Taking photos in public

Hmmmm i'd like to take some photos out too.... But.... my country is kind of "astrange" for the all the "collection hobbies" XD I think it will be super awkward! Plus... im kinda worried about the dolls getting dirty and stuffs

 

I see a lot of dolls owners who photographing their dolls outside and give an amazing results
I enjoy their photos and I hope doing like them . Personally I get shy when someone look at me doing normal things so I'm a little bit worried what I'll do when Taking my dolls out >< but I think I can make somehow and ignore people strange looks just for my girls xp

 

Call me paranoid, but strange stares from people doesn't bother me as much as someone suddenly running over to grab the dolls while I'm getting in position for the photos. I really like those shots where the dolls are a distance away from the camera so you'd be taking in a lot more scenery, but I don't trust the locals enough to dare try something like that. I'll always make sure that my dolls are within arm's reach if I'm taking photos in public. Kids here are the worst since most parents and/or caretakers will let them run amok.

It doesn't help that I've had a real bad experience at a local convention once where some kid just came up to touch the dolls, despite the signs and repeated warnings not to, and knocked one of them over onto the ground. Their parent simply rushed them away without a single apology, which is common behaviour in the country. He has a deep crack a little over half an inch running up the middle of his right knee as a result. =/

 

I often photograph my dolls in very public places. It's true that you can get some weird looks, but overall people are more interested in what you are doin than anything else. I really don't mind shooting around people, but I am an art student and often run around doing crazy projects in public.

 

Same here, and I usually shoot on campus because there are a lot of different settings. I definitely get some looks because I take pictures with my phone since I don't have a big fancy camera, but I always wear headphones, and that really deters onlookers from trying to talk to me. And the music helps me get in the zone and block out everything else. Although if I was I a more public place like downtown I would put on my headphones, but not listen to music, to stay aware of my surroundings- or drag my boyfriend with me

 

I never take my dolls into very public places because of embarrassment the only place i have been that fairly public is the beach :/

 

[MENTION=66578]Sookiecookie[/MENTION] me too It's the embarrassment thats preventing me from taking pictures of my beautiful dolls outside my own room.

I don't know if it is because of my age or my society or is it just because I am shy, but I should get over with it.
But do you think its weird or odd to see a working woman take her doll out and started taking pictures?

 

If you were to ask me a year ago, I would have NEVER gone and taken photos of my dolls in public, always been a sky kid.
But recently I've adopted this don't-give-a-crap attitude, so yeah, I would/ do take my dolls out in public ALL the time for photo-shoots! I love to see peoples faces when I have 2-foot doll in one arm and tripod and bulky camera case in the other, I get a kick out of it every time.

 

I can relate to this.
I live in a small town too, so it would be preferable to not be known as "that adult with the barbie" or something... And why must my doll/character have such long, purple/blue hair - it stands out a lot!

My technique is to think of myself as a "product photographer" or something of those lines. Like, I am taking photos of the clothes, that the doll is wearing, for a a store/my store or some doll dressmakers/artists portfolio, or I am simply taking some photos for a photo-class. You get the idea, right?
Basically - I am in the mindset of "I am taking these photos because I have to, not just for fun", when I feel discouraged in public.

So I hope that once I have done it enough so it feels like second nature, I can drop that technique and just do what I want!

Another advice I can suggest is to start out with parents or friends around, people might not think too much of you then and that could help build up your courage to go at it alone.

 

My experience is that people are going to look what you're doing whatever it is that you're photographing. Be it a doll or the leaves under your shoes for an art project, they're going to be interested.

Some will not bother you, and others will demand attention from your camera and be really upset when you ignore them.

I've been called some unsavory things by certain people plenty of times. It's scary.

But you are creating, you're producing and expressing your thoughts. The individuality that creates your essence is captured in the places you decide will be good backdrops for your art.

The tilt of your camera and the decision of how much light you'll allow through the lens is all on you. If you don't go out and do it, those pictures will never get taken. No one will get the chance to see what only you could show them.

Don't let fear hold you back. You'll only regret it.

 

I love that last line.

I'm always a little shy when taking pics in public. But I really want to try to take some pics of my doll. I started scouting out spots in the park but know it will be a little embarrassing but I will try and go during day during the work week to do it so it shouldn't be so crowded. Reading the comments here has given me some more courage to get out and just do it and have fun.

 

To be honest, I don't care about people staring when I photograph.
I'm more anxious that someone would try to grab my doll or try to make it fall (which happen sometimes, especially when some kids are playing around). Also when I'm in a crowded place I always hold my doll somehow or stay near it, I don't dare taking photos from afar usually.
The more important is to have fun while taking photos, not to care about what people may think about it ^_^

 

Well I do take photos of my dolls in public and I do collect
looks from passer bys. But you know what, when I used to
take photos of models in public I used to get looks too.

Part of it is to look like you know what you're doing even if
you don't really. For this a tripod is a win. Occasionally somebody
will ask me about the dolls. I try to be friendly and try to explain
what I'm about.

If I'm at an art fair or festival and want to photograph one of my
dolls at a vendors exhibit I always ask if it's OK to photograph my
doll with their art. I don't think I've ever been refused.

I'm painfully shy and introverted so this is something I've had
to work hard at. It's so worth it though.

Tom

 

I took my doll to a public historical home that had beautiful gardens. The maintenance worker came over to me and then stopped. He was so flustered. He said he thought I was picking the flowers. No...I'm just taking photos of my doll. He looked at me and got back in his truck and drove away.

 

I would honestly be afraid to take them somewhere busy, not cause I'm ashamed but because I'd be afraid somebody would knock them over or take them or something

 

I'm even shy taking pictures of myself in public places, but I've had some experiences that've helped with that and, by extension, helped me with taking pictures of my dolls in public. Last summer, my friend took some shots of me in Lolita in Harajuku for her portfolio. I'm a foreign Lolita, so people were going to stare anyway, but with the combination of foreigner + Lolita + a camera, it was hard for me. However, having had that experience, I've gotten much better at not caring, so long as no one bothers me or my dolls. I recently took my girl outside because I couldn't miss out on getting some shots in a place I'd scouted. People were walking and driving by and seemed curious, she got a little dirty, but I just kept going and it turned out great!

My dolls are a great source of inspiration, they lead me to express myself artistically, and if I stop myself from doing that, it's stifling. It's not the easiest thing, but it's totally worth it in the end.

 

Cool! Thank you!!!

 

I find it emberassing too... so I just don't do it

 

Sometimes it doesn't matter to me where I take pictures but sometimes I also get embarrassed if I'm in public. I guess it depends on my mood and I go out on hours when there's no people loitering around the park.

There was this one time when a bunch of 8-10 yrs old kids came up to me and just watched me take pictures of my dolls. They were behaved though, which was good, and they seemed interested because they kept asking questions. That's normally the reaction I get from the people in my neighborhood. It's the kids and grandmas were the ones who appreciate them.

 

I was taking pictures of my doll standing in a big puddle once. There was a beautiful sunset and a sky mirroring in a water surface. And a guy suddenly yelled from across the street: "BUT DOES YOUR DOLLY KNOW HOW TO SWIM!?"

I'm not usually bothered and just kind of switch to photographer mode, hide behind my camera and focus on my stuff.

 

Hmm... I've already taken many of my toys out on photo sessions. Some people are shitty but a lot of people are interested; I agree, a lot of it has to do with how well you can make yourself look like you know what you are doing, even if you don't, and also how well you pose them, what their outfits are like, and what not. There are going to be rude people regardless, but headphones are good for shutting them out, and a friend as a body guard (doll guard?) probably couldn't hurt.
Reading the tips for a secluded area, I think a park would be very interesting... Although I imagine I would need a body bag for moving the titan...

 

I like outdoor-sessions, but the beginnig is a little awkward. After a while it tends to be less awkward and I get used to strange looks ^-^
But it's more comfy when you can take some friends (better: friends with dolls) with you. Unfortunately there are no doll-people around in my city

What helps me a lot is to tell curious strangers that this is a project for XY and I'm taking photos of an "art doll". This makes the whole situation much more serious!

 

I get some strange looks when I take my doll out, but I refuse to leave her behind as she really hates that. She loves traveling, attention and having her picture taken. But other than people looking at me weird, I haven't gotten too many comments. Even when I have gotten comments so far they've been respectful like, "that's a cute doll" or just curious people asking why I have a doll with me. I usually tell them the truth, to take pictures, and they either nod their head or say something like "cool" and leave it at that. Most comments and questions come when I'm with a certain doll friend. I don't know why, maybe she has more of an approachable air than I do but even so it's just curious people wondering what these dolls are. I still prefer going to take pictures with her or one of my other doll friends though. I don't feel so self conscious that way, plus there's the whole social aspect and I also appreciate having their input into what might make a good photo as I'm still learning what good backgrounds and poses are. I haven't even begun to mess with lighting or anything yet. Also, sometimes you get the best photo of someone else's doll when you travel together! I snagged some fabulous shots of my friends doll, Rose on an island when we were together this past winter because I was holding her and she practically begged me to set her down and take some pictures of her. Even with my el-cheapo phone the photos were amazing. Her doll mom said she usually isn't that photogenic.

 

I've only done public photoshoots a few times. And only once was it in a more populated place. I had asked a lady if I could take pictures in her yard because I loved her plants and she agreed. After about 10 minutes and only 5 photos, she said I was too comfortable and that I should leave.

Not the best experience and because of it, I stick to deserted parts or my patio lol

I want to try and venture out in the future, but I may want to try doing it with some dolly friends first.

I may have to borrow that project idea! Thanks

 

I take my dolls really random places lol. I'm usually pretty oblivious to other people If anyone is less confident I think they should go out and take those pictures and just bring a friend along maybe

 

This makes me so sad I think I would struggle to ask someone if I can use their property for taking pictures but if the area was lovely enough I'd hope I could muster the courage! So good for you even though it didn't work out!!! In the past I loved going to places that gazebos -during the week, so I didn't have to run into many people.

 

It wasn't too bad, I had my daughter with me... but the after reaction has put a stain on public pics for me
Gazebos are a great idea! I may have to look around the parks near us. Thanks for the idea!

 

Ive only taken photos outside once and I think I would be too terrified to take pictures in public.

 

I see this thread is old but super interesting. I haven’t taken photos of my dolls outside. I’m also sort of scared to for some reason. I just would feel silly and I couldn’t take them outside my house like the backyard because my dogs poo is all over and with winter that’s just not easy to clean. So I would have to go in the front and thus people would stare possibly. I shouldn’t care and I wish I didn’t but so far I do.

 

Just do it! I take my dolls to work with me sometimes, and she will sit on my desk while I work...some my coworkers think it's a little odd, but no one shames me for it, and when I don't have one with me, they ask about where she is
If someone wants to shame you for it, then that's their problem. You should be able to enjoy what makes you happy without worrying about everyone else!

 

Hello! May I show you my pic - so you will see, that it is not a problem for me to make photos in a place, where are a lot of people ))) So, more than this, I was laying on the ground and people was looking at me with great interest ))))) it was fun ))
Just one shot ))

 

If you want to do it, do it. Explain that you buy and sell these, so people who don’t understand it will see it as a photo shoot for a product. Some people are just so small minded that they might not understand it any other way. I do want you to know that when I first started doll collecting, I was in a very deep depression because my oldest son became deathly ill. The first thing that made me laugh IN MONTHS was someone else’s photo of a funny doll in a grocery store. It cracked me up so much repeatedly that it started my daughter and me on a path to doll collecting which has gotten us through some very difficult times with my child’s very serious illness, and I am so grateful to those people who have the artistic ability and confidence to take and post their doll photos. It lets me escape my troubles for a while when I get to look at their dolls and think about collecting. Thank you to all who do it... please don’t be afraid or ashamed. You may help someone like me.

 

Two weeks ago we visited the air & space museum in McMinnville. As usual I brought
one of my dolls with me. This seemed like a venue that would interest the boys more
than the girls so I took David, an Iplehouse JID Ryan. There wasn't a big crowd but
nobody said a word to me about photographing my doll in the museum and even
posed with the exhibits. Here he is standing on the lower wing of an old biplane.

David Wingwalker by Tom Beach, on Flickr

 

I’m always struggling with this. There’s so many nice photos of bjds outside but I’m super afraid of people staring at me. I’m very shy. I get stage fright. I hate being in the spot light. I don’t have a forest or a quiet place near by I can go to to take photos. One time I almost had the courage to bring mine on a trip with me. But when I told my friend that (I know she didn’t mean anything by it) she asked me “why?” like it was a stupid idea. I ended up not bringing her. I hope someday I’ll be courageous enough to bring her wherever I want and take photos of her even if I’m being stared at.

 

I'm one of the shyest and most introverted people you'll ever run into. For a very long time I hesitated to take my dolls out to photograph where some one might (horrors) see me and comment about an older man playing with dolls in public but I kept seeing all the glorious photos of BJDs here and elsewhere and that's why I got them, to photograph, so one day I took one out and hardly anyone noticed; those that did were mostly curious; they'd never seen a BJD before. What was she? So cute! As I did it more I became more comfortable doing it until now I'm quite comfortable out with the dolls. In something over 7 years of photographing my BJDs literally all over the country I think I can count the negative reactions on my thumbs. If asked what I'm doing I tell them I'm a photographer and these are art photos. As Nike likes to say "Just Do It"

 

It's always nice addition if you have a friend with you, they don't have to be doll people, but it's great moral support as you chat away while taking photos. For some reason, people find that less odd? ^^;
I and my friend never got a mean comment about them, sure some people glance at us strangely but mostly we got curious onlookers. My favorite is when we go to the castle and since it's a tourist spot we attract huge crowd. One time I had to wait in line for my own photoshoot behind the tourists ^^;

In the winter we had a little snapshot at a mall with all the christmas lights and people almost bumped into the dolls, they weren't paying attention that much.

 

It helps to remember that no one ever died of embarrassment.

Seriously, you don't need a fancy excuse for what you're doing. It's OK to say to yourself and everyone else that these little guys make you happy, that taking pictures of them fulfills a creative need. I see the world in a whole new way, seeing it through Wiishu's eyes, and I wouldn't give that up for anything. If you make their clothing and/or props, mention that. This is a hobby to be proud of. Think of all those people rushing aimlessly to some job or meeting that will raise their bloodpressure and make them oh-so-respectable, and oh-so-unhappy.

I think of Wiishu as an ambassador to the wonderful world of BJDs. He's is a terminal flirt and loves to have his picture taken with anyone that comes along and asks what I'm doing. He's a terrific ice-breaker and you'd be amazed how people open up. Yes, I let people handle him. I'm careful, but I consider the payoff worth the risk. He goes with me to exhibits like the Pompeii exhibit and the Terra Cotta Warriors, and always comes back having made lots of new friends.

Just remember to make sure if you take pics of random people that might end up in a post like this that you ask them first if they mind.

 

Wow, reading so many comments about how much we seem to fear public reactions towards our dolls... It really makes me think.

I went out with my new boy on the weekend and struggled with myself so hard. I wanted to go outside to find nice places. I went around for 3 hours until I thought 'If you don't overcome this irrational fear you will not have amazing pictures'... And then I just did it.

What I really want to say is: let's be proud doll owners. We have something very exclusive. Just let them stare and do our thing.
They wish they had a hobby

 

@DeanDynamite well said!

I finally went out to take pictures of a mermaid and I was so nervous. I passed by 3 different rocks on the pond to find somewhere more secluded. The placement was not ideal and I was quite grumpy with the few photos I was able to take. As I was walking back, I said screw it and asked some people fishing if I could take photos on a rock next to them. I did my thing and no one really bothered me.

Of course the next day I went to a different park that I knew would not have as many people lol

But I was proud of myself that I got some good shots like I had wanted xD

 

that's exactly the pride I'm talking about!!! well done

 

Ditto!!!!

 

When I first got my tiny, I decided to try and take pics at a Renaissance fair. But my brother was with me and they were so many people, I didn't get much. But recently I went to a Japanese garden and for many, much better ones. Some people walked by, but I don't know if most of them even realized what I was taking pictures of. Also, I usually waited till I was alone.

It's much easier with a tiny, I think. One, their cuteness can be used to diffuse situations, two, they aren't hard to hide and carry, and three, I think they are just easier to explain away. I don't think I could ever bring out my big 'uns outside of the comfort of don't sort of doll meet. Strength in numbers and all that.

 

I like the idea of some nice outdoor shots, but I think I would be too nervous! I even struggle to take selfies in public. I'm too self-conscious! Even though I know logically no one would care.

 

I get it, I have a list of times I want to get and I'd we as in my head when they finally all come together.

 

I used to be very self conscious about taking my dolls outside for photos; especially when one of the Instagram dolly owners I follow did so and then her doll fell over and got damaged (a risk for each and every one of us regardless of where we take our photos, I'm sure) so I was a bit iffy about it entirely.

My current profile picture here was taken in a popular park here where I live and I know people were staring at me when they walked or drove by. It was pretty nerve-wracking, I'll admit it for sure! But then, I get to go home and look through the photos of my boys and despite the nerves and the knowledge of people watching what I was doing, I look at those pictures and remember what fun I had taking them. Taking pictures from different angles, trying to find the right lighting, trying to bring across the intimacy of the moment between the two and in the end, the photos I ended up getting are beautiful and I am so happy with them.

I pretty much figured then that even if people stare, and think whatever it is they're thinking about me while I'm lying on my stomach, snapping away at two dolls, it's something I enjoyed doing. People are going to think what they're going to think regardless of what you're doing. So, in the end, if you find you enjoy taking photos of your dolls and want some really gorgeous shots outside, then I say, screw those people! Don't let them ruin the amazing photos you can get by going out and getting them.

And sure, some people may comment.

I was out taking photos of other dolls I own and a little girl came up to me and asked me if I was a YouTuber XD I am not, but she was curious. I think that's the worst I've experienced taking my dolls outside.

Maybe I'm just a unique case, but I find that when I get to really posing my dolls and taking their photos, everything else just kind of fades away. The people around me don't matter anymore. All that matters are my subjects and my camera. I personally think it's worth whatever weird glances and odd stares I may get. I don't see them anyway, I'm too busy having fun doing something that I love! And that's what really matters!

 

I love taking photos outside! I almost always take pictures out in nature, partly because I just like being out in nature and partly because I like lots of natural light. So inevitably I get some weird looks here and there, but I honestly don’t care. I really love taking pictures of my dolls, so I just ignore weird looks or respond positively!

Some people are really great about it too. I used to take my dolls to my local fabric store fairly frequently before I moved, and the staff there always asked about them and what I was making next. Even random people asking about them is fun for me. It’s nice to have an excuse to talk about my hobbies. And to educate people and show them that dolls can be really beautiful and not creepy like a lot of people think!

 

I don’t mind taking them out when I have my dsl camera with me but when its just my phone I feel kinda awkward I guess. And its so much easier uploading my pics from my phone to social media as opposed to from my camera to my computer and then transferring them from the photo folder to the cloud so I can actually upload them.. so if I just want a quick shot I still stick to taking pics inside but I definetly need some studio lights for that. I always end up with pics with dingy light or a grainy appearance. My little courtyard is also on the northside of my house so not at all that sunny. Only in early mornings in the hight of summer it is suitable for shooting pics.

 

People don't really bother me when taking photos in public unless it's very crowded to the point were people start feeling anonymous. A lot of people, I've found, just make quick general comments that are mostly positive, wanting to talk about the old porcelain dolls they have, or saying things like "Pretty doll" and continuing on their way. Kids seem to have the most to say about them, but I don't necessarily see that as being wrong.

The thing I hate most though are dogs.

All public parks are overrun with dogs and very very few people train their dogs or obey posted leash rules.
The more I take my dolls out to parks and such, the more I hate dogs and their shitty entitled owners that feel they can do no wrong.

 

Besides taking a photo of one of my dolls in my backyard, I don't think I'd have the nerve to take them out in public. I feel awkward just thrift shopping, to the point I normally try to bring one of my other doll friends with me.

 

I really want to take my dolls out with me and maybe take some pictures with my phone. But I am afraid of let them expose to the direct sunlight. If there's no resin yellowing problems I will take a doll with me everywhere

 

Consider getting a vinyl doll like a Dollfie Dream or one of the Obitsus.

 

I take my dolls out for photos all the time, but usually when it's cloudy, and I go during the week when it's not as busy as on weekends. I never shoot outside in midday when it's sunny.

 

I really enjoy traveling with my dolls and taking photos of them in public places when it's safe and reasonable to do so! My favorite places to take them are the local botanical garden (usually not crowded, with the exception of some polite onlookers) and oddly enough, the airport. I usually take a 1/3 girl with me when I fly, and she has her own little suitcase that makes for really cute photos while waiting at the terminal.

My favorite memory is from spring before last, when I took my dolls to the botanical garden to get some photos of them. Two grandparents and their tiny granddaughter stopped and asked about what I was doing, so I told them and we chatted for a bit. Before they left, they asked if they could take a photo of their granddaughter with my doll, and of course I obliged. The whole thing was super sweet and genuine!