Behind the scenes photography - blogs?

Anyone who follow/know of any blogs, accounts, or the like, that post behind the scenes shots and tips and tricks? Doesn't have to be exclusively, just frequently or occasionally - and doll related.
Like this guy used to do

Edited September 25, 2021 by Yumeiro

The blogs of Orchiddolls are for me a good inspiration.

Orchiddolls photography blog

she also has somewhere a behind the scenes video that was also interesting. 
 

This isn't really an explanation, but it shows their setup when working outdoors. Having a reflector and a flash to fill in really helps cut that harsh look, just like you'd do with a human subject for portraits.

https://twitter.com/graysuton1/status/1625430948342009857

(They aren't shooting anything lewd, though the angle sorta seems that way.)

This shows the stands setup before they're photoshopped out.

https://twitter.com/graysuton1/status/1592452988609605633

More remote flash.

https://twitter.com/graysuton1/status/1588089782487642114

Edited March 18, 2023 by chef_mai

20 hours ago, chef_mai said:

This isn't really an explanation, but it shows their setup when working outdoors. Having a reflector and a flash to fill in really helps cut that harsh look, just like you'd do with a human subject for portraits.

https://twitter.com/graysuton1/status/1625430948342009857

(They aren't shooting anything lewd, though the angle sorta seems that way.)

This shows the stands setup before they're photoshopped out.

https://twitter.com/graysuton1/status/1592452988609605633

More remote flash.

https://twitter.com/graysuton1/status/1588089782487642114

Edited 19 hours ago by chef_mai

Thanks so much for sharing the info

I didn’t realize how low the tripod or photographer had to get for the perfect shot

Now I’m curious if my tripod will get that low 🤔

And it looks like it maybe time for me to learn more about photoshop

Some tripods can get into that position, but others let you reverse the column, so instead of the rod sticking out the top, it inserts into downwards and effectively achieves the same thing.

This is a tip on how to make hair look like it's flying. You use wire and tape.

https://mobile.twitter.com/gonta0918/status/1627169784306753536

On 3/19/2023 at 1:39 AM, chef_mai said:

Some tripods can get into that position, but others let you reverse the column, so instead of the rod sticking out the top, it inserts into downwards and effectively achieves the same thing.

Thanks for the info about the tripod.

I tested mine last weekend.

It doesn’t get super low like the Twitter post but as you mentioned it does have a center column and I was able to flip it upside down 😁 (did not know that was a thing with some tripods).  

I’m looking forward to taking my doll pics using this technique 

On 3/23/2023 at 3:50 PM, chef_mai said:

This is a tip on how to make hair look like it's flying. You use wire and tape.

https://mobile.twitter.com/gonta0918/status/1627169784306753536

Oh, that’s a cool technique

Fishing Line added to my Buy List

Looking forward to trying it out

Thanks for sharing

I've been tweaking my setup, and without buying or crafting anything new, I've improved the lighting a bit by repositioning my light. Instead of lighting from the side, I'm lighting more from the front (and higher up) but still using a posterboard as a reflector.

I also increased the distance between the subject and the background, as much as I physically could in this space.

It's not perfect, and it's still let down by the background, but it's a much smoother compared to what I posted a few days ago.

This video shows a simple 2 flash setup using no stands, no special space for it. The flashes are facing away to bounce off the cloth + wall for softer light. It's a really nice effect for so little effort.

https://mobile.twitter.com/yossy_0325/status/1638904178977431560

On 3/27/2023 at 5:21 AM, chef_mai said:

I've been tweaking my setup, and without buying or crafting anything new, I've improved the lighting a bit by repositioning my light. Instead of lighting from the side, I'm lighting more from the front (and higher up) but still using a posterboard as a reflector.

I also increased the distance between the subject and the background, as much as I physically could in this space.

It's not perfect, and it's still let down by the background, but it's a much smoother compared to what I posted a few days ago.

I like the adjustments you made with the light

It made the photo softer and the colors look richer

Even the background looks different

What kind of lighting are you using?

Thanks for sharing your photography process
 

On 3/30/2023 at 3:46 AM, chef_mai said:

This video shows a simple 2 flash setup using no stands, no special space for it. The flashes are facing away to bounce off the cloth + wall for softer light. It's a really nice effect for so little effort.

https://mobile.twitter.com/yossy_0325/status/1638904178977431560

Nice video

They make it look so easy

I’m eager to give it a try

I have a flash but no receiver or transmitter to make it an off camera flash

More photography accessories going onto the wishlist 😅

I'm using a homemade light that's built from 2 LED bulbs powered by a pendant lamp fixture that's held into folded posterboard, then diffused using some craft fabric. I built this for taking photos of my cooking but it's now doubled up for use for dolls and figurines.

If you search for "diy lowell ego light", you'll find various ways of doing this. It'll cost about $30 to build one.

I took even better pics here by pointing the light towards the wall to diffuse it even more.

Edited April 15, 2023 by chef_mai

On 3/27/2023 at 3:21 AM, chef_mai said:

It's not perfect, and it's still let down by the background

Honestly, I was focused enough on Mai that I did not even notice the background until you mentioned it. 

 

On 3/27/2023 at 3:21 AM, chef_mai said:

but still using a posterboard as a reflector.

You can buy reflectors too, but they do take a lot of space, and they are sized more for human than doll. 
 

https://www.impactstudiolighting.com/product/6495/Impact-RP_2839-Reflector-Panel-(28-x-39'',-71-x-99-cm)

https://www.anglerlights.com/product/18314/Angler-CL_22V2-Mini-CatchLight-Reflector (18-x-37")

 

You could duct-tape your poster board to a light stand, but you wouldn't be able to angle it the way you can with a purchased reflector.

13 hours ago, DollyInsider said:

I have a flash but no receiver or transmitter to make it an off camera flash

You can use flash sync cords, and you can get those for around $10. Not as convenient as transmitters, but your doll subject isn't moving around so you shouldn't need a wireless set as much. Your camera and flash need to support using a sync cord. 

Getting the flash off the camera is one of the best ways to improve flash photos. 

On 4/15/2023 at 1:39 AM, chef_mai said:

I'm using a homemade light that's built from 2 LED bulbs powered by a pendant lamp fixture that's held into folded posterboard, then diffused using some craft fabric. I built this for taking photos of my cooking but it's now doubled up for use for dolls and figurines.

If you search for "diy lowell ego light", you'll find various ways of doing this. It'll cost about $30 to build one.

I took even better pics here by pointing the light towards the wall to diffuse it even more.

Thanks for sharing info on the diy lowell ego light

Oh, what cute photos!

I’m always impressed how simply moving & adjusting light can have such an effect on a photo

And to think you didn’t buy any equipment to capture that scene

I know I need to strengthen my lighting knowledge  

I’ve read, I’ve taken courses and I've watched videos from various sources to better understand how to play with light but it still eludes me

I know I’ll figure out what works for me, someday 😅