I love photos of dolls being outdoors because the images just look so refreshing to me. I hate being outside so I never attempted it myself. Now though, since my phone can do time lapse, I've been going outdoors to catch cloud formations. Last weekend I combined the two and had my first outdoor doll shoot. It didn't go that well for a variety of reasons but at least I tried.
I think it's been well established that I am not a people person. I gave myself a pep talk before I tried this and told myself, "People are going to talk to you and they are going to be inquisitive. Keep calm, don't be a cow about it, just accept it and eventually they'll go away." I was outside for 4 hours and in the beginning I was cool and collected. By that 4th hour I was a raging a-hole.
Various comments throughout the day:
- "Oh, are you taking video?"
- "Are you doing that for Youtube?"
- "What are you doing?"
- "What does the doll do?"
- What's that silver thing?"
- "Can I see what you took?"
- "Are you taking a picture of the sky?! Why? What's up there?"
- "Is that a camera?"
- "So you do this for a hobby, like for fun?"
- "Ay, ay girl! What's up girl? Whatchu doing with all that? You need some help? Want me to hold that for you?"
One lady walked over during this setup, squatted down behind the doll with her freakin' crotch right in front of the camera(!), and said, "Hey, what's all this then?" Then she reached for the doll like she was going to pick it up!
After a day full of this I went from pleasantly, but grudgingly answering people's questions to basically responding with, "Are you a cop? No? Then don't be asking me questions!" or "What I'm doing is minding my own business. You should try it sometime!"
I swear, sometimes I am just not fit for human consumption. At least my dolls don't annoy me because they are awesome.
Applause! You got beautiful shots. Trichelle looks great. You can see her model roots. I think she's gonna ask for another outdoor shoot ;-)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite response is "What I'm doing is minding my own business. You should try it sometime!" LOL.
That crouching woman was beyond rude. I hate strangers trying to touch my stuff. And not asking first. Grrr ...
D7ana, considering I kept knocking her over, I don't think she's in any rush to model again, lol.
DeleteThat coochie lady ticked me off so bad! I was all, "Excuse you!" Then she was all, "Oh! Sorry I didn't mean to upset anything. I was just curious." Trollop! Go be curious someplace else.
Awww, your shots are great, dear! The time lapse technique sure makes the scenes realistic even your beautiful doll is not moving! Love it!
ReplyDeleteTaking doll photos outdoors can be really tricky. I used to bring my gals at the mall and people stare at you like you have some kind of terrifying skin disease. And yes, you have to take the photos from he ground, that way you get the realistic perspective.
Your video is wonderful and a job well done! There should be a second time =)
hugs,
s h a s h a
Thanks, Sasha! Yes, I realized fairly quickly I was not going to get the perspective I needed unless I hit the ground. That wasn't going to happen. I was wearing the wrong clothes for that and the last thing I want is bugs crawling up my hoo haw.
DeleteFantastic job! I like the way you used wire to hold the doll up. I will have to tell my husband about this, because he does stop motion with my dolls and is continually frustrated with the limits of doll stands. I'm hoping this will get him out of his animation burnout.
ReplyDeleteYour experience with all the curious people reminds me of me when I go shopping. One time I was in Payless, and someone asked, 'has anyone helped you?' And I was like, 'nope! Let's keep it that way.'
I want to take my toy flamingo with me everywhere I go, so when people bother me, I can be like, 'can you find me a pair of shoes in his size, please?' Even if it's not a shoe store. Nobody wants to talk to the Crazy Flamingo Lady, especially one looking for shoes in a grocery store.
LOLOL, Sarah! You, I and your flamingo should go shopping! I don't know why it bugs me when people ask me if I need help. Must be my contrariness, I guess. They are like ninjas in Toys R Us. You must get almost 4 workers asking if you need anything before you've taken 3 steps.
DeleteI think your husband would find the wire annoying actually, at least I do, lol, but it's better than nothing. I am using a thin grade from the Dollar Tree so maybe something thicker would be better or I should have made it longer so I could triple it up. It's still a work in progress.
Muff, you are just too funny! I do get it -- I used to be very outdoorsy, but have become somewhat of a home body and don't go out much. I haven't done any doll photography away from home and I admire those who get all of those awesome shots taking their dolls everywhere and taking pictures. On taking pictures from the ground -- not happenin' here! I probably wouldn't be able to get back up!
ReplyDeleteHome body? Yes, Phyllis. That sound so much better than hermit, lol. When people ask me to do things outside I'll tell them that I'm a home body instead of an antisocial hermit. Even though I was practically raised in the wilderness and enjoyed being outdoors as a kid, once I hit high school I was over it, lol.
DeleteBrave move! In spite of the interference, you did manage to capture some excellent footage. Sorry that you were intruded upon by so many curiously lame folks.
ReplyDeleteBecause of what you experienced, I don't do outside anything with my dolls unless it is in an exhibit or lecture type setting where there are like minded people there or people expecting to see dolls. Non-doll people ask too many intrusive questions that I often don't care to answer or when I do begin to babble with enthusiasm about the dolls, the intruder gives me a furrowed brow or blank expression as though they wonder about my sanity or have tuned me out completely, when they shouldn't have bothered me in the first place.
dbg
Debbie, yes, I got that furrowed brow from several people. One lady was so sure I was doing this for a class and when I said nope, I wasn't, she gave me THAT look. Then she said, "Oh," in a cadence as though she was a psychiatrist meeting a new patient.
DeleteYou took some beautiful shots! I really enjoyed the video. Your responses to people cracked me up. I can't wait to read what people ask you when you go back out there and lay down on the ground, and your responses.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Roxanne! I noticed when I was in one of the parks that lots of people were laying on the ground and picnicking or making out or whatever outdoor types do. I think I'll go back to that park for my first foray into laying on the ground. The other park I went to was specifically for walking so I would be laying on concrete which would really be noticeable. I'll have to build up to that one.
DeleteLOL...I must meet you! You are a hoot. I too hate laying on the ground and one part of that is the embarrassing attempt to get up because of being a little on the heavy side(myself, lol) that and carrying dolls and a camera about. People look at you so weird, especially trying to get the $##@ doll to stand up , even with a stand. To get in to the position you described which I have sometimes has been so knee wrenching physically I swore I wouldn't do it again even though it was a great photo. Your photos are great! I can only imagine my language if someone put her hoo haw in the camera angle. People are so daft! Your equipment is really great, I am so envious. Trichelle looks marvelous.
ReplyDeleteLisa, even though I walk daily for exercise, I'm still pretty hefty. I didn't think about the trouble I might have at getting back up from laying down flat. I should test that out.... BRB.
DeleteWell, it's not that comfortable on my boobs at all! Dang, I'm glad I tried because now I know I'm going to need to take a pillow with me too. This sure is a lot of trouble! I was okay about getting right back up though.
I love Trichelle posed against the cityscape with the clouds rolling by behind her. I'm a shutterbug who will do just about anything for a shot so I keep a towel in my camera bag since I often end up lying on the floor or the ground to shoot even when I'm shooting people instead of dolls. Keep the great videos coming!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Limbe dolls! I was going to take one of my sheets, but after your post I think I'll get a big towel instead. It might be more comfy on the ground and I can just leave it in the car and not worry about messing up one of my sheets.
DeleteHello Muff Spielberg, will we see your next video on Mtv?
ReplyDeleteLOL, Sergio. I don't think I've reached prime time status yet.
DeleteBeautiful video and beautiful doll!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, KMQ!
DeleteHi Muff, I LOVED this....the video is very nicely done, and you cracked me up with the comments of the people. That is the reason why I learned doing photomontages I guess......
ReplyDeleteI want to try the wire idea, to see if I can allow the boys and girls to do some more elaborate posing
Your new phone is amazing!
Kisses Billa
Hiya, Billa and thanks! You have the best photo manipulations and your dolls can see the world without stepping outside. Sounds like a good idea to me!
DeleteThe wire is a hit and a miss but if you want to keep things light it's sorta worth trying and relatively easy to put on. I should do a video on it.
Hello from Spain: these pictures are awesome. You make a stunning photo ele xterior. Very real. Great doll. Trichelle is very pretty. The people on the street is heavy. Everyone wants to know and take the dolls ... it's the worst to take pictures in the street. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marta! You were partially the inspiration for this shoot because you take some awesome outdoor scenes and I was always jealous of how cool they look.
DeleteMuff, you are hilarious! This post had me cracking up. Lovely shots...hope you won't wait too long before the next outdoor adventure.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jewell! We'll have to see how weather permits and how much of a chicken I am.
DeleteThe comments are just as good as your post! I am waay to shy to take doll photos in public so I give you a lot of credit! The only outdoor doll photos I take are when I am totally alone, haha. Great video!! :)
ReplyDeleteFarrah, if I had my own little bit of outdoor "private" space I would definitely take advantage of it. Unfortunately, my tiny bit of a patio faces another building and people walk by all the time. One time I was painting a box while sitting on my patio and at least 3 people stopped and asked me what I was doing.
DeleteYou made beautiful photos, however I know how people can be anoying during making photoshoot. That's why i usually choose isolated places, however i suppose than in big city it is more difficult. I noticed that making photoshoot with other collectors (one or two people) maks it easier. Strangers have more respect for group:)
ReplyDeleteI the same problem with dog.I travel with my sheltie a lot and people and kids want to touch him, pet him.And he is like me - hates people, and i affraid of children...
Natalia, I understand where you are coming from! I used to have the sweetest black lab and people would come up to him like crazy. They would pet him without asking and would just rush right over to him not even asking if it was okay or if he bit or anything. The only difference is that he did love people and being petted.
DeleteTalking pics in groups is probably a good idea!
The timelapse videos and other photos were just really beautiful! I think you need to reward yourself to something nice for putting up with all those people and for being so brave! I find it hard to go outside to take photos of my dolls, so I usually go to the woods or something since it's near... :''D
ReplyDeleteBut your city photos are so gorgeous! I loved them. <3
The metal wire thing looks very useful I hadn't thought of that before. O:
Thanks, Uraru! I would be scared to just go into the woods, lol. In the city I would just worry about bugs crawling on me. In the woods I would be worried about bears and bob cats.
DeleteMuff you are too funny. I was so laughing at your comments I had to call and read them to my daughter over the phone. LOL Strange thing when I got all the way on the ground with my grandma self lots of people passed, but nobody even talked to me. Maybe they thought I was crazy or senile.lol
ReplyDeleteYour photog skills are getting more and more perfect! I love your choice of subject and location. Keep it up!
LOL, Grandmommy. You know, if I saw an elderly lady on the ground photographing a doll I'd probably stop for a minute to make sure she was going to get up again. Now if I saw an elderly lady on the ground with a doll AND NO CAMERA... I'd rush right over and ask her if she was okay.
DeleteThank you for the compliments!
Heh, the spectator commentary is too much! And hey, at least you came away from it all with a story! LOL
ReplyDeleteLove the photos you got though - the contrasting focus in that first photo is brilliant. And I'm totally stealing your wire-around-the-doll-for-stability idea - that's perfect.
jSarie, my phone takes pretty decent portraits, but anything (with people/dolls) mid range or from a distance is kinda iffy. I would take my regular camera next time for the still images so I could use my interchangeable lenses. Even though I bought some cheap phone lenses, they really don't do much. I'll leave the phone for video stuff which it's really good at.
DeleteLol!!!!!!!! You are a riot Muff! Lol!!! I have only been bold enough to go out to my back yard to do doll pictures. I loved this video!! Your pictures are awesome!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your next adventure.
Thanks, Georgia Girl!
DeleteI think I need a little boldness to deal with all the lookie loos that outdoor doll photography brings. Or else I need to calm my volatile behind down some.
This high-tech stuff never really bother me, but the quality of pictures is really good. I am happy you are making some improvements (not saying that you really need them :)), will wait for new session.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Major! ^__^
DeleteI have been playing around with my IPAD and the IMovie app and I love it. I so want to get into stop motion it would be so fun but finding time is something else. You pics look great!!!
ReplyDeleteBrini, I love the iMovie app! I know it's a limited version on my phone and it kind of makes me want to get it for PC - if they have that so I can use the full one. The phone version is very limiting but if you play around with it you can get some good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI love all the outdoor shots! Photographs look so much better in day light. When I take photographs outside I get question too! I have to admit I ask questions when I see people taking photographs too. You never know when you might learn something. I don't touch! That is gong too far and if people don't want to answer, I let it go.
ReplyDeleteMs. Leo, agreed, outdoor shots are much better. I like how crisp and clear they are. I should try to be more okay when people approach me but I'm just not the friendly type.
DeleteI have to learn not to drink my tea while I am reading your posts and the comments. I laughed so much I nearly spilt tea on my keyboard. However, the results were well worth your discomfort and grumpiness. Your photos are beautiful and I love the time lapse cloud effects. I guess we are lucky in that there are a number of great parks near us that are often deserted (and we have a bush backyard) so we can get photos without interuption (and unwanted crotches).
ReplyDeleteCarrickters, glad your keyboard wasn't injured, lol. My town is teaming with parks actually, but the bigger ones are rarely empty. I would probably be scared of a deserted park because I watch too many horror movies. (LOL! you wrote "bush" in one parenthesis and "crotches" in the other! - my dirty mind went places)
DeleteCongratulations on your courage! I understand sooo well what you were going through. I'm usually too stressed to speak out to those annoying people. That's why I try to pick deserted spots for my sessions or early morning hours, however, it doesn't always work. Sometimes a company of a dolly friend helps. You've chosen one of the most beautiful dolls Mattel ever made!
ReplyDeleteThanks, IHime! I guess I'm more annoyed than stressed at having to speak to people and I'm too lazy to get up early enough to avoid crowds.
DeleteThe video turned out great! You and Brini are going to force me to look at the iMovie app. Wow, some of the comments you got from people were just rude. Maybe those Floridians are getting too much sun. Every time I've ventured to the park to take pictures, it's been a great experience. Yes, there are questions, but no one trying to touch my stuff. I think the bigger the camera and laying on the ground makes people think you are doing something professional. My neighbors can often see me laying smack dab in the middle of my cul-de-sac. I'm sure they get lots of laughs.
ReplyDeleteVanessa, that iMovie app is totally worth the 5 bucks. Too bad it doesn't come with more options but the few it has are great.
DeletePeople here are very ... 'informal' is the best word I can think of without being a douche. I was raised more structured so it irritates me when strangers are overly familiar. A 'pardon me' or 'may I ask' goes a long way with me. But if I'm approached cold with no pleasantries it ruffles my feathers.
profesjonalna i ekscytująca sesja godna najlepszych modelek ♥
ReplyDelete