Spring Dressing

I know lots of collectors who change their dolls' clothing according to holidays, to the season and such. I rarely redress my dolls just because of the weather or time of year. However, there's always a first time. Several of my Gene Marshall dolls were getting tired of what they were wearing and were begging me to get out some springtime frocks for them.
Here is the result.

Fashion Designer: Tim Kennedy : Blue Fox Gene Wearing Somewhere Summer

Fashion Designer: Veronica Alvarado :  Spotted in the Park

Fashion Designer: George Sarofeen  : J'Adore Gene Wearing Will You Marry Me?

Rogue Rose Gene in Sandra Stillwell's Delicate Bloom

Fashion Designer: Timothy Alberts : Dark Desire Madra Wearing Incognito

This entire photoshoot was disappointing to me because I feel the background in the last three images detracts from the dolls. There's not enough contrast and it's too busy with the gazebo and the ivy. It was a good idea that went wrong. The dolls look much better in person.
Not every photo session goes well. I hate when that happens. Perhaps redressing a bunch of dolls at one time is not a good idea. I feel uninspired.

Multi-Doll Photoshoot

I think I may be cured from buying Silkstone dolls. Afternoon Suit Barbie is seriously bug-eyed. I know they all have the same sculpt but this one is painted in such a way that her eyes are bulging out of her head. And I'm not very happy with one side of her hair. That can be fixed - I think, but I've put her in the cabinet already. I like the fashion. It looks well constructed and fist nicely.

My rerooted Kyori got to wear most of Gretel's fashion minus the boots. I'm not even going to try putting those boots on her. I think she looks fabulous. She's on a FR2 body.

Allure got another chance in front of the camera.  I was more patient this time and I am very happy with her image. I used a tiny drop of clear Elmer's glue on the inside of her finger to keep the ring from falling off. I put rubber bands on her feet to hold the shoes on. I made sure to turn the edges of the coat inside so the 'lining' wouldn't show. Her hair took plenty of post-processing time in Photoshop. She looks gorgeous.

The outfit seen on Gene below is called Lotta Moola. I've wanted this ensemble forever.

Last but not least is Winter Grace dressed in Hypnotic Antoinette's gown. Black wig by Cheryl Wood.

It was a busy day.

Picture of the Week Award ~ February 21, 2010

This week's featured photograph is by Rebecca Ruiz. The doll is an Iplehouse Special Edition Yur in Realskin. She is 65cm (25.6") tall and has the Special Edition face-up from Iplehouse. Mirielle Clemenceau is the doll's name.
Rebecca told me that she prefers outdoor lighting but for this picture she used small photo lights that came in a set that included a light tent. She got the idea for the behind-the-scenes pictures from a huge poster seen recently in Paris subway stations.

I asked Rebecca if she had any suggestions for doll photographers. Here is a summary of her reply:
A good camera is a big help. Buying an SLR is worth putting off the purchase of that next doll. I have a Nikon D50 and a few separate lenses. I especially like my f1.8 50mm lens.

Rebecca looks in magazines, at paintings in books and at movies for ideas and enjoys hunting for props and backgrounds. When shooting out-of-doors she has gotten used to the stares and questions of passersby. Most have been curious and positive.

To see more of her beautiful collection and pictures, click here.

Congratulations, Rebecca, on the Picture of the Week Award.