Making Do

5/6/2020

This year I was only able to take dolls out to the scillas on the townline once, so I had to make do with the flowers in my own backyard. I do have a decent size patch on the back lawn, but my yard isn't big, and it's surrounded by big ugly fences, and until the leaves come out on the bushes to hide them, it's like a big sore thumb in the background.

But when taking doll photos it's important to try focus on the 'small picture', and there was one small angle I could use to make a believable scene. I also took some houseplants outside to help fill in the background to hide the fence some, and break up the surface of the one huge rock.

I laid out a tarp to sit or lay down on, since it had just rained and the ground was very wet....

I had to watch what was in the background so the playhouse in behind wouldn't show...

Which meant cropping in closer, and using a really short depth-of-field, to cut it out completely, and just focus on the two ladies...

Then a view from across the yard to show how tiny a spot it really was....

Anyways, the flowers are all gone now, and here's hoping that next year Jan will be able to drive again so we can go out to our normal flowering locations.

Audrey K

5/6/2020 09:55:12 am

I really enjoy the behind the scenes, and how you set up your dolls.
So creative! Where do you get your energy? I have a blog and I do very simple set ups, when I use my dolls. I am amazed at what you accomplish, not only the time and effort it takes to dream up and set up. But, you dear lady, the costumes you create are incredible!!

Martha

5/6/2020 10:35:53 am

I don't have hardly any energy these days - my pain levels and eyesight are really bad - but I force myself to do it because I really want the pictures, and especially when the flowers are almost gone so there's a 'deadline'. So do it, or wait a whole year for the flowers to bloom again, and who knows how bad I'll be then.

As to the costumes, I'm trying to work as fast as possible because my eyesight is getting really bad (have uncorrectable astigmatism, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetes) and I want all my dolls beautifully dressed before I can't see what I'm doing anymore.

Audrey K

5/6/2020 11:54:48 am

Wow, I am astounded, dear lady. Your blog is so beautiful, and inspiring. I am so grateful I came across this work of art, you have done extremely well in bringing so much joy and smiles to the world! Thank You. God Bless.

Dorothy

5/6/2020 12:43:23 pm

Yeaaaa, behind the scenes photos! I am always amazed at how you can see a photograph opportunity amidst a huge backdrop. The location was perfect. The flowers even participated by growing in the spot you selected (laugh).

Martha

5/6/2020 01:43:11 pm

It's all about learning to look at just the 'small picture' and ignore everything else.

I actually planted those flower bulbs there a few years ago in order to grow my own little patch. Each year we sprinkle more seeds there, but they take a long time to grow into bulbs big enough to flower. I think I really need to plant some more evergreens in that corner as well so the fence is better hidden.

Jay Searle

5/6/2020 12:47:09 pm

I always appreciate your behind the scenes shots. My yard is surrounded by same type of wooden fence and is completely flat. I've always found it challenging to get any photos in my own yard. But you've inspired me once again! And for someone who's eyesight is giving you problems, your creations and photographic eye is astonishingly brilliant!!! Hang in there Martha!!!

Martha

5/6/2020 01:49:33 pm

I can relate. The flat part of my yard is super challenging for doll photos. Fortunately I have a second level that can be used as background if I set up on the patio table at the other end of the yard, and have that upper garden in the background. Right now I can't use the upper garden at all, because of the huge tulip leaves, And to make matters even worse, something is eating all the buds off the few tulips that were actually going to bloom, so the leaves are there for nothing.

Donna

5/6/2020 05:45:54 pm

Your behind-the-scene shots are always so interesting and inspiring. Learning to see the "small picture" is not that easy a lesson to learn, but your examples really help.

Your creativity and the wonderful things you create despite circumstances that would sideline most people, are even more of an inspiration. Thank you for the joy and beauty you add to the world.

Martha

5/7/2020 09:42:31 am

You're welcome

KarenC

5/7/2020 01:45:48 pm

I think you have a lovely back yard! Maybe out of scale for your pictures, which are always amazing, but lovely nonetheless!

Martha

5/7/2020 03:01:56 pm

I love my backyard, and it gets a lot better in summer. It's just challenging for doll photos.

Comments are closed.

Making Do

Author

Archives