Too embarrassed to take photos?

U r not alone at my age living with my mom who doesn't like them and only knows about one of them (heh I have 11 thinking about getting number 12) I always have to wait until I am alone or with a friend in the hobby to take photos. But honestly maybe just load them up in the car or bus or whatever and take them somwhere u feel safe taking pictures or take pictures in your room create yourself a space where u feel safe to take them. I agree I always want people to like my photos or comment I mean yes its for my enjoyment but sometimes even at my age u want that approval from other people that you're not as much of freak as we think we are...that being said really its all about your comfort and finding a nice balance in that comfort level.

 

This is really one of the biggest main points I could give to this discussion. If you're shy around your friends and family, then wait for alone time or sneak off to your room or something. If you're shy around strangers..... you probably won't ever see them again. I take pictures of my dolls on campus, while some friends see me, they already know or have heard of that I have a doll. Strangers will see a non-kiddie person with a beautiful doll (not just a barbie or an AG), taking pictures of it, and they might chuckle to themselves, tell their wife at dinnertime, and then move on with their lives. So should you.

It's gonna be pretty rare that an acquaintance or stranger is going to march up to you during an outdoor photoshoot and say "YOU'RE TOO OLD FOR DOLLS. YOU'RE WEIRD. YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ONE. I'M TAKING IT AWAY." Especially that last part, not really gonna happen. Who cares what strangers think or say as long as they're not going to mess with you?

Also, it really helps me not feel shy or weirded out taking photos in public by acting, and I emphasize acting, like it's my bloody job to take photos. I'm lucky to have a fancy dslr camera (that I don't know how to work well yet), but anyone with a dslr looks pretty legit to normal people. So when people walk by they have said things like "Oh, this might be for an ad" or "Perhaps she's an art student?"

And personally, my top justifications/excuses for my behavior are: "It's for my art/photography final." "I'm being paid to do this." "It's for a contest." "It's my hobby." "Just testing the camera out." "Just testing locations out."

 

This really really helps. I'm a man in my 70s and I've had my fair share of strange looks and comments including one from a friend I go shooting (photo shooting) with who once told me "Quit talking about 'my dolls' you're freaking me out." but when you have a couple of thousand dollars worth of camera on a professional grade tripod very few people question what you're doing...

Tom

 

I'll second all advice to try seeking out somewhere that's maybe not your usual, where people don't know you. I'm very lucky to live near a college campus with some really lovely areas for taking photos, and the only times strangers have stopped to ask me about the dolls they've been interested and positive (even when they're plainly a little weirded out by the dolls themselves ^_^;; ). I think most assume I'm just a photography student, and even if they didn't...doesn't matter to me. Even if they see me again I'll just be "that weird girl with the creepy dolls" to them, and so long as what I'm doing does them no harm, they have no reason to take issue with it.

One could also point out that they're in some ways easier to work with than human models--they don't get tired, hungry, or whine about the cold/rain/etc. They do run the risk of faceplanting (hopefully not an issue when photographing live humans), but hey, it's all about give and take.

I will say it's easier with an accomplice, though--Marsh and I used to take the dolls out all the time, even/especially when on vacation, and having someone else doing the same weird thing as you are does feel a little like validation. Now that I'll be traveling alone, it's going to be a little more tough to get the kids out and about for pictures, but really...is it any more bizarre than any other tourist taking pictures? At least I won't be hassling locals to take MY picture. >_>

 

I hardly ever take photos of mine either. I'm not very good at taking photos but I have tried to improve on my own. I prefer not sharing pictures of them until they have a faceup, eyes, a wig and a decent outfit. But there are some of us in the hobby who aren't as vocal or forthcoming with photos as others. It really doesn't matter so long as you enjoy looking at them yourself. ^^

 

I live with my sister and she knows about my dolls. She just sort of accepts them, yet I'm still rather embarrassed to take photos when she's around and only do so when I'm alone... I do dress my dolls and change their wigs and eyes when she's around though.

I do want to take my dolls outside for photographs esp. out to the garden in our apartment complex but I don't really dare to... plus there are lots of little kids living here and not all of them are well-behaved. And I'm sure they will be attracted to the sight of my dolls if I bring them out... Don't get me wrong. I do like kids but the thought of having to handle them and my dolls at the same time just frightens me.

 

God, I'm glad I found this thread! After reading all those comment about people taking their dolls to work, out for shopping and into pubic, I was beginning to feel that I was the only one who was a bit embarrassed to take them out. I don't have any issue playing with them in my own home, in front of my family, however, if it involve going out in public, I won't do it. Not yet a least.
So thank you everyone for your advice! Even if I'm not even a photographer, and the advice probably will not work for me, I love the

advice!

 

Don't feel embarassed! I felt the same way at first but in the end :P people who watch are just interested, not because they think you're ridiculous perhaps you're even opening their eyes to something they'll find fascinating enough to research and eventually mayhaps they'll buy their own bjd because of you

 

Most of us have been there, I would guess!! I collect BJDs and other types of dolls and I must admit that I am more self-conscious of being seen with my BJDs because they can sometimes take a long time to pose and I like to take my time setting them up, whereas if I'm out with my other dolls I can quickly put them down or in my bag if I suddenly feel uncomfortable because people are looking at me. Plus, my husband is usually with me, and he doesn't mind me taking doll-pics in public so this reassures me. I think you just have to get out there and give it a go. If people stare at you, so what? There are worse things that you could be doing other than photographing dolls!!

 

Initially I was a little hesitant but I am getting braver. I've taken them outside for photoshoots (only when the local children were away) so I think it's a matter of baby steps.

 

I think most people are actually quite open if they see you taking pictures of dolls; they generally assume that it's some sort of photography project. My family initially found it weird but my parents didn't mind very much because "You're putting that lovely camera we got you to good use! Thank goodness!" Also, my parents are kind of used to me taking pictures of my food (there's also pics of food AND dolls but that's another story...)

It also massively helps that my group of friends are fond of photography; they usually end up joining in if I pull out my dolls and start snapping pictures.

 

now I really want to do a dolly shoot at the aquarium! ^0^

um, I haven't really gone out-doors with my dolls but I'm working on it. I think I'll start with a meet and then do photographs. I even have a carry-case so I don't look too awkward

maybe that's essentially it: just warm up to the photography in itself and have a friend with you to help steady nerves.

 

Like Usagi_T, I also don't own a doll, but I'm pretty sure I'd be embarrassed too. xD That's just me. I'll take pictures in front of people I know, such as my boyfriend or sister, because they know that's just who I am. But I don't know. I would feel weird doing it in front of people I don't know.

 

Yeah, the funky thing is that there have been times where, while I was taking photos of my dolls in public, other people started coming by to take photos as well. xD I've been asked if someone could take a picture of me setting up my doll for a photo. (*a photo within a photo---pho-ception!*)

It really is all about shutting the world out and just focusing on what you're doing. When people might begin to quietly watch, it's because they're curious. When people ask questions, I just tell them it's an art hobby. xB

You can always try taking them to maybe a creek or in the woods somewhere. Maybe an empty parkinglot or near some railroad tracks.

 

It is an art hobby!
We express ourselves through our dolls, and through the pictures we take of them, so that is no more nor less than the literal truth.


As for embarrassment, and all that ... I'm afraid there is really no other prescription for it than to lump it.

This thread has been stock full of brilliant advice on how it might be alleviated ... some of it is about trying to control the bystanders' perception, some of it has been about having the comfort and security of company while doing it.

But in the end it all really comes down to handling your perception of the situation. Even controlling the bystanders' reactions is really mostly about controlling your own attitude towards what you think the bystanders might be seeing when they look at you, taking photos of your doll.
Are you wired to handle such a public situation, or can you wire yourself up to handle it by the techniques given in this thread? Are you just naturally exhibitionistic enough, or are you bloody minded enough to just ignore superfluous things like embarrassment? Or can you somehow find it in yourself to force yourself to just sit on any embarrassment that might rear up its head anyway, in spite of your own natural responses? Then you'll be okay.
If not ... then I'm afraid doll photography in public probably isn't for you.

 

This might be a bit late to respond, BUT. Try getting a tent! :] Seriously, go outside. Play in a tent, slowly open the door/zippers and you'll slowly get used to being out in the open. =] Baby steps! That's all I can think of.
I just punch jerks in the face with words... but not everyone is like me. LOL. Hope this helped!

 

I have this same problem, I've been in the hobby for five years and have only taken pics of my dolls outside maybe twice. I live in an apartment complex, though its a very small one with just 6 apartments in each building. Even so, I am way too embarrassed to take any of my dolls outside onto the grass to take pictures. even though I'd love to have some nature shots. I think its something I will never get over and I'm just going to have to hope that one day I will live in a house with a backyard so I can take pics without shame. :[ Siiigh.

 

It seems like a lot of people on here feel the same way you do, me included! What really helps me is I think about what I want to take photos of, set everything up, then take the dolls out there. That way I don't just seem like I am a grown up playing dolly (which is what I assume people who don't know about these dolls would think). I guess that's my biggest fear, people thinking I am simply "playing" with them. I also decided if anyone asks, I would just explain what they are. If you take the time to explain it, then people will either get interested, or get bored with you. Either you have them off your hands or you have gotten someone else into them :P

Also, the tent idea is brilliant haha I tried going up close to my wooden fence and look like I'm gardening, then they can't see me :P It's like dollie photography ninja style.

Sadly, none of these ideas help with how you or any of us with the same issue feel. That's just something we'll have to work on. The Dragon explained it perfectly.

 

I'm terribly embarrassed to take pictures of my dolls while non-doll owners are around. The only times I do, is when I have other doll friends around or just a good friend who understands the hobby even if they aren't really interested in the dolls themselves. I have a lot of photography/doll friends in the area who love experimenting with them and it's always nice to have another mind around to help with shoot ideas! It's both fun and you could get some nice pictures out of it! ^-^ So when I come up with an idea for a shoot, I usually call a friend or two and ask if they wanna hang out. Usually we take our cameras, go out to somewhere nice, hang out, take pictures, and then head for milkshakes or even a movie after. :3 Otherwise, I usually take pictures in quiet areas where I don't expect many people to be around. c:

I really love all the suggestions in this thread though! ^^ very lovely suggestions. :3

 

Whoo I'm glad i'm not alone on this. I do get terribly embarrassed to be taking pictures of a doll in public without any other friends of the same hobby around. Because despite popular contradiction, photographing a doll, even though can be a form of art and expression, is still in reality "playing with dolls". You can't get around it, no matter how fancy you make it... what I usually do is ninja around. Look around, make sure no ones looking, snap a quick shot, and move!

It's really nerve wracking cause its nothing to really be embarrassed about but you gotta love fear of perception ㄱ.ㄱ

The funniest thing is, people care a lot less than you think they do.

 

I can't say I'm embarassed to take the dolls out for photo shoots - I've been weird for far longer than I've collected BJDs.
BUT. I was very shy (traumatized by Jr/Sr HS experiences actually) in my early 20s. I love to dance & dress up in costume, so I started beledi dancing & going to SCA/Ren Faires - & I was TERRIFIED to be seen in public! I'd go w/others, or take my costumes & not change until AT the venue/Faire, etc. It took several years of determination on my part to learn to just ignore other people staring at me & go on w/what I was doing.
Of course now I can fill my car while in full DragonCon regalia & cheerfully explain ALL my bumper stickers to the gawking locals on my way down to Atlanta.....
Or, as happened the other day, chit chat w/the next door roofer about my doll that I was taking pics of in my front garden - he couldn't decide if my Frannie freaked him out or not LOL

 

Funny thing is, that when I started this hobby I didn't care at all what people would think about me when I took out my doll to take pictures in the park (I was 14, 15 then). But now I'm actually really shy, and generally take pictures inside near the window or in places that are generally deserted, like the woods. I don't know what came over me, but now that I'm in my twenties, I don't dare walk outside with my dolls anymore...

 

Strangely enough, that is me too! When I first got into dolls, I had no problem taking them anywhere. Now that I've gotten older, I don't ever want to take them out! I always feel a little strange when I do!

 

It sounds like you're a little uncomfortable with the dolls or your interest in them. I don't think that's unusual. My professional life involved a lot of personal stuff ("Are you still beating your wife?" "Did you molest your kid?) but I am by nature a private person and am careful where I take my dolls or where I photograph them. But I have found generally that most curious people will ask questions and many will be interested in the dolls. My sister initially teased my when she heard I had been buying dolls, but I asked her to make one a leather vest (she is a leather crafter). She became completely enamoured with my girl and thoroughly enjoyed making a dress instead of a vest. Now I send her pictures when I am working with the dolls and she enjoys them. My youngest sister tolerates my dolls because it just isn't her thing, but she isn't mean or anything.
Why don't you find a private place - a park or somewhere out of the way - and start by taking your dolls there? When you are comfortable, maybe you'll be ready to photograph them in public.
I hope you overcome your shyness with the dolls. It can be fun, even though it's a hobby some people just don't understand.

 

My suggestion is to get a friend to go with you. I'm sure you've told at least one friend about your dolls and its always easier when you have someone else with you. That way you have someone else to to have fun with and you won't be paying attention to any other people. ^^

 

Back yards and meet ups! It was fun going to meetups because you're part of a pretty big crowd.

 

I love taking pictures of my dolls. I know the feeling about people staring but after a while, you become immune to it
I have snobby neighbors too and they don't bug me anymore. I'm just that crazy doll lady with green hair :P
I take a doll out every sunny morning and walk around my yard taking as many pictures as possible. I totally agree with the meet ups comment because you feel so much more at ease with other people taking pictures too.

 

Relax.
I think it's probably leeesssd embarassing to go out with a camera and pose your doll, than, say just taking your doll out. "Normal" people see that you're photographing something, and I think they tend to be more understanding. But I understand social anxieties like that, and I know it's hard...

But just remember, most people aren't judging you. And the ones that are, aren't the type of people you should be worrying about. Maybe try finding a buddy to go out and take doll pics with? They don't even have to be in the hobby, just a friend to back you up. I always have someone with me when I take my dolls in public.

 

The last time I took pictures of my dolls, a bunch of people would be curious and try to get closer to give a better look at the doll and what I was doing...
In my opinion, you should just do it, after awhile, you will feel better and more confident. I used to feel strange, getting pictures taken when I was in my cosplay, I would have to pose for the photo in a park, and everybody would pass by looking at me weird... xDD

 

When my next doll comes (in a few weeks) I'll be itching to take photos, but I think the first shoot I'll do would be a set in my room, that way I'd get more comfortable with shooting her. I've never had a "real" BJD, only pullips, so this will be interesting and very exciting! I second everyone saying that bringing a friend along for company when shooting outside would be ideal!

 

That must be really rough for you having that mind set with this type of hobby.
The only advice I can offer is just to be more confident, start enjoying it. I'm sure your dolls are lovely so show them off!
It's a big life lesson, learning not to care what others think, once you nail that you'll be much happier in all aspects of life, not just your hobby.

 

I actually agree with Knibitz- even if it's a friend that won't be taking pics, it's good to have someone with you for support.

I'll be honest, I've had the experience of being spotted by some people when doing a photoshoot outside of my apartment, and it was very embarrassing- but I moved past it, and I'm getting ready to host a meet at a restaurant that's literally within walking distance of where I live. (I live almost behind the place it's so close, lol). I have to face the real possibility of being seen with my dolls by someone I know, but if that time comes I'll just have to face it and be proud of who I am.

I will say that I've gone in the downtown area of my town with a friend and taken pics of plushies in odd/funny places, so I think I could handle the same situation with BJDs. To me there's strength in numbers, so if you have a friend that supports you, that makes a whole world of difference.

 

To the original poster-- I completely understand your frustrations. However, I am a new BJD owner and I struggle with basic concepts such as interacting with the doll-- let alone suggestions from friends about taking lots of photos and making a Tumblr-- or even going outside in public with the doll. While I originally got the doll as a new hobby and to make friends; I wanted to be more social and involved with something. I don't really feel like I am making the most of my goal right now.. I really want to be able to do things like take photos and show my doll off, but I cannot get past the social faux pas...if you don't mind my French. Any tips to new owners on how to feel more comfortable in introducing dolls to friends would be much appreciated.

 

I hear your plight!

I was shamefully nervous when I took my doll outside for a photo-shoot. My backyard is viewed by four houses and a school, and the closest neighbors never go inside.

My photo-shoot involved a real fire and lots of time struggling to get my doll into the right poses. I wished the earth would open up and swallow me whole when the neighbors child loudly asked what I was doing. Then the cherry on top was her mother stage whispering to her to shut up and ignore me! People are cruel to what they do not understand, so education is key. Sometimes people need to be told upfront that their actions are not socially correct by being rude.

*Le sigh* oh well we can't help how people react but we can help ourselves. This is America and I'm allowed to be as weird as I want to be. I'll let my "freak flag fly" -Weeds TV show.

That being said sometimes I take something to put my doll if I get way too nervous out in public!

 

I can definitely commiserate. While I'm fairly open about being a big nerd and most of my friends know to some extent that I collect "toys" in various forms, 5 days out of the week I'm a young urban professional. It's bad enough for me knowing that my building manager comes into my apartment and sees all my my little ponies and dolls, I can't imagine my neighbors seeing me in the small outdoor space we have taking pictures of dolls (I get enough weird looks taking my hedgehog outside.)

My method for outdoor shooting is just to head somewhere far enough away or remote enough that no one I know will see me. Is that a bit of a cop out? Sure. But it works for me. I still get to have fun, but I can be relaxed while doing it. Otherwise I'll be too caught up in worrying what other people might think. Some people can let that anxiety go, and others can't. So if it makes you anxious and uncomfortable, why suffer through it if there are alternatives?

 

It has been very interesting reading about how people feel. My best friend and I are both into dolls and when we are together, I'm not embarrassed. When we are apart (which is most of the year as she lives in another part of the country), I find I'm not as bold. Unfortunately, this is not helped by the fact that my hobby embarrasses my husband no end! As far as he is concerned, at 46 years old I should have outgrown dolls many moons ago. I hope that I never lose interest in dolls. It's relaxing and fun! Still, I do feel a bit intimidated at the thought of taking them out in public...

 

This information is great! Next time when i get a camera i shall bring my dolls out to make a photostory. i got some idea in my mind but does not have the all the doll i needed to make the story. Though i am easily embarrass when people are looking weirdly at me but i shall try to ignore them and focus on my photo ^^ Thanks for the information.. make me have the courage hehe

 

I'm probably one of the most numb, shameless people when it comes to taking photos. I'm the one who people will see running by with my digital camera up in front of my eye, not even LOOKING out of my two eyes, trying to shoot something mundane up in the sky like a bird flying by or some roof paneling. lol... In all seriousness though, I don't think your shyness with doll photography is simply that... It likely comes from a general shyness of being seen as a weirdo. The only way to get through this is to laugh at it. You've gotta learn to face the people who are staring at you, look them in the eye and stick your tongue out at them... then carry on your merry way. Enjoy being strange if at all possible. Joke about what makes you feel awkward. Photographers are kind of seen as weird sometimes as it is... people see them getting all up close and personal with something for it's 'interesting composition' and it means literally nothing to most people.. yet they gaze longingly at the things we painstakingly produce. They do not know why it is beautiful. General people have no idea why they're impressed, and why we make things look so beautiful. They lift their cellphone and snap a crappy shot of themselves in the mirror while we sit there posing a doll for an hour trying to get it right - AND STILL aren't satisfied with how the photo-shoot comes out afterward. You can't hold on to the idea of being just like everyone else - being a photographer means you ARE different... you see things differently. You see beauty that others are too flitty to appreciate like you do. You're the one who captures that beauty and says "Look! Here's how beautiful this flower you walk by everyday is!" Your dolls are beautiful too.. - you know how precious they are to you. People don't know much about BJD's... heck, they might not even realize the doll is YOURS if you think about it. If your worried about getting judged for being a BJD owner, that is.. They don't know what they heck your doing, and their curiosity is generally what's forthright in their minds; not 'what a weirdo she is, look at her posing that doll'. They might be debating with themselves over whether to call it a doll or an action figure, or trying to tell it's gender. Depending on their age group, passing people will probably forget they ever even saw you. It's sad how forgettable people are if you think how long we spend getting pretty in the morning... making sure we're presentable to the world that only gives us a passing glance. But if you're worried about peers coming to you in school for instance, maybe find a friend who will chatter with you while you do photography.. make sure they realize it's important to you, and aren't the type to go behind your back and say "god, guess what she made me do the other day... she dragged me along to take photos of her doll!" Get RID of those girls. Honestly! If someone bothers you later on asking "hey I saw you, what were you doing with that doll?" just say photography. People are vicious, and they might be out to make a mockery of you, but brushing them off and not giving them anything is the best way to go.. what you do is important to you, and the truly obnoxious people who would make fun of it are going to fade away into the past someday... it's childishness. They're bored, immature people who've caught the badmouth anything that walks by virus. It's truly disgusting. It's like a virus. I started doing it lately even though I know I shouldn't but sometimes humanity gets to me and I feel like really harshly insulting people who think in a way I see as 'stupid'. Once you've become a gossip person it's hard to go back because friends feed off each others energy. They'll all start venting their frustrations with people in that way, and i think that's how it eventually just turns into petty finger-pointing crap that you see in high school. Most people don't know why they do it though - they just want to see a rise out of you. Who knows..? People aren't born being horribly shy and ashamed of themselves.. it's the cruelty of others that makes us crawl into a shell as we get older and wonder if we really belong among all these beautiful, normal people in the world.

 

I love to take photos, but I do it mostly in my room or in our courtyard.. but I get bored really easily to take photos in these places, I'd like to go somewhere else. But I'm just too shy and embarrassed to take my dolls and camera and just go somewhere else. If I'd do that, I would go somewhere far enough, so I don't see other people around xD
It would be cool to take photos in the city and the streets, but no, not gonna happen, I'm just too shy and embarrassed :<

 

Speaking as a male person in about the same age bracket who shares the hobby with my wife, you should try to get him into it! Then, you'll always have someone to go out with to shoot photos, and never need to feel shy or embarrassed.

 

I feel the same way, I am very ashamed to bring my dolls out in public >.< Sometimes I take them in my front yard and people walking by give me very strange looks. I know this should not matter to me but for some reason it does. I have never been to a doll meet because I don't know how to find out if there are any BjD collectors in my area, but I do think I would feel less embarrassed of there were many other people doing the same thing. For now I am just sticking to the same bright spot in my living room to take my photos. I think my family has excused my doll hobby as just another one of my quirks

 

I feel similarly. Though, my parents don't really care, (because they're artists as well,) but I don't ever take my doll outside, one, because it's always rainy, and I hate rain and so does my doll. Two, because I hate when people don't understand the hobby, and think my doll is just any other doll from any other store.

But being comfortable with photography is a big plus. I used to never take pictures of my dolls because I suck at photography. But I'm more comfortable about my skills, so I more open to share pictures.

I really hope you find a solution!

 

I usually just take pictures of my dolls in my own bedroom. I don't feel comfortable posing my dolls for a photo shooting in front of others, specifically my family. But I brought my dolls to the front yard and took pics sometimes. My mom saw me and didn't say anything. I then brought my doll back inside the house and took some more pics in the dining room. Mom didn't make any comment and just continued to do her things.

Before, when I had just obtained my dolls, I showed my parents my dolls and told them the price when asked. I sometimes bought stuff for my dolls while at a mall with parents, and I just frankly said "I'm buying this for my dolls" when mom asked why would I want a new blanket, etc.

Next week I'm going on a family trip to a beach, as an obligation to hang out with aunts and uncle who're coming in for a visit from abroad. I am going to bring my dolls (or maybe just 1, not sure yet) along and take a lot of photos. I still feel uncomfortable about it because I never showed a BJD to aunt, uncle, or grandma, as I usually don't share excessive personal info with family and relatives, except to my immediate family like mom, dad, sis and bro. Plus grandma and aunts sometimes criticize stuff. But I will see what will happen. I am trying to build up confidence to make me feel comfortable with my dolls even when other people are looking. I refuse to hide in a hole or corner with my hobby. I want to be able to enjoy my hobby freely anywhere and anytime!

Wish me luck!