Doll Photography in Public

Most of my outside doll photoshoots have been during a doll meet, and it's definitely less scary to do weird things in public when there are a bunch of other people doing weird things right along with you. Having someone along really helps; it was a lot more fun running around the neighborhood with my Dollfie Icon taking silly pictures with my mom there egging me on.

I'm also lucky enough to live near Disney, which is where I go for most of my cool photoshoots, and people are probably a lot more willing to let "adult taking silly pics of toys" slide when they're already in a land of ~fantasy and childlike wonder~. Off-topic, but I've dragged my Hetalia figures/Nendoroids to Epcot more than once and everyone's usually too busy to pay attention to whatever I'm doing.

 

 

 

I've no plans to take my doll outside for pictures. Not so much because of the act of doll photography, but more so because of her appearance. An AP with breasts as big as her head and them thiccccc ol' thighs will not only draw attention but I feel will also make me a target. Unfortunately I don't have titanium skin like in that song so Id rather just not get shot at. Plus, my other concern is kids. For the same reason, I would just feel bad exposing kids to that kind of visual. If my doll had, say the tiny boobs upper or maybe even what would be considered a "modest" size, I'd probly be a bit more comfortable with it. I feel that people are generally forgiving of a lot, but once something is a touch too sexual, the boards with a nail in it comes out.

All in all it's just not worth it to me and I'd spend more time worrying than enjoying myself. I don't even think I would do it in my back yard cause all the neighbors around me can see my back yard from above quite clearly lol.

I’ve been collecting dolls specifically to photograph. I haven’t taken Mallory (DD) out but I’ve taken my resin and Blythe dolls outside. I am fortunate to live in an urban area with a 10 minute walk to scenery that looks urban, landscape and secluded forest. The bjds tend to get curious looks but very few people walk up and ask questions. My Blythe, however, generate lots of comments and questions. 
 

My favorite question was when I was out shooting with my Dollshe Bernard. A nice lady walked up to me, we chatted for a bit and she asked how much the doll cost b/c she wanted to get one for her daughter. When I told her the cost, she looked at me askance and bid me a good day. 🤣

There are plenty of unfortunate horror stories of people demanding to buy or trying to grab dolls right out of owners' hands. But for my part, I've not experienced such yet. At worst I get a few odd glances or offcolour comments, but most people are surface-level polite. A girl in uni even ran up and told me when a doll fell out of my backpack into a street crossing. I had to do the jog of shame back to retrieve her before she was roadkill. But I got some lovely photos of her in the campus park that afternoon.

 

People are going to judge you no matter what. They will judge you for breathing oxygen. It's rather insane, and as it's been said, life is too short to waste time on that. Craft store and small shop displays make amazing nooks and crannies for dolls to hide in. Old alleys, pipes, and bookshelves look incredible in wide shots. Those pleather boots you bought are going to disintegrate in a year or two; preserve them forever in photos while you have the chance. I've had the best conversations with antique and art shop owners, library patrons and passersby, while asking for permission to take some shots or setting up for a session. It's never too late. It's never too early. If you feel brave enough, take them out and enjoy them. It's what they're there for.

Edited August 20, 2022 by PolitelyNefarious

3 hours ago, PolitelyNefarious said:

There are plenty of unfortunate horror stories of people demanding to buy or trying to grab dolls right out of owners' hands.

Wat 👀

21 hours ago, ragnamuffin said:

Wat 👀

People with no sense of personal property or respect can get pushy. It doesn't happen often, but unfortunately, personal boundaries may be crossed in the worst ways.

 

However, I don't personally feel that the risk of meeting these types should outweigh your desire to take your doll(s) places. They're considerably rarer than the sort who will just give you an odd look. And who knows what they're thinking? They might be curious and not feel brave enough to walk up and ask.

Edited August 21, 2022 by PolitelyNefarious

51 minutes ago, PolitelyNefarious said:

They're considerably rarer than the sort who will just give you an odd look. And who knows what they're thinking? They might be curious and not feel brave enough to walk up and ask.

Edited 45 minutes ago by PolitelyNefarious

My first meet with "The Ecchizonans" was about ten or so years ago. (thank you, Kyemera(sp?), cryx, poofiemus, animagic4u,and scripple!) I picked up a few admission tickets for the Pima Air and Space Museum for all six of us. We had a great time, and the only "problem" was one guy who approached us. Honestly, if it wasn't for the group he was with, I think he would've been more amenable to finding out more about our Kiddos.... peer-pressure is definitely a thing. 

I have only participated in a group with like-minded hobbyists. Joining a doll meetup helps a lot in taking photos in public, because when they see a group of people they're more likely to mind their own business and not try to take shots at you as an individual.

 

I actually never have done a shoot in public. I did try it once in an amusement park with a Figma figure in a glasses case. But I couldn’t find the courage to get it out of it.

Why I am afraid I cannot find out. I do think that photographing in a group is more comfortable. 

I don't trust people around where I live to be nice enough to leave you alone if you're out taking photos with a doll, especially when you're a guy.

So, out of fear of something happening I've never taken my dolls out somewhere, sadly.
I wish I could, though. I think taking photos in the park or city would be cool.

46 minutes ago, ChrisFhey said:

I don't trust people around where I live to be nice enough to leave you alone if you're out taking photos with a doll, especially when you're a guy.

So, out of fear of something happening I've never taken my dolls out somewhere, sadly.
I wish I could, though. I think taking photos in the park or city would be cool.

Our country’s are in that way very similar. And with the changing mentality I am afraid that this will be worse. I do have one side note where a small group of people where successful in Efteling with beautiful photo’s as result. Group is also the keyword and I am not sure if the photographing people are male or female. 

35 minutes ago, Rajke said:

Our country’s are in that way very similar. And with the changing mentality I am afraid that this will be worse. I do have one side note where a small group of people where successful in Efteling with beautiful photo’s as result. Group is also the keyword and I am not sure if the photographing people are male or female. 

I agree. I think you'd be far less likely to be harassed when you're with a group of people.

That being said, I do wonder how people would react when you take your doll to places like the Japanese garden in Hasselt.
That place is very familiar with anime culture and frequently host cosplay events as well. Perhaps that would be a good spot to take doll photos. 🤔

28 minutes ago, ChrisFhey said:

I agree. I think you'd be far less likely to be harassed when you're with a group of people.

That being said, I do wonder how people would react when you take your doll to places like the Japanese garden in Hasselt.
That place is very familiar with anime culture and frequently host cosplay events as well. Perhaps that would be a good spot to take doll photos. 🤔

Sounds interesting. Heard something about those gardens before but never had going there myself. When cosplay is there accepted then doll photography wouldn’t be a problem. But I definitely would go there in a group. Feels somewhat safer. 

I'm usually fortunate enough that there aren't a lot of people outdoors near my neighborhood...so whenever I take my dolls out for a few minutes, nobody has ever seen me taking photos of them. If I see people outside, then I don't attempt it.

There were only a few times I took out a doll with a lot of people - one was during an anime event. This is generally accepted since there's a BJD panel that day anyway. A lot of people who saw my doll actually thought she's cute, and none of them tried to touch her without asking (we're all hobbyists so they understand the cost!).

The second time was inside a cafe inside a bookstore. A couple of people also left nice comments and asked a few curious questions, like what size of clothing is she compatible with, or where they can get a doll like her. Oh and...I was with a few friends during these days. It does make a difference to have friends along. 

Before Covid, I used to take my bjds outside for shoots in the woods. I'd always make sure there were no people around though 🤣 I still take mine out here and there for quick pics but I'm very conscious about people near or seeing me 😳

For outdoor photography I typically use my backyard, or my Parents' yard. They have a large yard with lots of trees. I have taken photos in populated areas before, but most people leave me alone. I'm not sure if that is because people think I am weird or because my partner is typically with me and he has a tendency to...loom and look intense. 

Anyone who has approached is friendly and curious. 

Edited September 17, 2022 by NozomiViolet
misspelled

I've been doing quite a few outdoor photoshoots lately. I always take my SLR with huge lens so people assume I'm a pro photographer. I'm blessed with living just 100M from the sea plus I have a Dollfie sized railway and a small mini-golf park which has some good props. On the downside it's almost always windy on the coast. The number of days I can stand a doll on the beach without her falling over or her hair going all over the place are very few and far between.

I get a few random comments but usually I'm so busy styling the girls plus ensuring they don't fall flat on their cute lil button noses. I find that I need to hyperfocus on extreme attention to detail to make sure their outfits aren't crooked, and that their thigh-highs are of equal length etc. I tend to shoot photos in the evening too, when it's less busy.

With doll photoshoots my #1 fear are dogs. They ALWAYS head straight for dolls so I'm extremely wary of them.

I regularly take my dolls out, and not just for photos. It's actually rarer for me to leave the house without a doll than with one. This past week I took my DDdy Towa out to the local blues festival and brought her around to different restaurants, stores, and even had her sitting down with me to eat when I went to eat at the VIP tent. I've taken them to numerous restaurants around the US, and I even took a Smart Doll through LAX and MEM international airports. When taking them out for photography, I honestly tend to get more questions regarding my camera/photography itself than I do my dolls. I actually live in an extremely conservative area, so I'm not sure 🤷🏼‍♀️ 

IMO the key to it is being confident. People don't mess with someone who looks like they're on a mission. 

The worst I've gotten was older ladies asking where they were from and grimacing when I said "Japan" 

I always do my homework and preparation before I go for outdoor shoot.

If I'm alone I'd prefer going somewhere which has less crowds, so you don't need to worry hogging the place too long or blocking anyone else in public. 

When shooting in public places with crowds, I prefer having a partner to tag along with me. (Usually its my husband)
My partner will help me take care of my luggage, hold reflectors or lights for me etc. 

I do get people approached me taking photos of my dolls, some they curious about the hobby and asked where to get the dolls/price etc.
Mostly they are quite understanding and polite, they can see I'm very dedicated to shoot with the doll with camera gears.

The one I fear the most are kids, they are usually curious about the dolls and some will try to grab them without notice.
I'll need keep my eyes on them so they don't grab my dolls and run.... 
Their parents also never educate them not to anyhow touch other people's belongings. 😥

This thread has been quiet for a bit, but I was reminded of a few stories from my outdoor photography adventures that I thought I'd share! 

I've been practising doll photography for a long time and I would often take my first doll (an old bjd) out for photos. Even brought her camping once because I hate camping and wanted to make it more bearable. She couldn't be stained, so I even stuck her in a little stream for a photo once. However, when I got my MDD, I became much more cautious about taking her outside and have only done so a handful of times, mostly to the local botanical garden.

At said garden, I've gotten a few comments, mostly little kids who were curious and either asked their parents "what is she doing?" or were brave enough to come ask me directly. I usually give them the shortest and easiest anwser possible, because I can't focus on talking and photography at the same time lol. A few times, my mom came with me and would patiently wait for me as I kept stopping to take photos. Someone would approach one of us to ask about what I was doing, and she would anwser as best she could (though I would often have to correct her "no, they're vinyl dolls, not bjds, remember?"). I've never had any issues with people touching or being rude but this may be because I'm super paranoid, grabbing my doll and making a break for it anytime someone comes too close for comfort. The only real interaction I can recall is when a sweet older lady asked me if I was taking pictures of my baby, and what her name was, etc, though that was a long time ago so I don't remember much about that interaction.

Edited September 26, 2023 by Frollywoggy

So today was one of maybe a dozen days of the year when there wasn't much wind, so it was a rare opportunity to do some on location photoshoots.

Kirika and I had a very successful photoshoot on the beach. Just for a change, we weren't bothered by any dogs, and the only annoyance was an old woman who decided to strip off and go swimming on exactly the same part of the beach we had set up our photoshoot 🙄.

We decide to take some town shots. I put my bag down in a small town square and carefully take Kirika out of our Miku bag (that hat does not stay in place well).

I start squaring up some possible shots.

A car approaches. It could have driven a far more direct route to the main road, but no, it had to approach us.

I sense danger.

An old woman winds down the window and starts interrogating me. She takes no interest in Kirika. Offend my doll and you also offend me.

I don't know what type of burglar/rapist/vandal/arsonist she assumed walks around with a 58cm tall doll but maybe, just maybe I was just taking a few photos of my beloved doll.

I was quite cross with her and to be honest she was freaking lucky I had Kirika with me and not (god forbid) Towa or Iori.

Now I have PTSD from the event and it's ruined what could have been a decent day.

The other girls are starting to think maybe Kirika is cursed. She had the terrible staining incident and sometimes her feet fall off.

One of the pics of the shoot...

Edited August 9, 2023 by Xiongmao

Oh man... I don't have the self confidence to take my dolls out in public. I still have issues just bringing them around my wife 😅 she doesn't understand the hobby herself, but she respects that I enjoy it. I couldn't even do it to take pictures of them. Maybe if everyone else on the planet disappeared for a few hours every once in a while  or froze in time and I knew no one would see me, maybe. I'm sure I'll get to that point where I don't care what people think of me someday, but unfortunately right now I still do. I'd never be worried that I'd have to protect them from some crazy coming up and trying to damage them in any way, but maybe more of the bullying aspect in general. I'd personally just rather not deal with that kind of stuff.

Two punks in a souped up black car started questioning me while Rin and I were taking these shots.

Punks: We saw you earlier. What are you doing?

Me: Taking photos.

Punks: Uh, OK.

Said punks drive off.

I still haven't met anybody who's actually interested in my dolls rather than what I'm doing.

As for taking photos, early mornings are generally better since most troublemakers are usually in bed.

Every strange encounter I've read here an old woman is involved... what's with old people? 🤣

It's the same one that hunts dolls owners?

 

I wouldn't dare to take mine out for photos. Even in manga conventions there is no doll knowledge or culture, I think it's very niche here in Italy. Also Angel Philia (but I've normale sized ones).

Edited August 15, 2023 by Testament

9 hours ago, Testament said:

Every strange encounter I've read here an old woman is involved... what's with old people? 🤣

It's the same one that hunts dolls owners?

Now there's a creepy-pasta!