuuuge lens xD And i was like "I'm an photo-artist!" and all shy was gone)

 

I used to take my dolls out all the time. I never had anything negative happen or anything said to me about it.
People were pretty nice and sometimes curious...that's it.
I always took someone with me though to help watch out for my stuff but there was never any problems.

 

people do strange things in public all of the time. i'd say taking pictures of your dolls is at the bottom of the list of weird things you could do. as difficult as it can be, it's best to just let go of caring about total strangers' opinions if there's something you really want to do.
now, worrying about whether or not something would happen to your doll is a different story. haha

 

I'm sure my neighbors think I'm crazy anyway. I used to take photos of my artwork before sending it off, so I was out there with paintings in the direct or indirect sunlight--taking tons of shots... I also need to take photos for reference for paintings, so I'm out there with weird props and hottoys dolls and model horses and blow-up blimps (that was just recently). I have to say, I was hesitant to do the dolls outside as well, but what with all the other stuff, I might as well just go for it. Thank goodness I'm on a cul-de-sac and it isn't busy... but of course, whenever I have my weird props out there, people are always coming by walking their dogs...!

 

I definitely have too much social anxiety and self consciousness to do outdoor doll photos. More than that, though, I think my biggest fear of taking outdoor pictures is that my doll's clothes will get dirty...right now my boy has only one outfit, it's all white and has long trailing sleeves and lots of delicate lace. I live in terror of stains. Even when I play with him indoors I wipe down every surface he might conceivably touch. Since I can't do that outdoors and there's stuff like dirt and soil to contend with, yeah, he's not ever going outside. Well, unless I get more clothes but I'd still be afraid of dirt. It's not like you can stick doll clothes in the washing machine, can you?

 

I admit. It's awkward. I'm pretty reserved so most everything is awkward for me. That's probably why I do it anyway. lol! And I'm less worried about strangers than people I know... Strangers will walk on by and you never meet them again. People you know might ask questions. And not that I mind answering questions! But if I'm outside, I'm chasing the light. So I try to focus my mind on getting the light and the shot. I try to just block everything else out. In the end, it's about loving your hobby. To heck with the rest.

 

Can't you? Doll clothes, depending on what they're made of can get washed like other clothes... I think. There must be someone here who can advise on this. I'm new but I've handwashed my doll clothes and they turn out just fine.

 

Dogs and kids I think are my biggest worry... well and rain... lol But you know... if a kid or pet rushes over, they won't understand what they're doing. Then they might grab or chew! Eeep!

 

Luckily, dogs are usually leashed around here! And there aren't many kids around the neighborhood.

There's more danger of the dolls just tipping on their own! --which IS a worry! I've had a doll faceplant... it was in grass, but wouldn't you know it--the grass was sharp enough to leave a thin scratch in her blushing!! UGH. I try and use stands... but sometimes I get lazy! Big mistake!

But yes, the best way to take photos is in a place where people aren't all over staring at you! I prefer back-yards!!! Unfortunately they aren't always what I want. My yards are small and SO unphotogenic!

Being at a meetup in a park with good photo spots is the best. That way you're in a group where we can watch out for each other and most people won't come up and bother us.

 

I'm in NJ so I would think it's easier to find doll groups around here for meetups. I haven't really looked since I don't officially have a resin bjd yet. I own other dolls and it freaks me out when they fall down too. I remember posing my dolls on a table and my newest fell off the table onto concrete!! I freaked out. But he was ok. Not even a scratch. I was so grateful...

I like backyards too. Especially now that I have one! lol You have all the time you want to set up and no one to disturb you. It's so much less stressful than in a public place or even inside when you don't have the light.

I don't even have a camera right now. I think that's why I like going outside because phone cameras are harder to pick up enough light.

 

I try to take photos where there is nobody. For example at home or in the forest . People love to ask questions and distracting.

 

I don't know how I feel about outside photos since I haven't done any yet but... I think I would be like a lot of people and prefer to do it in private places when possible with my friends. I take photographs of cosplayers as well and it's the same because I feel less distracted with random people walking around, getting in the way of the shoot or just plain staring.

 

Personally I would never make outdoor photos with dolls. Yes, I feel shy and awkward ...and weird, so that there will be no pleasure of taking photos. So I'd prefer to make good shots inside my room and lately use Photoshop to create any background which I like.

 

Honestly, I don't really care what people think of me with I'm taking pictures of my dolls outdoor. Photography is a rather popular hobby where I live, so most people are used to it anyway. But I do have this irrational fear of someone just deciding to grab the dolls and run as I'm trying to get into the right position with my camera...

 

I am a bit reluctant to taking photos of my dolls in public. Although when I do, I usually wait for opportunities when there are not much people around, haha.

 

Once when I took a doll out for photographs, I had a dad with a young daughter come up to me and ask about where to buy it. That was a rather awkward confrontation!

 

I love photographing outside but I choose time and places when there's nobody around ))

 

Why? Tell them the truth. BJDs are expensive and intended for adult collectors rather than children's toys.
If the daughter is mature enough they can be purchased online.

 

I have no social anxiety LOL I don't try to do serious photo shoots outdoors w/lots of people around because it gets distracting & it's hard to keep extraneous people/pets/kids! out of the pics. But I carry my dolls about sometimes in public, certainly on my way to doll meets & at conventions. Plus I do real photo shoots outdoors when there aren't a bunch of people about. The occasional person walks by & comments which is fine LOL

 

I used to be bothered by the "What will people think of a mature man out with a doll?" It doesn't bother me anymore. When we travel I normally cart a BJD along as a travel doll and photograph it at various places on our route. When I was taking this photo of Kyle at the I-80 summit in Wyoming a gentleman wanted to know about my doll so we chatted for a minute or two.

I-80 summit by Tom Beach, on Flickr

 

Well, I know I would LOVE to be out somewhere and see someone taking pictures of their doll! I've never seen it and probably never will.

 

No anxiety here. Keep Austin Weird is our motto! Nothing surprises anyone anymore anyway. My dolls are always loved everywhere they go, and any time I can spread the word I don't mind. Sure, an audience sometimes gathers, but that's what my Obitsu are great for...little risk to them if they get handled (and photographed with) curious passers by. The resin...well...they tend to be a bit more shy...for safety sake.

 

@The_amphibian, I've seen kids get very close to touching people's dolls at doll meets.

In one case, the mom was right there, but she didn't seem to care. Someone at the meet very politely told these little girls that the dolls are expensive and fragile items, and to only look with their eyes, not their hands. We had to convince the mom that no, these were not for sale, and she could not buy one from us. It was awkward, and thankfully nothing happened, but if some 5 year old with sticky hands got near my doll I would not hesitate to push them away (not with force, obviously).

Thankfully, most parents aren't obnoxious as hell, and the other kids I've seen have had a cautious/understanding adult with them at all times.

 

haha im a hermit and dont often take pics of my boy so i dont think im gonna be taking photos of him outdoors anytime soon unless at a doll meetup or something

 

I couldn't care less if people look or watch or ask questions. Anyone who wants to be rude to me in public will learn not to be xD Most people just ask polite and interested questions.

 

Im speaking about my experiences and I think its normal to feel unconfortable to expose dolls in publics in places where is not supposed to see dolls around (at the opposite,if theres a doll meeting I feel totally comfortable). But its pretty normal for example, if a mother (that go out with her daughter and she loves bjds and brings them around) would say mean comments to her... because mothers always want the best and not like to see a daughter that display around a fixaction of dolls! I should think also to others not just think about myself... so, I would bring my dolls outside in places where I know there s no people around and if it happens a person would pass while Im taking a pic is still ok at that point. But I dont want to look strange in front of other people... I could say "who cares", but for me, I care of my own reputation and Is it much more better to do things in proper places and only in that way one can feel really comfortable.... at least who dont want that people fix you...

Even if for me is ok, yet, I dont want to give opportunity to looks strange to others... so I will go outside with dolls when I know there's discretion...

But if I would own a good great camera reflex with me, I would get a typical professional photographer or an amatorial photographer's look, then I would surely not look strange at all... and I would feel more comfortable as is an artistic hobby..

I think all depends also the city and country you live. Here where I live, an hobby like dolls still look very strange... but in other places could look totally okay!