Recently, I became obsessed with a genre of music called Witch house.
Listening to the new ear candy, inspired the following
Vitamin C Barbie makeover/photoshoot.
Old before photo...
After
The dress was made by the wonderful HautePoppet.
For this last bit, I want to give you a peek into my photo editing.
After reading a killer article by Sharon Marie Wright about 12 Tips to Being a Better Photo Blogger
I decided to pull back the curtain a little.
I don't post as much as I would like, but I'm not big on posting images I'm not pleased with. (Something Sharon mentions in the linked article.)
There have been a few photos I posted anyway, but it eats at me.
I find the best photos happen when I feel a special spark of inspiration.
Forcing it, rarely works out.
I wouldn't say I am a photo blogger. I don't know what I am.
A weirdo, enjoying the creative outlet dolls allow?
(That's me!)
If anything, the article made me realize I have been misstepping when it comes to presenting content.
I haven't been as candid as I wished.
I appreciate my readers and those who share my love of the weird and wonderful world of dolls.
People get offended.
It's unavoidable.
So, I will continue to use certain caution, I'm not a monster,
but not at the risk of losing my voice in a sea of criticism.
On with the point...
(Don't forget what this picture looks like as I am about to ramble.)
There are SO many wonderful doll photographers out there.
But seldom do we see the behind the scenes.
For me, I feel nude when I think about showing an untouched photo.
Let me elaborate...
You get the set up just right (so you think) and you snap away.
You take anywhere from 20-100 pictures to get the right shot.
My computer hates me.
You comb through each and every picture looking at clarity, lighting, posing, etc.
It is mind numbing.
Sometimes, I walk away for a few days and come back to choose the ones I feel turned out best.
Then you get to edit them.
(I use PicMonkey.)
You tweak everything your insane little eyes can rip apart until you feel blah about it,
and then you tweak it some more.
Rarely, does a picture come out in need of zero editing.
It does happen, but I wish it happened more.
Maybe it's just me with this issue? O.o
Coming up with a picture that makes you happy is a lot of effort most of the time.
I'm not a purist when it comes to photography.
I admire those who can snap a shot with zero editing needed.
For me, and my mainly indoor photography, it just isn't realistic.
(Not yet.)
So, play with lighting, poses, filters, themes, and go nuts.
^_^
Time to get naked...
Yes, they are the same photo.
Twinsies...sort of.
One more to mix it up.
This is a photo from the doll story I post sometimes.
I want to note that I'm not a professional,
and I don't consider myself a supreme picture taker.
I'm just a person who is doing what she enjoys.
I think stripping off the wow factor is something I'd love to see more of in the doll/toy community.
There is just something about seeing the process that feels kind of magical.
Even when the whole shebang starts out hideous.
Sometimes it ends hideous too.
In that case, it is okay to share your failures.
We aren't perfect. (Woohoo! Cliché!)
Lessons learned.
What are we hiding behind that curtain?
In closing, I want to make mention of The Stand magazine.
The articles are relevant and refreshing.
If you love the realness behind the inanimate objects we enjoy,
and all they entail, you should hop over to The Stand's website.
Thank you, for stopping by...
<3
Cat
