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Behind the Scene

1/26/2023

7 Comments

 
Taking a look behind the scenes with Lawrence and Monica. 

I had wanted to photograph the two of them as a modern couple, and Monica could borrow some of Naomi's clothes.  But even though Lawrence could borrow some of Baron's clothes, I wanted him to have something more than just a sweater and scarf. I wanted him to have a nice long coat. One that would fit over a sweater. So I started work on the pattern, and tested it in cotton...
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After some adjustments to the pattern (like, bigger armholes), I made his coat. I also knit him a sweater, sewed him a shirt, and some jeans, so he'd have a complete outfit...
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I knit him a scarf, and then it was time for the two of them to go out into the world. I wanted some place interesting without too many people, so we went to the Courtyard Shops in Pickering Village. There was nothing to stand them on, so all the photos had to be taken with the dolls hand held.
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I always keep the dolls on their stands, so Jan can hold the dolls by their stand and one leg. It's a lot sturdier than just trying to hold the dolls by their legs.
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Then I wanted to do a scene with them relaxing at home.  I took some nice photos of the two of them looking at Winston's album....
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And I was ready to post them, until I realized the book was upside-down. So I had to reshoot. While I was at it, I decided I wasn't happy with the background, so I changed it.
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Then I wanted to take them to the Ruins Garden, so I made them both some mittens.  I did bring along a tarp to put the doll's boxes down on and for me to get down on if I really needed to, but most of the photos were taken with the dolls hand held.
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A photo taken close up...
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I did put them down in the snow in the Greek Theatre for some full length shots. But unless the dolls are photographed down low, level with their eyes, and reasonably close, they will still look like 'dolls', or like tiny people in a giant's world....
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So, I had to get right down in the snow to photograph them at a better angle...
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Closer up was even better.
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7 Comments
Nancy
1/26/2023 04:18:44 pm

The outfit you made for him is perfect! Sorry you had to get down in the snow, but the photos came out beautifully.

Reply
Martha
1/26/2023 04:24:16 pm

Thanks.

I really like his outfit and plan on releasing all the patterns for it.

I pretty much knew I was going to have to get down, especially if I want the Greek Theatre in the background, so I brought a tarp to sit (or lay) on. I had to get down three times that day. It's not easy getting down (or back up) but I'll still do it if I want good photos.

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Donna
1/27/2023 08:51:13 am

It is always very interesting to see how you achieve the realistic photos you do, and to see how it is a team effort with you and Jan.

Lawrence and Monica make a handsome couple whatever the era they are in. Seeing how you develop a pattern is also interesting and helpful. (The overcoat in dark gray certainly suits him better than the test one in pink 😀, although the pink is nice with the colour of his sweater 😀😀)

Reply
Martha
1/27/2023 08:58:30 am

Thank you.

I'm not a big fan of 'wasting' fabric to test a pattern, so I tend to use something I have a lot of, but I had to test the collar, and I wasn't going to bother making the entire coat.

I thought the short pink 'jacket' reminded me of something a guy might wear in the Regency period. But definitely not something for Lawrence.

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designdreamer
2/19/2023 04:48:42 pm

Fascinating. Thank you for all your information!

Reply
Martha
2/20/2023 11:54:49 am

You're welcome! I hope you found it helpful.

Reply
Dorothy
3/5/2023 10:15:14 am

There were so many good "tips" in this posting.

I never thought about holding the dolls by the stand and one leg. That makes perfect sense and does seem to be the sturdier option.

I didn't notice that the book was upside down. That was a great tip - check the direction of books.

I did remember that you said that doll eye level is always best for photographs but I never realized that shooting them from a higher elevation does make them seem like "little people."

I liked the original background you selected for the indoor shots but when I saw the one you ultimately chose I understood why you made the switch.

You are giving us a course in Doll Photography 101. Thanks!

Reply



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    Author

    Martha Boers is an award-winning Canadian doll maker and costumer specializing in fantasy and historical-style costumes.
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