Too embarrassed to take photos?

Calm down for starters, deep breaths. Everyone has their quirks, and yours just involve dolls. If it's something you love, then there should be no shame in it. Go out to a nature reserve, or some place where you know people won't be coming by you very often. Or look for doll meets by you, and ask if you can go on a group photoshoot, so you'll be among others.

If people ask what you're doing, just say you're just taking photos. People are gonna think you're weird, but others will be genuinely interested. I've taken my boy to the college during fairs, and I usually get a lot of nice comments. The biggest key is to not get worked up about it and just have fun. Sorry if that's kinda generic and not really helpful, but I hope it does something for you. :3

 

I think in this situation the only thing you can really do is try and analyze why you feel like that and if possible change your state of mind regarding that matter. I know that would be difficult to do, but it seems to be a matter of difficulty versus impossibility. The fact is other people aren't going to change for you, but you can change for you. To some people, no matter what you do in life you may be considered weird or a freak. Heck, I've seen people called freaks for something as simple as liking horizontal stripes! So certainly there will be people who even if they don't say it, may think that about you. If you can't stand people knowing about you collecting BJDs then the only option is to hide it or continue to do it and not care. Or better yet, take pride in it. You can take pride in something just as easily as you can be ashamed of it. All it takes is your outlook on it. I wish you the best of luck in trying to get over this little hill and to be able to enjoy your dolls to the fullest very soon~

 

just do it

I'm not too comfortable shooting photos around people either honestly, and photos is the whole reason I have my dolls!! So you're not alone! *snug*

For me, I just shoot in my back yard, or off my deck that way no one bothers me
When I do go out "in public" I always try and take another friend with me who will take pictures. Sometimes it's hard XD but I work with what I can get!

 

I know exactly how you feel, and it's really hard to take them out! I have wanted to go some place nice and take my dolls to get pretty pictures, but I worry about the exact same thing. I have seen and heard people making fun of people with dolls when we were at meets, and it's unnerving. Once at a meet I just kept my dolls in the bag because there were too many people around. I think something that makes me not take pictures of them is because I don't want to attract attention to my self. I don't like doing that, and in crowded places.. the adult with the doll would surely be noticed and stared at. Eek. x.x

I have no advice because I am in the same boat, but I wanted to let you know you are not alone.

 

Being able to act like you are a Very Serious Photographer and give off "piss off, I'm working here" vibes can really help (can help, not guaranteed. Varies depending on where you are, who you are/what you look like vs. observers' dominant prejudices, your confidence in it, all sorts of things. Paying attention to the overall situation is good.)

 

If you can get a friend to help you out it sort of... shares the embarrasment :P Also if you can get to any meet ups you'll find that there's safety in numbers and you'll enjoy taking pics with everyone else, so much that you may bite the bullet when you're home

I think carrying 'artist' accessories is useful, and using a tripod so it looks official. I make artist bears and taking photos of them makes me look like an overgrown kid until people find out I made them, so even a white lie about their creator can change peoples opinions for long enough that you can get that shot.

If in doubt, go to a park at an odd time when there's less people.

Good luck!

 

Do you have your own room? Maybe you could start out by setting up a doll corner/area with groovy props. where you will feel comfortable taking pics of your dolls. You can change the props around when it suits, and build up your doll-photographing confidence in the safety of your own space? But don't worry, I empathize, I have been known to dash in and out of the house to take outside pics hoping the neighbours don't spot me A hobby should be fun- take little steps at a time & your confidence will grow!

 

THIS. Oh so much this. Look like it's the most natural thing in the world and very few of the people around you will even look twice. It's all about attitude and your ability to shut out the world around you really. If you look shame faced and embarrassed doing it, people will stop to watch you, it's just human nature and honestly, it's a doll and a camera...what do you REALLY have to feel embarrassed over? You're not stringing body parts over the park and nothing's life is in danger here, it's just a lump of resin, and a lens, s'all.

 

Here, you should check out this poster I found on DevArt. The language the artist used is a little coarse and I apologize for that, but I think it gets the point across. Some owners just don't take pictures of their dolls, but if that's what you want to do - you gotta be like Nike. "Just do it!" (wow, I probably just dated myself. Do they even still use that as their slogan anymore?)

And in the case of your family, they love you so they shouldn't hassle you about it. Maybe try and get one of them to assist you? If you show them what you love and let them interact with your dolls they may be more accepting. If you carry your doll around the house with you it may help you feel more comfortable and get them used to the idea of seeing you with your doll.

I get where you're coming from. I know my family and co-workers think it's strange that I'm an adult woman who still plays with dolls. The only one who doesn't is my sister, but she's also a BJD owner.

I've packed my dolls and taken them with me on my family's annual Thanksgiving holiday - and yes - there was a little part of me that squirmed and said "Kim, you are such a weirdo." and even more so when I decided to do a quick photoshoot with them. But in the end I enjoyed having them there, so it was worth the little bit of anxiety.

Even when carrying my dolls around in public, the few people who noticed were surprisingly positive about it. The first time I tried this experiment was at the mall, but if you're uncomfortable you can always try something smaller, like a library. And like Gantaeno said, take a friend with you. Having someone there who is calm might help you feel calmer, too.

 

Moemi18, I have the same problem. I usually feel a bit embarrassed taking my dolls outside. I can totally relate to your feelings here. I don't really know why I feel so, maybe it's because grown ups should not play with dolls. And somewhere inside, I don't want people to think I'm a weird perverted person. I have rather odd hobbies as it is with role playing and live acting role playing, and people have a hard time understanding that, then imagine dolls. I have let people know slowly about this hobby, but it's kind hard for me. I really do want to be as "normal" as I can be, and that is not easy with strange hobbies

Sadly this would not work well for me. I don't see myself as a good photographer at all I have a very hard time calling my self photographer, since I'm not... that is pretty tricky for me when people call me that. I just take pictures for fun, on a hobby basis. That do not make me a photographer in my point of view. I have no problem with other hobby photographer calling them self photographer, I just can't do it my own.

So yes, I have a really hard time showing off my doll hobby in public
But I'm slowly working on it. I now can take picture in our house and garden. But I feel slight embarrassed if someone would see me...

 

I think Saba and Antorell have great ideas!

First of all, if you're not comfortable in your own house taking pictures, trying to be comfortable in public is probably out of the question. The problem is, it's not considered normal for you to take pictures of your dolls around the house because it's something that you won't do. But, if you do it more and more (try starting in your room first), your family will take the "oh she does this all the time" attitude towards it. Sometimes, they will even start looking forward to it (you never know! :P ).

When you work up the nerve to go outside, the "I'm working on a project" attitude works wonders.(This goes for you too lajvIo) Even if you don't have a lot of gear, if you walk to a specific place and set up immediately, people will think, "oh she's working on something". A great example of this is when I went to the park. I actually was working on the rough draft of my portfolio, but I had my tripod, camera, camera bag and other things. I found my spot (dead center in a park xD) and set up. The first thing people said was "what are you working on" instead of the usual "what are these". It was really surprising, actually.

 

I think that you should banish the word "Normal" from your vocabulary. It's an extremely subjective term; there are so many types of normal - the expectations imposed on us by our cultures, family, work, even friends. They all have their own ideas of who they think we should be. But that doesn't mean that the faces we show them are who we truly are on the inside.

The things you love and enjoy doing are not strange, they are just perfectly you. Next time someone suggests you are weird or not normal, or even if you just feel that way - smile and say "Yes. Yes, I am." You are who you are and you should never feel the need to apologize for or be ashamed of the things you love.

It's taken me 28 years, but I am slowly beginning to embrace the idea that, by many standards I am considered, "weird" and "strange." It's liberating, knowing I don't need to completely conform to what others want me to be.

What about calling yourself a "photographer-in-training"? A photographer is just someone who takes pictures with a camera - it doesn't matter if they are bad or good, professional or amateur.

 

As difficult as it may be, you just need to force yourself to go out into the world and take the photos you want. You may be completely uncomfortable, a little embarrassed, but I think you will eventually get over it. You may even draw some positive reactions.

I've had quite a few people approach me asking serious questions about my dolls with genuine interest.

You may also drag a friend along. Your friend can help you with props, posing, equipment carrying. They'll take some of the burden off of you and you won't feel alone.

Ultimately of course, you need to do what is most comfortable for you. It just seems a shame that you're missing out on a really creative aspect of owning these amazing creations.

And if people think you're strange, so what? ;-) Be strange!!

Good luck!!

 

I feel the exact same way. My Mom (she's 64 but I think has bjd envy) she convinced me to take my doll to the craft store with us. I felt like a weirdo, but I brought her and got mixed reactions. Nobody was awestruck like I was when I first saw a bjd. Some people thought she was creepy but didn't say anything nasty. My point is, just do it and see what happens. The extreme reactions that you fear or hope for are probably rare. If people think you're weird, hop onto DoA where everyone "gets it"

 

If the thought of taking your dolls anywhere is scary, the best thing I can suggest is to wait until everyone's gone to bed or just stay in your room to take pictures. Though if you really want to go out and take pictures in public, take a friend with you, bonus points if they have dolls as well. I'm terrified of taking my dolls anywhere on my own, but I've been able to hang out at the park with several people passing by, feeling perfectly confident because I've got other weirdos with me.
I've also found it's easier to relax and concentrate on your pictures if you go to less crowded places whether or not your with other people. I've actually been brave enough to play around with my doll and camera in an art studio/garden park because it was completely empty the day I went. All I had was my family with me and they just assumed what I was doing was just another one of my art projects.

I can understand how it might be awkward to do anything doll-related around family members, but I will say this: If you already have a reputation as the weird kid in the family, it's much easier to get away with doing all the bizarre things this hobby provides. I've hung out in the middle of my kitchen scrubbing away at a naked doll sprawled out on the counter and got nothing more than the usual "there's our crazy daughter at it again" look from my parents. It really does help if you pride yourself on how eccentric you are. It's hard to make fun of someone for being strange if they agree with you. c:

 

I take photos in a local park pretty often, and out in my yard, but as a rule, I'm rather accustomed to being "the crazy one". My suggestion is to start off in your own yard, where you have every reason to be. If people ask, just saying you're taking photos. They usually meander away again fairly quickly, as it's not that interesting. It happens to me a lot, and they're gone before I notice they've left again. Well, except for that one time at three in the morning that I was taking photos in my front yard because I have an awesome creepy tree.

But start small, and eventually you'll get used to people being curious. I had a doll out with me the other day at an antique store and the people running it were interested in it, so not everyone is going to be thinking it's weird, some might genuinely want to know about it. I keep a pad of post-it's with me, and a pen, and am always giving out the DOA site and a couple of doll companies for people to look at when they want to know more than I can give them. You could try that if people ask too many questions and you feel you need to leave.

 

I would be exactly the same about going out in public with my dolls....people in my neck of the woods are bloody narrow minded anyway!....but If I had friends in the hobby who would go out with their dolls to take photos too, I'd probably go....but I wouldn't want to go to a shopping centre , I'd probably feel more at ease in a park or somewhere in the countryside.
I have taken my dolls into the back garden and it's OK there as It's pretty secluded as I grow lots of trees and shrubs ...which my neighbour hates , but he can sod off! People get on my nerves with their opinions and I find as I get older I get more out spoken and don't care so much as I used to about what they think...who are they to judge me anyway????
So just enjoy your dolls , don't hide them away from everyone, they are brilliant works of art

 

Even here in Northern CA, where weirdness is often celebrated, you're not gonna see me doing doll pics outdoors. Only time mine will be out of the house is for meets and conventions, where I can sort of blend in with a strength in numbers type of thing.

 

I'm totally the same, I have really tuck up neighbours and that think I'm wierd to start with, so i can imagine what they would think if i walked outside into the garden holding my 70cm doll lol
The other problem I have is noisy kids and I really dont like the idea of them knowing i have really expensive dolls in my house, not that I'm judging but i know what the kids round my area are like lol

But at the end of the day it just takes a little bit of courage. My first doll meet I took my boy out only when other had their dolls out as i was so shy about people seeing me with a doll. Now I've sat on a bus with him on my lap, granted their was another person who i knew lol

Just start by taking the dolls onto the landing (hallway) and takingafew photos there. I guessing your parents and siblings know you have dolls? If not just show one to your sister, it wont be that bad, I mean whats the worse that can happen? lol

You'll get there, it just takes time and patience

Good luck!

 

I understand where you coming from, as my parents were actually like this when I first started getting my dolls. They were always worried of me taking them out, getting comments from neighbors and things like that. Though, I would always push the issue.

To me, being seen with my dolls is just a way to express myself. Ever since I was little, I loved playing with dolls. True, I don't play with my BJDs the same way I did when I was little, but, we all get the point, I hope. xD When I'm outside taking pictures, or just generally carrying my dolls around with me, it makes me happy as I know people are "sharing" with me, something i love to do. Do I get werid looks sometimes? Sure. I mean, it's bound to happen. Do I get comments on them? Of course, but most of the time their good comments! It's a great topic starter too.

To be honest, you get looked at where ever you go, but there's a line you have to draw. And that line is basically: "I know people will look at me" and not caring.. because really, people will look at you yes, but, they tend to only just look. I find that the people who are generally interested are the only ones who will stop, and comment, and those tend to be good comments, or honest questions.

So when I first started, my parents were like that, but now my parents go on shoots with me, buy stuff for my dolls, and tell others about them. They even carry them for me when I have no hands when they never wanted to hold them in the first place. You just have to adjust and be open. If it's a hobby that's true to your heart, be open to sharing, that's how I look at it. x3

 

I felt like that at first...but it is true it is all in the attitude. If you act like its the most noraml thing in the world, then it will be. I had an elderly couple ask what I was doing once and I simply replied..."I am working on a project". They said it was lovely and walked away. I obviuosly try to go to more secluded areas so I can concentrate more on what I am doing and not have anyone looking over my shoulder.

 

I have to say, I don't own a doll yet, but I have a feeling I might feel embarrssed taking photos in public too. This is actually really helpful, and I hope to have the courage to just do what I want to do, even if everyone else may think it's little weird.

 

I have the same problem, I have trouble taking photos in my own backyard, even though my family is rarely home and they already know I use my dollies for photos. And I hardly ever take my dolls with me out in public unless I have a friend with me, preferably one that also has dolls with them (school is another story, people at my school have kind of gotten used to us doll kids)
I'd say that, like everyone else is saying, act the artist. Get a gameplan ahead of time for your photos so you aren't just wandering aimlessly and so you look like you know what you're doing.

And you aren't alone in this at all

 

To be honest, I don't have my dolls leave my room often because my family finds them creepy. So what I do is think of a scene that I totally love, and focus on that. Something adorable, something romantic, something unique, and even things scary! I recreate them in my bedroom~ A bedroom has many functions, deary!

 

I do understand that you dont want people walking past going what a freak! But what you need to think is most of these people you will never see again, and it is a form of pure art! When people here about my hobby I get the odd look then they see some of my pictures and they go wow I didnt realise. Maybe just start in the garden and regards to the family show them some online pictures maybe they will see the artistic side if not all familys have things they dont understand about each other that's what makes us individuals. Good Luck!!!

 

I'm new to the forum and fell on this thread, thank you for all the giggles, it reminded me of the first time I photographed my dolls outside. Here I was I thought out of sight in our wooded area of the yard... but no our one nosy neighbor spotted me and started yelling hi there. I tried to bury myself more and pretend to ignore him but he persisted. What else could I do I just started chatting with him while I continued my photo shoot. He never asked what I was doing but he has never looked at me the same way. LOL

 

I find it more natural to reply when people ask. Also just act natural because taking pictures of a doll or taking pictures of a friend is it the same thing.

 

This is so very true, for dolls and plenty of other things as well. If you behave as though what you're doing is perfectly normal, no one will bat an eye. I've taken my dolls to stores, to the dentist, around town, even to work. People may look at me curiously, but it's no different than the looks I'd get if I did my hair up in pigtails and then wore my leather biker jacket. Humans are always curious about unusual things.

You also have to remember that everyone has their little oddities. Carrying around a two-foot doll is pretty mild in the grand scheme of things. Heck, I have the greatest conversations with a co-worker who collects model trains, goes to shows, the works. I don't judge his hobby, he doesn't judge mine, and we're both the better for it.

 

Honestly, at first I was very shy as well, thinking about what the people are gonna say when they see me taking pictures of this "dolls"... "What is she doing?" "What the hell is that?" >__<

but, it's really in the mind... Just don't mind them, let the staring people stare (LOL!) if you think what your are doing is weird, accepting it that way and being ashamed about it does not help, the more you give them reasons that the whole BJD-thing is weird...

Be proud, act confidently and show them what you are doing is normal and fun. I always put in to mind the thought that, maybe those people judging and raising eyebrows at me are just jealous because they can't afford one... *evil grin*

Anyhow, just what others have said... have a friend or better yet, go and attend "local meet-ups" this will make you less shy, because strength is in numbers sometimes *winks* , and meet-ups are ridiculously fun in my case...

When I got out in school, parks or malls, I do get to attract people's attention most of the time, some have disapproving looks but some are very amused and interested, I think just pretend that haters aren't there... and just give more priority to those people who really cares and appreciates. So far, I have a lot of BJD-owner friends both local and international... I guess some people do love them, and I wish it would just stay that way...

 

It helps to believe that people are more likely to be curious rather than negative or mean. I'm still afraid of negative reactions, but I remember I usually get more positive reactions than negative ones (or no negative ones at all!).

I've taken pictures of my dolls in countless restaurants (yeah, I take a lot of pictures of food too), auditoriums, aquariums (best picture ops ever!), my university campus, clothing stores, parks, a U.S. Navy grad school campus (also a really good picture place!).

If anyone asks and they either 1) Don't seem very receptive to begin with or 2) I don't feel like explaining, I'll say that the doll is a sort of art/photography doll. That usually satisfies people by the way of explanation.

 

ya i kinda get nervous too
but i joined a local meetup group and had my first outdoor photoshoot experience with other ppl also taking photos of their dolls
help break the tension alot.

also this little girl, out of nowhere, came running into our group and started snapping photos; that was awesome; she could not believe dolls could be so much more beautiful than her regular barbie
felt like the next generation of doll collectors is being born right there lol

 

Honestly, people think I'm weird anyway. I've been weird all my life, with the way I dress, my manners, etc. So I guess when I got into this hobby I kind of expected the whole "Oh he's a guy and he's collecting dolls. What a --" I'm sure you can fill in the blanks with various words.

I will be honest, I was kind of uncomfortable at first, and I am someone who really doesn't care what people think of me. But I think...how I did it was, I just started doing it until it eventually just became normal, just like the first time I dyed my hair purple. People turned their heads, and would stare at me. People would look at me taking pictures of dolls the same way. But just like my hair, after a while I started wondering "wait, what are all these people staring at? Oh yea. Purple hair isn't normal" *shrugs*

You really have to start doing things in order to become comfortable with them. It's your hobby, just as some girls walk around in dance wear because they're dancers. They get looked at funny because people don't get it. But it's a hobby. Get comfortable in your own hobby! Find friends with the same interests! These sort of things will help you out a lot, but really, the biggest thing that will get you comfortable doing something new is just doing it consistently.

Hope that helped. =]

 

it's all about confidence. being straight forward, BJD owners tend to get a little scared sometimes because they don't have the confidence to just go out and do it, not thinking what others might think of them. we're human. we like to know we fit in and people don't think we're weird. so naturally, we're a little frightened to be going to public places with huge, kinda strange[in non-owners perspective] looking dolls.

what ive done and has helped a lot is to bring a friend. she also has a bjd, so we both went to the park to take photos, and we were laughing and smiling and giggling, and people will feed off of that. if you're enjoying yourselves, people won't think twice about it. but if you went somewhere and you were looking down, really nervous, trying to hide the fact you're an adult carrying a doll, people will feel your nervousness and act upon it. when me and my friend went, we actually had several people ask us "are you working on a photography class?", instead of "what are those?"

so yeah. short in short: people will react to the way you hold yourself. be confident, don't try to hide, and just go out and do it, and most people shouldn't give you any trouble.

 

Great advise, will keep that in mind the next time I venture out. Have to wait now until the rain stops...will we ever see the sun again. yuk!

 

I'm not so much embarressed as I am fearful for my dolls safety! Depending on where you live I can understand your plight! It's all well and good for people on here to say 'take your doll out in public' buuut sometimes the location of where one lives it's just not a good option even with friends...seriously here on the sunshine coast there's some real idiots that might even try to damage the dolls :/ not good!
As for embarrassment...well I'd say it's time to embrace your hobby and just go for it! It's what you like to do so have fun with it, tis like some sports, I still don't get NRL myself ^^;; guys wearing shorts running around kicking a ball for 80mins, now THAT to me is embarrassing lolz but hey they play it every night on tv so people have the passion for it, so go ahead take ya dolls out to ya backyard and hold ya head high it's ya life dun let what others think stop ya from enjoyin it

 

Some good ideas here (bringing a friend, acting confident, going places like nature reserves and setting up stuff in your room). I just thought that maybe you could also try to involve your family in some way, ask them to help you make a prop or something like that. My loved ones looked at me like I head two heads when I first started displaying a serious interest in dolls, but they became very supportive of the dolly life now.

Best of luck with your picture-taking. Hope to see some results soon

 

Well, I don't have dolls so I don't worry about this. In real life, I get embarrased very easy when I'm talking on the phone, when I'm chatting, when I'm in DoA seeing photoshoots, when I'm texting someone, or when I'm reading and somebody (any person) comes and just stops by and starts staring at me trying to see what I'm doing, It's like hell for me, because naturally, I don't like to be seen by anybody who's not my family... But I need to deal with this everyday, so I've kind of addopted a way of thinking that has just one rule: DON'T CARE ABOUT WHO IS SEEING YOU! If you were born to be hidden at home, or hiding behind your hoodie, then I'm sure you won't be out in the school, or in the park or whatever. Understand what I mean? So basically, I started giving a damn about who's looking, and if they stare at me I just smile and with my sweetest voice I say: What are you looking at?.

And well, go out and take some nice shots! Don't care about the unknown people that is around you, because if you are a little bit paranoid and turning around every two minutes to see if someone is looking at you, then you attract others attention. And you can have a very nice time taking pictures out, you know? Maybe someone is fascinated with your doll and asks you ''what is it?, it's very pretty'' or stuff like that ^^. Don't be afraid

 

Don't fret! I used to be very embarrassed to be the slightest bit weird in public! And then I went to an art school and everything kind of dulled down. Everything is acceptable there and nothing is "strange" to me anymore. Without even realizing it I've been doing more out of the ordinary things in public and I rarely ever get bothered for it because I just act natural. I haven't gotten the chance to take my dolls for an outdoors photo shoot since then, but when I do, I'll just act natural. Remember, if what you're doing is fun and what you enjoy then go for it! Don't let anyone else hold you back because who are they to judge?

Good luck, and have fun!

 

Yeah i do the same thing..... i don't care if my parents see me taking pictures but mostly neighbors.... but really everyone is weird and everyone has something "different" that they like. I still feel a little odd when i'm out taking pictures of my dolls but it helps me to remember that everyone who sees it is probably odd too!

 

I know it's hard, i had the same problem and still do sometimes, but if it's something you really want to do just dont pay attention to people and when you succeed in getting the photo you you like, the slight push out of your comfort zone would have been worth it. Trust me

Anyway most of the stares are just curiosity, nothing bad, feel proud that you have something you fell passionate about

 

I get pretty embarassed about taking my dolls outside to take pictures of as well. I found out I am more comfortable if I have a purpose. Eg: I entered a design challenge contest that requires you to submit photos of your costume, so in order to complete the requirements for the challenge I had to take my doll out for a photoshoot. For me this makes it feel less like I'm just being a wierd adult playing with a doll and more comfortable.

As far as just doing a shoot for fun I started inside and around my apartment so that it was easy to pick up and run away if I felt uncomfortable. I also try to take a friend with me. Not only does having a friend help you feel supported, but it also gives you and extra pair of hands to juggle all of your stuff. Since I brought my boyfriend with me I used him as a sort of body guard as well. He was on watch for dogs and children, especially since I was using a stream in the public park as my background and I didn't want to have to use my water resuce skills on my doll.

 

I really only enjoy taking photos when I am alone. With people around is too distracting I cannot do it freely and creatively (x_x)

 

At my age--not quite yet rocking-chair age--I can no longer claim the forbearance we tend to confer on adorable younger folk who are often extended the privilege of being quirky, as that's all part of how we find ourselves. I'm supposed to have found myself by now, so why I'd need to carry around a doll in my shopping cart or pose it in parks to take pictures isn't generally well-received. It's sad, but so. It doesn't stop me from occasionally stepping into the world of the delightfully quirky/weird/geeky/potentially unbalanced.

There's some great advice in this thread. I'll add this: What keeps you from something you say you desperately want to do? If your passion is to be out there with your dolls drinking up the joys of ownership, they why aren't you doing that? The answer is not that you feel ashamed or stuff like that. That's not keeping you from living your life pursuing a hobby that hurts no one.

What about this shame do you cherish? Which is really to ask: why are you invested in not changing? If you weren't invested in staying exactly where you are, you wouldn't be angsting about this nearly so much. When we are faced with a change that is hard, we almost always have important reasons for not changing. Think why you want to stay where you are in your relationship with your dolls now, and then examine those answers. I don't know what those answers are, but maybe you really don't want to share this world with others. Maybe you fear competition impulses from other collectors. Maybe you are terrified of the judgment of others. Not taking the risk protects you from these really scary things. You can take pictures completely in privacy (I do). So it's not about picture taking, per se.

The last thing this is meant to be is unkind!! But I think people don't honestly examine the positive reasons for not changing (and who can blame any of us for that ... changing something we've cultivated for most of our lives is freaking hard!!!). You may ignore those positive reasons. You may deny them. You may rail at them and see them as the chains binding your soul. But those reasons to stay as you are, are reasons supporting safety and comfort. And that's at odds with taking risks, including having others think you're strange.

When you look at the investment side of this, I think you may be able to decide whether you're willing to risk stepping outside the thing you've defined in your mind as a prison. The truth is, if you want to change, you will. If you don't want to change, you won't. There is nothing the least bit wrong with not changing, if that's where you need to be. And maybe now isn't the time you need to change ... I believe people can make the effort to change only when they are truly ready.

I wish you all the luck there is!

(More superficial tactic: Think of yourself as a person who works for a toy company and is responsible for taking gorgeous product pictures. This way, some phantom other person has required you to be strange.)

 

that is the thing
to let the others change the way of how they think about you (that you are strange or so) you have to find some other stranger that likes that hobby too xD
when they see that you are not the only one they may change their mind a bit =p
but even if they didnt
when u have someone like you that will make you feel more comfortable and careless about what the others think

 

I know how you feel, I always get worried about what people think of me and my hobbies that are 'different'. All you can really do though is keep trying! Or you could find somewhere to shoot photos where not many people would go.. try wandering around where you live to find somewhere nice and secluded. After all, I guess it's easier to take photos when there aren't many people around.
If you have a friend who's into BJDs or even just likes your dolls, you could ask them to come with you. I know when I'm with close friends, I don't feel so embarrased about things.
Good luck!

 

I'm the same when it comes to taking my dolls outside. I'm not sure if its because I'm scared of what people would think of me or just that I don't want to be there alone in case some unruly youths come and try and mess with them or run off with them or something. I probably blow it a little out of proportion but you never know. I does bug me though when I really want to do some outside shots.

I nearly braved it the other day but then I realised I wanted to do some artistic nude with one of them at some point and the only green space with water near me is the park so I was more concerned about parents walking past seeing me with a naked doll and yelling at me.

 

Personally I love to take pictures, I used to take photographs of me often.
I'm lucky I live in a quiet neighbourhood and my house has a garden with a fence so my neighbours can't really see.
Though apart a couple doll meetups I've never really brought them outside, just in the garden.

My whole family knows I'm a doll collector, they don't really care, but I'm scared at bringing my dolls outside with strangers.

 

I know how you feel. I am painfully shy sometimes, and the thought of people thinking I was a weirdo made me SUPER uncomfortable. But I decided to suck it up and go do it, and I found out it wasn't so bad after all. Yeah, I got a couple odd looks, and this older guy told me my doll was very pretty (which creeped me out a bit because I wasn't really sure how to interpret the comment), but I just told the people who gave me odd looks something along the lines of "I'm working on a project for school" and they seemed satisfied.

If all else fails, if somebody gives you a funny look, give them a funny look right back. Act like what you're doing is totally natural, and if you give any gawkers the "what's YOUR problem?" look, instead of them making you embarrassed, they'll feel embarrassed for staring (as they should- no matter how weird somebody is, it's impolite to goggle at them like they're attractions in a zoo). After all, you're just minding your own business and indulging in your hobby. They're the ones who can't keep their noses where they belong.

 

You could always just tell people its for a school project. People are happy to take art as your excuse a lot of times.

If that doesn't work for you, try scheduling dollie photo meets, where you gather a group of people with you to party, picnic, and take pictures. That way, you can get whatever pictures you wanted done, as well as have a blast with your friends while doing it!

 

Definitely use the "It's for school" excuse. xD It's the one I'm going to use. I think it helps to have another person around though. My boyfriend is going to be the photographer and the doll belongs to me so at the very least, I can just say I'm hijacking my boyfriend's time and camera so he won't be the weird one.

 

Actually, just a couple hours ago I was walking around my from yard scouting good photo ops backgrounds. I must've looked ridiculous to the people in cars or walking by- I was wearing a T-shirt and bermuda shorts with rollerskating kneepads (It had poured yesterday and I didn't want my knees getting muddy) and on top of that I was carrying a well-dressed doll! I love being kooky~

A few years ago I was really shy. I was always very quiet and I was concerned with my image. I'm not really sure what happened, but now I'm just crazy. Seriously, to put it simple: I'm crazy. I enjoy being crazy!! There are those few things that make me ticked off (I kinda 'snap' in a non-violent way), but being strange, quirky, and non-mainstream has the ultimate benefits: you can be exactly who you want to be!! The way I see it, I can usually do whatever the hell I want and not care about what other people think.

In fact, when I have my dolls with me in a public place, I WANT people to be weirded out and/or very interested. It may just be that I have attention issues, but I'm enjoying my life a LOT more than when I felt self-conscious about myself.

 

I can dig it!! I LOVE taking my dolls with me! In particular I like bringing my favorite one to work. I am 57, on my second career (the first one lasted 35 years) and I work in a manufacturing job. What have I got to lose? It is fun, and people have started accepting her as my constant companion and if they think I am werid or k-ray-z, so what? They don't pay my bills or live my life. LOL!

 

I have always loved photos, whether I was the one posing in them or I was the one taking them. I found not only bjds to be quiet beautiful, but also great models...which I am sure all of the community agrees with. I don't really know anyone who would model for me (though I have also never really asked), so for me, my dolls help improve my photography skills. If you were to compare my photos from 2006 to now, you can see MASSIVE improvements, all thanks to my BJDs. They help grow my creativity in a way that nothing else really does, and they also expand another hobby of mine.

So if someone were to ask you why you are taking photos of dolls, simply say that they are helping with your photography skills. You might get a negative reaction, but there are people who only give negative reactions. Those people should not take away from your enjoyment of the hobby, as they could probably use one themselves. *Cough* Back to what I was saying...It's kind of like those wooden models with joints that you see in art classes that help people to draw better (I remember using them in my advanced art classes several years ago). You can't always get a living model, almost anyone could take sky or landscape photos all day (not that that's a bad thing), and animals can be hard to capture because they tend to move around a lot. So thinking like that, why not get a bjd and take photos of it? They pose and look better than most other dolls (my opinion only), and are a great alternative to your regular stuff.

You might be surprised. I was always afraid to take my dolls outside for photos as well since I did not know what my neighbors would say...until I woke up and realized that they have weird hobbies, too. I kid you not when I say the kids next door LOVE throwing sticks at each other...and they're pretty much all in middle and high school now. What I did was sit down and really think about what was holding me back from taking them outside for photos, and once I figured it out, I either resolved the problem or came to an agreement with myself. Plus...there may be people in your life who may surprise you by actually understanding this hobby. I have a few friends who think it's cool that I even have a hobby at all, and my Mom likes that it helps me to relax. We all have our guilty pleasures in life, I think it's kinda sad when people try to pretend that they don't rather than embrace it. Be happy about what you love, and somewhere along the way you're sure to attract others who love what you do as well. ^ ^

 

sometimes it is a little embarrassing when you are making a photoshoot with your doll and then everyone stares.. (may it be in a positive or a negative way) but I'm starting to get a hang of it that if you shoot with your doll.. people will really stare..

 

I barely go out so I am kind of an unsocial girl in home..doing nothing but playing with her dolls..
once,me and my family decided to visit my moms home town and I,confident and young, decided to bring my Yo-SD baby out with me.My moms and dads reaction was like O_o and my brother was like .
I didn't even had the chance to take a picture of my doll..NOT EVEN A SINGLE ONE.

 

Do it, the first time you'll be embarrassed and stuff but if you do it over and over again you'll get used to it.

I don't even notice the people around me anymore when I take pictures outside.

 

Hmmm... I'm too old for the school excuse.

I generally don't like to catch attention. Especially when I'm alone. And I don't like the perspective of having to explain - maybe I feel somehow guilty for spending so much money on dolls - I know it is bs, but I am very much an "Art of Understatement" kind of person

I did some pics in my garden feeling not so great, the place is quite exposed. Photographed my Puki few times already, but in places where people are hard to find. I would like to take my big girl outside some time, just have to get her a decent carrier and... decent shoes.

 

I totally understand this. being a dude makes it really difficult to take pictures without ridicule. I dunno if you're a guy or not. but I am one of the few male BJD owners. and my parents think it's weird.

 

I used to think so. Honestly, all of my friends and family freaked out when they knew that I have a doll. They all said "You're 20 now... that's a bit creepy". lol Then I showed them my doll and everyone was just amazed. They all said he's not creepy, but he's very beautiful. Even if they said that he's creepy, I really don't give a damn. If I take him out for a photoshoot, I think people would rather admire him instead of thinking "wtf is wrong with her?". People can stare for all they want if they think it's weird. But hey, you'll probably never going to see them again, and they'll probably forget all about it in a few days.