Taking doll photos in public feels weird. :(

I'm blessed with a very large, private yard... But the groundskeeper (my wife) hasn't gotten around to taming the vines and such yet ("new" house). So we go to the park to take pictures. The kids usually ask why we have a Barbie, but older ladies just want to ask questions about the doll and clothes. Usually they think we are doing a school project. (We are both in our late twenties) It was awkward at first, but I suppose I'm used to it now. My wife stays close to avoid any theft or damage. A photo assistant is a real help!

 

I don't really like taking photos outside... I don't get as many bad reactions as a lot of guys my age would, because I still look so young and have a less masculine appearance, but people still look at me weird. I don't really care, but I can only really feel comfortable if I have a friend to go with me, as childish as that is! xD (only really has friends that are girls, so everyone just assumes the doll is theirs!xD)

Now that I'm getting some smaller dolls it will be nicer, because people will not notice them as easily!xD I hate that I'm so self conscious, but I guess it's not surprising with the way society drills set gender roles into our heads! :P

 

When I took pictures of my girlfriends dolls outside, I usually had mainly old people looking and asking what I was doing and most of them even told me stories of them collecting baby dolls then because they really liked that hobby.
Other than that I had people staring but not commenting, or randomly saying stuff like "Nice dolls" but never more than that.

 

I've never taken any doll photos outside; I'm too embarrassed that a neighbor might see and ask questions. However, I have taken quite a few at anime conventions, but I feel there is less judgement there due to the obvious nature of openness, plus quite a few doll people are usually there, as well. But that does leave me with another question, how do you guys feel about nude photos? I've taken several in my house, but I don't upload them to social media websites because I don't want to offend anyone.

 

Uh the first time I went out with my dolly was bad experience. Near my home there is an office building and infront of it there is a little (1mx1m) green grass area which was perfect because it also has very nice lighting. I went there with my msd dolly and started taking photos, not even touching the grass with hands (or stepping on it) and then this grumpy security guard comes and tells me this is private property and photographs are not allowed. I ask - ok, where is your fence? Where are the signs? Would you tell me the same if I was just taking photo of a friend? If it's private property, why is there an ATM, why don't you tell people to go away when they approach and use the ATM?
He started blabbling about how it was his job to tell me this, that's why they don't have signs, yada yada yada. I was disturbing the workers (it was past work time), I was ruining their grass, I was like a clown with my stupid doll, they all laughed while watching me embarass myself and so on. I told him he can piss off and that I'm not gonna cry over their "precious" grass, where probably stray dogs take a piss all the time and I left. Sadly the other place I found had worse lighting and not so green grass, but atleast the guys were very welcoming with me using their green space for photos.

Soon after this unfortunate outing I decided that my dolls DESERVE beautiful photos and asked some friends (who loooved my dolls) if they wanna join in on the fun. One of the girls really wanted to get into the hobby too and I felt so comfortable because with her I didn't feel ashamed and so I took my doll out of the bag, hugged it and walked around in public with it. People were staring, but I did not give a damn. We found a beautiful spot for the photos and people were constantly approaching me, being curious about my dolls and I didn't feel like "the weirdo with the dolls". So I'd say - take a trusty friend and go for it, it's totally worth it.
In my country noone even heard of BJDs or the faceup hobby and I was brave enough even to apply and attend a local convention with my dolls (I got a whole stand of my own). I got only positive emotions out of it. Those who don't undestand/like it will probably not have the balls to approach you and say that, so don't get worked up over nothing

 

I wish i was brave enough to take my dolls with me . The park is so pretty now i just think people will think im crazy >_<

 

People tend to stop and stare at everything. Doesn't matter what it is. Now that I've said that, I understand what you mean. It doesn't how much you try, anxieties tend to get in the way of everything. From there you have several options. Find someone to go with you who can help and keep your mind busy, or go somewhere where the foot traffic is low or just improvise. It's really up to you.

 

I take most of my pics outside actually! The natural lighting looks best especially since I don't have any fancy photograph skills/equipment so it helps make my pictures look better. I have taken my dolls out alone many times as well as with my bff. One time we actually brought our whole collection to the park! When I go to visit my parents out of state, I take some of my dolls and take pictures on my vacations and trips with them!
My advice if anyone feels apprehensive, is two fold. One, most people you will probably not ever see again, so don't worry about what they think, plus most people get a kick out of it. Two, we spend too much on this hobby to not enjoy it 100%!
Just my two cents.

 

I'd like to take my dolls out for a photo shoot (other than my back garden) but I don't think I ever will. I think I'd feel a bit uncomfortable with it. Although I'd be happy to do it if I found somewhere secluded.

 

I've done quite a lot of doll pictures out in public, actually, not just with my bjds, either. I never actually pay any attention to other people when I'm taking pictures outside, to be honest, but I'm sure that there are plenty of them that do look. There have been a few people who have actually come directly up to me though and asked what I was doing and about my dolls, and seemed to love them. ^_^ My favorite encounter was when a group of little girls and their parents came up to me and were fawning over my dolls and saying how much they wanted dolls like mine. They watched me the entire duration of the photoshoot in awe. xD It was really cute, though a little embarrassing as I get nervous when I'm completely aware there's a bunch of eyes on me. I have yet to really meet anyone rude or outright laughed in my face for it, so I guess I've been lucky so far. I think it really helps just being relaxed and not acting like what you're doing is abnormal or something to hide.

I do admit that even if I haven't had any bad experiences with people while taking pictures in public, I still much prefer finding areas that don't have heavy traffic. It's mainly due to fear of people accidentally bumping or knocking my dolls over. Plus, I feel like I can take my time in getting a nice shot and like I don't have to rush to move out of the way.

 

I'm often take pictures somewhere where there's not so many people so it didn't causes a lot of attention. Also I'm often go take photos with my friend (who's also have bjd's) so it's not so awkward when there's two of us)) Same happens at bjd meetups, we get together, we have lots of fun so it doesn't matter how people look at us.
And if I'm going take pictures alone, I just take my headphones, listen to my favorite tracks and don't care what's happenning around me.
I also like how children reacting to bjd's))

People reacting worse on the carrier bag, cause they didn't understand what's in there. So many people asked what's inside. I always answer that I had a folding rifle in there XD

 

I really want to take pictures out in public too but its scary to see other peoples reactions to this hobby.

 

I agree. I'm too afraid to do that x3

 

I'm coming at this from kind of the opposite direction--I'm a professional figure model, and an amateur-but-passionate photographer. I take thousands of photos at martial arts competitions and demonstrations, and I love city shoots, and I go out late on cold nights to take star photos, and I creep around in the woods to get wildlife shots and such, and I've noticed that pretty quickly I just fall into the rhythm of taking photos and completely ignore the reactions of other human beings around me.

I think that for everyone who's nervous or embarrassed to be running around in public with a doll, it might be helpful to go take a bunch of photos with no dolls at all. Take photos of stores, take photos of interesting flowers in public gardens, take photos of stray cats, just get into the mode and mindset of noticing the pictures that are happening around you. That way, when you add the doll to the mix, it's not "I'm out here being weird, taking photos of a toy," it's "I'm taking photos." And taking photos is a thing you do regularly, so it's no big deal.

 

I wish I had the confidence to take my dolls out in public, but I'd worry too much about people starring or making comments, so for outdoor shots I use my own garden.

 

I must admit I do have that worry, at the end of the day there will always be people who judge people's hobbies and interests. I'm quite lucky where I live as there is a lot of country side and quiet parks so I will probably take him out to somewhere more quiet at first ( that's when I choose and buy my first doll )

 

I love taking pictures outside but it's a little difficult. So I try to look for a quite place first.

 

Even though I don't own a doll yet, my very dear friend has three BJDs and a few off-topic collectible dolls, she's very into photography and she loves to take photos outside. I've usually just been helping her out with posing, placement, etcetera. First it felt weird, people would occasionally stop and stare, and especially children would point at us. But what stranger's think only has as much value that you give it. With time you just learn to ignore the stares. Just always own what you're doing!

 

Hello, i usually bring my doll to work and would sneak them out for quick photos,

 

The only 2 things that really worry me when taking pictures outside are, firstly, my doll might accidentally fall down and get broken. Secondly if the sunlight is too strong the yellowing might be fastened a lot. Besides these 2 things I have no problem with bringing my doll outside. I even brought one of my 1/3 scale doll with my on vocation (to UK!) and took tons of photos! It was a amazing experience and I will do it again and again. It's just like taking picture of your children or cute dog/cat outside. Even though I am rather new to this hobby (just 1 year since I got my 1st doll) I still can't see anyhing wrong with it.

 

I, too, feel very strange when there are people around, and I want to take a few photos. But I feel comfortable if I'm not alone.

 

I've warned my fiance that when I have my doll arrives and we go on day trips anywhere she's coming too. Many photo opportunities to be had in the woods. As far as people staring I'm not too concerned, I have that resting face that just makes people leave me alone. I'm quite pleasant even though my face says otherwise.

 

I don't feel weird at all, I have been doing it for years. Some of my best photos are taken outdoors. It used to bug me, but I got over it real fast. I just remind myself that I like my dolls a heck of a lot more than I like the humans staring at us.
Sometimes I get odd looks, and sometimes I get people who really are interested in them asking questions.

 

This is an awesome photo! Just having a quiet moment by the stream. And the light was excellent. We have something like that in our back yard but the bugs would eat me before I could even set anything up.

 

I love taking outdoor pictures but my first time outdoors my doll had an accident that wrecked his faceup. So now I'm super careful and I try to take pictures in settings where I can secure him from being bumped or knocked over. I'd definitely limit the majority of my pics to conventions and meetups, where the people around me aren't going to disrupt the photography process.

 

I was embarrassed at first, but then I just did it. I took them out and took pictures for hours at a popular tourist attraction. Yes, people stared. But it wasnt ugly mostly, just curious. I was so proud of my new doll I wanted them to stare haha. People came up to me and complimented my dolls. I was thrilled. I say outside people are half the fun of public photoshoots! Those who hate, just ignore, because so many people secretly love dolls! and you, by being in public, are giving adults a safe moment to express this love.

 

I've never been bothered about taking my dolls out in public for photos. I did it as a kid, and I just kept it going into adulthood. XD People have stared, but I ignore it. The only comments I've gotten so far are from neighbours who enjoy seeing the pictures I take with them, and from my non-dolly friends who are okay with it, too. My one friend can't keep her hands off of Misaki's hair when I bring her out, though lol. I can't blame her, Misaki's hair is gorgeous and feels lovely.

I am careful when I take them out, though. I don't want any accidents to happen, so I keep my hand close to them until I have my camera ready.

 

Oh, I have had some great conversations w/people when I take my dolls outside for photoshoots! I have no problems at all LOL
I'm more worried about accidents w/the dolls, & BUGS - can I just express my deep abiding hatred of mosquitoes?

 

I took Kairi to Disneyland once. The only thing I was concerned with was her being safe, and because of that, I had to take extra time setting her up while people walked around and looked. I did feel a little shy about it, but once the photo shoot started I didn't care anymore and just had fun.

 

I definitely feel strange, but I think I'm silly for feeling like that. I live in São Paulo (Brazil), so almost everywhere is full of people hahaha. Usually do my photos in my mother's house (she lives in a smaller city), It has a big garden and lot's of nice places to do it in private to take my time.

 

I can't wait until I have a doll. I want a Lati White. I do intend to photograph my little one when I can finally get one. I did have to get over my shyness when out photographing. Right now, I love photographing toy character items. For me, it opens up conversation. To me, this is easier than taking people pictures.

 

Just a little bit for me, i feel better when there is not much people around, i do not like people appearing in the photos as background, also they keep staring (i know bjds bring a lot of atention) sometimes they come and ask some questions, btw i love taking pictures outdoors.

 

I'm pretty sure I've never even attempted to take photos outside of my home due to fear of stuff like that! Most of the parks near me are also near schools, I'm scared of children/parents asking me about my dolls or judging me for it D:

 

I think if I saw someone who looked really artistic and professional taking photos, I would assume they were a student doing it for a project maybe? That's not a bad thing! Maybe just make yourself look like an eccentric artist and people won't think you're weird, but will probably think you're up to some visionary photographer working on their latest masterpiece.

 

It is easier when I'm not alone. But what really annoying is when strangers come around, stop and stare how i'm taking photos or even ask me to let their kids touch my dolls О_О

 

I'm not afraid of taking photos of the doll/s outside per se, but I'm extremely afraid of setting up a scene in public places if people are around due to paranoia of someone wanting to sabotage or even take the doll. I'd like to have someone around, close to the doll, to see that all is fine so I can take photos without worry.. I don't mind questions or chitchat either from strangers but I'd refuse to let anyone, especially kids, touch any dolls.

 

When I got Percy and Petunia a few months ago, I was beyond thrilled to have them. But I was worried what people would think of me, and I didn't bring them outside ~in the wild~ until a few days ago.

I got some weird stares, mostly from children, but the adults were actually quite entranced by them! Some people actually were asking questions about them, which I had fun answering

It's also worth mentioning that I have pink/red hair, so I'm used to the looks and comments

 

I second this! Awesome photo, I want to go fishing too lol

 

I had a couple of friends with dolls who said they felt awkward at first but ultimately got over it quickly. (But then again, we're from a place that has a lot of "strange characters", so photographing a doll wouldn't really be the craziest or out of the ordinary thing for someone to be doing in a park.) I'm pretty sure I'll feel awkward after getting my first doll and taking pictures of her in public the first few times, but I'm sure it'll also be fleeting!

 

I might just wear a dragon onesie as a distraction lol think they are thinking about me as just strange overall and keep their distance lol

 

Haha, if it works, it works!

 

Lol!! I haven't really tried yet so let's see what happens when I do. I should document it.

 

The glares and stares are probably the worst but I tend to ignore them. I am a student myself here in NY and I own a Smart Doll (Twilight). Can't of course post on here but I do have an instagram where I just post now and then of my doll Cassata. I know it's so odd to just see someone taking pictures of a doll but for me I enjoy having her around when I study/roam. I attach her to my backpack strap with a key ring + carbine clip that attaches onto the strap. If people ask I just tell them about BJD and since most people now have an instagram I just tell them to just look it up lol. At home she's usually at my desk and if the weather is nice I take her out!

 

I personally don't really care about strangers staring - they just don't go too close and start to talk
I plan to take my dolls - once finished - in a forest where I know only few people visits. I also like to go with somebody else, it makes things less strange for me

 

I don't know that I'll ever get over the stares. The best I've been able to do is take pics in my own yard, hiding behind a bush

 

@plasticdumplings Hehe, I try to go out to the nearby parks when barely any people are around. I dislike stares, but even more when they stop and waste my time with questions (I don't have many times to go out for photos)

 

That's actually a good idea! I live in a small town so I should be able to go to our park when people aren't around.

And yet somehow I have no problems walking around town in a bright Pikachu hat

 

I have a very strong preference for having someone with me when I'm outside photographing my bjd. There are a lot of factors that make it better than photographing alone. I'm also very lucky to have a backyard I can use for outdoor shots.

 

@Answer42 Another person makes me feel comfortable too, and also can help posing, creating the setting, holding dolls/equipment

 

I have social phobia, I don't even like take pictures of me in public, I would probably die trying to take one of my dolls
I also don't feel very safe carrying her or my camera around, they are both expensive and fragile, so...

 

I don't feel safe going on photoshoots by myself unless it is in a place I know I won't be alone. I have figured out a way to carry my doll and camera and lenses without so much bulk and in a safe way. I bought a fishing vest with lots of pockets.

That's where my grandson's come in. They are great at being partners as long as it is only one and I hand them a camera to use.

You know there is a whole group of photographers who take pictures of toys. Most are fantastic at what they do.

 

When they buy me something expensive, my parents always tell me before "if someone steall from you, don't react", and I'm always like "yeah, of course, I know" but truly? I would totally put a fight if someone tried to get my camera and/or my doll. Sorry if I don't have love for my life, but I wouldn't forgive myself for just let someone take something so precious from me without doing nothing - its dumb, I know, the items arent worth my life, but I would be just so angry with life in general... You know, sometimes they don't really want to shoot, stealing doesn't give you as many jail time as killing someone. So I guess it makes me even more worried to get out with them because I know if something happens, I will probably die. And that worries me even more because I don't feel I will be safe with friends, what can they do against a gun? I will more likely put both our lifes in risk Its hard to live in such a violent word.
I would take them for example to the university, since its private and safe, but there isnt really cool things in this kind of place, I want to be able to take it to the beach and other public spaces, but these are the most dangerous ones - I'm lucky with this kind of thing, probably because my angel is Haamiah, but my little brother was already assaulted like 3 times in the beach near to our house, its a place I grew up in but I cant even have the courage to go anymore because people ruined it ):

 

During the winter, we had a park all lit up and I really wanted to take one of my dolls to get a photo with all the ambiance. Well it was about 12am or so cause I get off work really late, and I was posing my smart doll and suddenly a group of people started walking by. I immediately started moving everything and packing stuff up cause I was so self-conscious about me being there at such a late hour and people seeing me doing photography with a doll... funny enough, they were really shock to see someone out that late and wanted me to just snap a pic of them all together with their phone, so I didn't feel as awkward after that. Haha

 

Thankfully, we have a nice backyard so I never had to venture outside into the "real life" to take pictures...
But it's definitely more comfortable at a meet up, surrounded by people with dolls, haha