Dolls are one of the most loved toys after teddy bears. Kids and adults alike have developed fondness to dolls. Some are even collecting them. The good thing about dolls is that they can be dressed and can also be great for displays. There are various types of dolls. There are 18” dolls that appear like babies which include American dolls, Carpatina dolls and others. There are also fashion dolls like the Barbie and Moxie Girlz. The latest crazes today are the Lalaloopsy dolls and Monster High dolls. Most of these dolls are expensive and collecting them is a totally expensive hobby.

Aside from just playing and dressing these dolls, you can also take pictures of them. Well, why not? These lovely toys can look great especially if the dolls have well chiseled faces. But you don’t just shot in any manner you like. That is why we have here some tips to help you with your doll photography. Photos of your dolls can also be a good collection. You will surely be pleased to see them in lovely photographs. Consider the tips below:

1. Choose your doll.

Choose your doll
Image: Chu-Boo

There are different types of dolls. It is up to you what you want to photograph but it would be best if you choose dolls that you truly like. This way, you will have a good time taking pictures. You will surely enjoy taking photos of something you love. If you have a doll collection, then you would have a variety of subjects to work on.

2. Create stories.

Create stories
Image: Chibi-lilie

It would be fun to create a story with your pictures. You can dress up your dolls and place them in settings that can tell a story. You can even add some props into it and some doll furniture. Doing this will make your photos look lovely and unique. Be creative with your shots and you will enjoy what you are doing.

3. Choose backgrounds.

Choose backgrounds
Image: Sarqq

A photo’s background is always important. For your doll photography, choose a background that will look good and appear right with the kind of setting you want. You can use printed wrappers or available fabrics. Fabrics can also add texture to your photos and would make your dolls look even lovelier.

4. Try interesting angles.

Try interesting angles
Image: MrMVP

Even your doll can look good if you try various angles. Look for angles that make them cuter and prettier. But you can always do the shot with these toys facing the camera. However, if you try to experiment, you will realize that your subject has more beauty that you think it has. Some subjects look more appealing in photos if you get the right angle.

5. Get closer.

Get closer
Image: Knibitz

Do not leave a large amount of space around the doll. Get closer to it that your doll will look larger in the photos which can also make them appear alive. Aside from taking pictures of the entire doll or of the entire set-up, you can also get closer to the doll. Try to focus on the doll’s face and you will be amazed to see some emotion in it.

6. Use a tripod.

Use a tripod
Image: Prettyinplastic

Using a tripod can help you get a good photo. This will save you from getting a blurred image as a result of shaking. You will have a sharp image and you will be able to work better with your photography. Well, you might say that you do not need to use one because dolls don’t move but a small shake can still blur your image. It would be smart to use one.

7. Get them dressed.

Get them dressed
Image: Miema Dollhouse

There are thousands of ways to dress your doll and make them look great. You can buy clothes or make one for them for a photo shoot. And you also need to fix the hair. When we say fix the hair, style the hair! Don’t leave the hair running across a doll’s face. Your doll would look better with a great hairstyle. Also, make sure you hide the doll stand while taking the picture.

8. Try different focus.

Try different focus
Image: Alyssa-fox

As always, trying different focus can make your photo look more interesting. Why don’t you try taking a picture with the focus on a doll’s face, feet or hands or just any part of it instead of including the entire body? You can even take pictures of some details in her clothes and accessories.

9. Make sure it is well lighted.

Make sure it is well lighted
Image: Mouldysweets

Your photo would look bad with shadows on it and if you have a bad lighting. So, light your area well. Lighting might also change the color of your doll. You can just experiment with the lighting or you can go outside and take a picture with natural light to illuminate the dolls. Pictures taken outside will also look great.

10. Edit it.

Edit it
Image: x-EGLANTINE-x

After everything, bring your photos to Adobe Photoshop and other editing software that you are comfortable of using. You can crop it to avoid large areas around the photo. You can also adjust the color balance to correct the color of your doll especially if it looked different due to lighting. Try to check on other imperfections and then you are done!

Doll Photography Inspiration: Fab Dolls Overload!

To inspire you with your photography, why don’t you take a look at some doll photos that we have collated for you. Seeing them will surely fuel your creativity and will move you to do more of your doll photography.

Beneath the Stars That Shine So Bright

Beneath the Stars That Shine So Bright
The pouting lips and dreamy pink eyes of this doll in red hair are indeed stunning. It looked even lovelier with the bokeh background.
Image: Lipslock

Studious

Studious
We wonder if the owner of this doll is as studious as her. But the set-up is very creative. The colors also matches well.
Image: Lovelessger

Cold Dream

Cold Dream
We’d say wow for this! Look at those eyes with long wavy lashes! Anyone can fall for this beauty.
Image: SelenaAdorian

Prudence Revisited

Prudence Revisited
Super cute and gorgeous isn’t she? The photographer did a good job with the focus.
Image: Sassystrawberry

Splash

Splash
This is a Monster High doll which is kinda fish inspired.
Image: Onnawufei

Favorite Pastime

Favorite Pastime
Writing is her favorite past time. But aside from that, here hair is so beautiful especially with her brown dress to pair with it.
Image: Kimirra Bjd

53

53'
Oh! Isn’t she so cute? This little baby doll is surely filled with cuteness that would make you pick her up for a hug!
Image: Chibi-lilie

Little Bundles of Joy

Little Bundles of Joy
One cute baby doll isn’t enough because there is more here! Seated on a teddy bear, the four cuties are very lovely.
Image: Lipslock

Headphone Girls

Headphone Girls
How about winding up with a friend by listening to music?
Image: AnimatorAR

The First Snow

The First Snow
Trying to walk in the snow while wrapped in a comfy and warm suit. This baby doll would have lots of stories to tell when she gets home.
Image: thojseen.deviantart.com

New friend

New friend
His eyes match the color of his dolphin stuffed toy. This little boy is a cutie!
Image: TaliC-os

Oh My Ladies

Oh My Ladies
Talk about fashion! These dolls are not just well dressed but are very stunning in laces and flowers.
Image: Lipslock

Sassy Ghoul

Sassy Ghoul
A freaky fab Monster High doll posing to the camera.
Image: sailorfirestar.deviantart.com

Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror
Vanity strikes. A pink haired doll checking herself on the mirror. This setting is great complete with all the accessories and furniture.
Image: Chibi-lilie

Bluefairy Tinyfairy May

Bluefairy Tinyfairy May
A simple headshot for a lovely doll. The effect of her other eye covered with her bangs is stunning.
Image: Laxurin

Glomp

Glomp
In red, black and white, this is a heart grasping scenario of two fashion dolls.
Image: Karla Chan

Two Nekos 2

Two Nekos 2
Two happy friends in contrasting black and white attire.
Image: AnimatorAR

Colorful

Colorful
So colorful! These are cute mini Lalaloopsy dolls which were designed based on rug dolls, that explains their button eyes.
Image: Karlota

Thumbelina

Thumbelina
A doll positioned dramatically as she seemingly reaches for the floating flower. Very creative concept!
Image: 4everJulika

Her Doll

Her Doll
A doll with a doll. This ball jointed doll takes hold of Mini Lalaloopsy Snowy Fairest in her arms. This is indeed a simple image of affection for dolls.
Image: A-Lasting-Dream

It’s Your Turn Now

Dolls aren’t just resin toys but they are family which explains why they are pampered and well taken care of. Taking photos of your dolls will surely be a fulfilling task because you are doing it with your favorite subject. The best tip that we can give you is to enjoy and love it. Once you love doing it, you will come up with impressive outputs filled with great ideas and creativity like the ones we have shown above. Most of the doll photographers who took those photos are also doll collectors. We are sure that you were blown away with the resin toy beauties you have just seen!

Kareen Liez

About the author: A Civil Engineer who has a construction business and a youth volunteer for a civic organization. She also contributes for a local newspaper due to her unwavering passion to write.

9 comments

  1. ENTERTAINING!! I’m impress even though this post is more likely for girls.I am more interested with the tips about photography.

  2. Photography is not really an easy job because there’s a lot of things to be considered and we are lucky for this post.

  3. Unfair for us boys,why is that the “new friend” is the only boy doll that you show,but still I like your post.
    Their all cute!

    1. Lol! There are also “boy dolls” but most photos I found were those of “girl dolls”. Well, I’m glad you still liked it!

  4. Wow,they’re beautiful and some of them looks so real.

  5. The picture tells a story and I can sense emotions on how they shoot the picture in different angle to have that kind of look.

    Regards,
    kris of

    1. You are right Kristy. Each photo tells a story and each one also has different emotions. Thanks for dropping by!

  6. Yes you can! You can always be creative with your photos. 🙂

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