What sorts of photos do you like looking at the most

[Mercy]

I don't know how to post a poll on here, so I will do my best to just ask the question and see what you all think. I really like hearing your thoughts about doll photography and what you really like seeing in the gallery.

I'm going to give some suggestions ideas to think about, but you can easily ignore and write your own answers. I know how hard it is to put your thoughts, reactions to words.

When you go through the gallery, what do you personally love seeing (and I'm not asking for doll molds or types) in the types of shoots?

A) Pretty (flowery/romantic)
B) Sexy
C) Adventure/Horror
D) Characters of Dolls/Friends that you know and/or follow
E) Innovative (something that might be weird as in lighting/Photoshop collage/thought provoking... something that isn't your usual)
F) Elaborate set ups (Elaborate backgrounds/costumes/props)
G) Humor

Another thing I wonder is that what is more interesting to the viewer 1) indoor shoots or 2) outdoor?

I actually have a lot more specific questions, but I would really like to hear what you all have to say about these questions first. After this discussion starts, I'll probably chime in with my answers, but I have a feeling my answers are probably in the minority. Which is why I really want to see what people like. :)

Thanks everyone!

[girlwholived]

I tend to prefer photoshoots that are well-executed with good lighting, clear focus, and pleasing crops and angles --- that is crops and angles that I would not expect from a soccer mom's birthday kid's party.

For me the photography-end of this hobby is more of a photography hobby with a focus on ABJD for subjects.

I tend to prefer setups with very little in the way accessories and props.

Additionally, I tend to feel "blah" about photos that have been photoshopped to the point where the original photograph is "lost." The only exception I have to this is when the more heavily photoshopped photo (aka, unnatural) is noted as being such, preferably with what major edits were done "i.e. meddling with saturation."

On the flip side of my photoshop opinions, I do feel that most photos should undergo a "clean up" stage. I use this step to resize my image, clean up anomalies, mismatched brightness or contrast (in comparison to the rest of the photoshoot), a new crop, web-optimization and perhaps a boarder.

To make fun of myself, here are some examples of what I am talking about:

Unnaturally edited photo (http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/dollmother/070520/11.jpg): I messed with saturation, layering, and blur. See how it varies from the rest of it's photoshoot (http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/dollmother/070520/)?
Natural edited photo (http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/dollmother/080218/005.jpg): I adjusted the brightness to match the rest of it's photoshoot (http://s175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/dollmother/080218/).


I am not saying I will not look at a photographer's thread is they do not follow my so-called standards or photographic ethics! The OP just asked what photographs do *I* like looking at the most.

Thought-provoking photos and shoots are also a personal favourite.

The photographs I like to look at the most are the ones that follow my ideal of K.I.S.S; Keep It Simple. Simple props, simple editing for starters.

There are few photographers out there that have a photoshop style that I find aesthetically pleasing and I will look at their threads whenever I happen to come across one.

I just wish they would note in their threads that the photographs seen are not natural; one of the reasons why I enjoy looking at doll photographs is to get possible ideas or keep an eye out for any methodology techniques they may take note of. To that same end, I'd be curious about what photoshop techniques are used.

I follow familiar photographers (natural photographers, those with a photoshop style I may appreciate, and thought-provoking photographers) and doll (personal dolls, sculpts, or just companies) alike. I do not know which I follow more. I will keep an eye out for photoshoots by some of the photographers that are active in DOA and Resinality's photography forums/user groups.

For those wondering about the statistics of "view" vs. "view & comment" I am more likely to comment on threads that I feel that showcase more "natural" photographs as well as those with some of my favourite sculpts.

My favourite photos to view are the ones that are both "natural"-esque and my favourite sculpts. But I consider those to be a super treat!

Of course, I will look at any thread by a friend if I happen to see it. I rarely look in the galleries, so for the most part I insist that my friends spam me with a link to their threads so I could be supportive.

On the subject of pretty, or sexy, or adventure/horror... It doesn't matter to me as long as the photos are well done!

Sorry that my response was so long. I tried to be as clear as possible to help anyone interested because I know I would be interested in what others would have to say on this matter.

Please keep in mind that I am not of the opinion that my photographs are "perfect" or better than anyone else. I just figure that since I enjoy looking at photographs with a certain ideal I should strive for the same. :)

tl; dr - I enjoy the following photos: naturally edited photographs, unnatural photos with a style I find aesthetically pleasing, and thought provoking photos.

[aernath]

Sexy Humor Outdoors! WOOT! :)

[Luckyl]

Hmmmm. Great question. I will try to keep my answers as straight forward as possible.

I enjoy looking at BJD photos that are:

1. well lit, clear, and have an interesting style and viewpoint.
2. creative, include fantastic costumes, and/or sets. That always sucks me in.
3. steam punk, fantasy, and old world/victorian inspired as far as costuming and styling.
4. if the doll is striking and shot in a way that evokes emotion.
5. part of photostories that are dramatic, artistic, with intense attention to detail.
6. include dolls that I am drawn to and/or covet!

[Phoenix]

My favorite kind of pictures are the type that makes the doll look life size, with not-in-scale props/real life backgrounds. Clearness is also a must for me.

[Jme]

l prefer indoor shoots with well thought out setups. Props can be at a minimum, but those present must be well utilised. Photos taken with natural lighting are love, but I also like photos with mood lighting if well done?

I don't really have a said preference for type/theme of photos; I can like a photo with a plain backdrop and cropped photo of a doll just as much as one with elaborate flowery wallpaper and a gazillion props included. The photos just have to be well executed with clean lines and clarity.

Maybe I'm a purist, but I'm not overly fond of photos that are jazzed up with Photoshop - editing's fine, but spare me the brushes and excessive filters! :XD

Oh, and lastly, they're ball-jointed dolls for a reason; work those joints and pull out them realistic poses! Dolls posed in a way that make them look human are love!

[verilens]

I like photos of all genres (sexy, humorous, etc) that have genuine effort and thought behind them. I personally prefer photos where there has been consideration for lighting, composition, and attention to detail over snapshots. Not that there's anything wrong with snapshots...they have a time and a place (arrivals, meetups, travel...)
I know not everyone is a trained photographer (myself included) so there is definitely a learning curve! But I believe that even a little bit of effort and patience go a long way. Good editing is also a strong point...I'd rather see a few excellent photos over fifty mediocre photos ^^;
Overall, no one should be discouraged from taking pictures of their doll because of the tastes of others. Just try your best, and that will always be appreciated!

[twiggy]

Sometimes there are just photos in the galleries that make me stop and scroll up and down and up and down looking at them over and over again. It's hard for me to describe just what makes them so appealing, but I think that the photos I like best are ones where I keep finding new details with every look-through and provoke thought.

I think a lot of those would be photos that look like a genuine 'slice of life', or just look clean and show that the photographer put in a lot of effort into taking them. Sure, I usually only peruse threads that have dolls I happen to like in them, but I've had my mind changed about a lot of head molds from nicely done photos that showcase their features beautifully or in a way I haven't seen before.

Uh... yes, reading this over I realize I am not very coherent at this hour, but hopefully some of that made sense :x

[Clayton Mire]

B thru G for the most part, with a spattering of A.
D is not really an issue, how do you meet new people
if your only looking at photos of of those you already know.
No way in hell can I really put a rational face to a purely emotional response.
But what makes a photo stand out for me is that it's creative and striking.
"God, how'd they do that?", " Never thought to look at it that way" and so on.

[kawaii_mon]

When I look through photos, I first look for photos of dolls I know/scuplts I am interested in. Photos that grab my attention really depend on the day. Most of the time I just like clear, beautiful shots. I'm usually not attracted to overly photoshopped photos, unless the mood brought across has worked really effectively.
Coming from a costume background I always love great outfits, but they don't always need an elaborate setup for me to appreciate them.

In the end I guess I just like to see a good photo. Whether it evokes a certain mood, shows off the doll well, or is just visually stunning in its combination of colour, clothes and setup, I will enjoy looking at it.

[Wotan]

I'm somewhat hamstrung by my dialup connection to the internet, so I don't browse the Gallery as much as I'd like. :tantrum What I do look for, though, usually includes the following:
-- Humor. If I want drama, I'll turn on the news, or go back to work, or call my sister and listen to my nephew :p.
-- Pretty shots. I really appreciate the aesthetics of BJDs, so I enjoy shots that focus on that aspect.
-- Somewhat elaborate setups, mostly by way of props. I delight in seeing what things people's dolls have.

And it doesn't really go with the types of photos we're discussing here, but I'm a complete and total geek for doll comparison shots. I can't get enough of those.

[Brightfires]

Indoor or outdoor doesn't matter... neither does subject. I just prefer attractive, clear, well-composed photographs of well-costumed, well-posed dolls.

I don't like over-processed images, images that the photographer was obviously "trying too hard" to make Artistic or Edgy, or badly-composed pictures that look like the dolls were just randomly dropped in a heap. I also don't care at all for those oh-so-artsy corner-to-corner diagonal shots that seem to have taken over the gallery. I find myself tilting my head trying to look at them. *_*

[jinkosei]

I can be sort of picky when it comes to photos. ^^;

To answer the first question, my favorite shoots are:
-Cute
-Pretty/Romance/Flowery
-Sexy (sometimes...;))
-Elaborate set ups (only if done nicely)
-Humor (if done right)
-Stories (photos that tell stories w/o actual dialogue)

These are the types I usually find myself glancing at over and over.

What I like in photo quality and composition:
-simple is sometimes best
-props can be nice (just not too many)
-clear photos make it easier to see the doll (details)
-variety in colors (sepia, b/w saturated, orton-ish etc.)

What I don't like:
-pictures that are overtly artsy
-flash...DO NOT WANT.
-photos that show no effort to look nice
-too many photos with the doll in the same pose (no variety)
-junk in the background

As a photographer, I feel outdoor shoots are easier. I feel there's more light that can aid in better photos. But using a few simple homemade tools can sometimes help when indoors. However, I like both equally if they can be done well. Now, I'm not some expert photographer, but I always feel that if you put a little effort and work into it, you could produce a set of nice photos worth sharing. My best photos are always the ones I put a lot of effort into, even if it was meant to be pretty simple. I guess that's how far I go to get quality. :wahwah

[ArcaneMuse]

I love moody photos best. Lighting is really important to me because it really sets the mood. Backgrounds don't have to be elaborate, but they do help if they are cohesive. I'd rather see a plain background then clutter or junk that doesn't belong in the background.

[sgtgeorgecarter]

When you go through the gallery, what do you personally love seeing (and I'm not asking for doll molds or types) in the types of shoots?

A) Pretty (flowery/romantic)
B) Sexy
C) Adventure/Horror
D) Characters of Dolls/Friends that you know and/or follow
E) Innovative (something that might be weird as in lighting/Photoshop collage/thought provoking... something that isn't your usual)
F) Elaborate set ups (Elaborate backgrounds/costumes/props)
G) Humor


I have to be honest in that I rarely look at the gallery.

But what catches my eye is if someone I know has done something. That will immediately get me to look.

Sometimes I'll click on a gallery item with a particular type of doll I like.

What keeps me interested in a photo though is good presentation, composition and lighting.

I do have a weakness for elaborate and interesting setups though. I like miniatures anyway and it's really cool to see everything incorporated. I tend to like rich, florentine/roccocco/victorian types of setups versus the minimal, but a well staged shot is a thing of beauty no matter the contents.


Another thing I wonder is that what is more interesting to the viewer 1) indoor shoots or 2) outdoor?


Both have their merits.
I rather like it when outdoor perspective gets skewed so the dolls seem to actually be in the setting scale.


I just prefer attractive, clear, well-composed photographs of well-costumed, well-posed dolls.

Exactly. Seems easy, but we all know how hard it really is.



I don't like over-processed images, images that the photographer was obviously "trying too hard" to make Artistic or Edgy, or badly-composed pictures that look like the dolls were just randomly dropped in a heap. I also don't care at all for those oh-so-artsy corner-to-corner diagonal shots that seem to have taken over the gallery. I find myself tilting my head trying to look at them. *_*

Word. The corner to corner thing is annoying.

It's also a drag to look at pictures where the doll is just slumped with hair in its face and staring off at nothing in particular, especially when there's 10 of them in a row.

It also strikes me as odd when people post their doll in an informational thread, like for eyes, but the picture is so shadowed or the dolls hair obscures everything...



What I don't like:
-pictures that are overtly artsy
-flash...DO NOT WANT.
-photos that show no effort to look nice
-too many photos with the doll in the same pose (no variety)
-junk in the background


I don't have anything against flash as long as its not GLARE!
Junk in the background drives me mental. Not that I haven't done it, but for pictures like quick snaps or informational ones, not "good" pictures that I'd want in a gallery situation. (Again not that it hasn't happened... :oops)

I've also taken a billion pictures in single poses, but I'll choose 1 or 2, Not show all.... >.<

The 'artsy' thing is irritating and I generally hit the back button swiftly.

I also hate low light blur. It's especially annoying as I am its constant victim. Same for stray wig hair. I think I have the perfect shot then I upload and there's a big stray hair in the middle.

:damnit

And please... no WallEYES!!!! Style your subject as nicely as possible please. Check the collars, shoes, twisted limbs, smudges and cathairs. Everyone appreciates the effort.

[janmurphy]

Im always the most impressed by the elaborate set-up shots. Usually the ones where people have built their own little sets.

[MieAga]

G & I; Either

I love innovativeness!!! Something I haven't seen before in Story, Style, and/or camera view is always awesome!

I love Humor too. I can forgive almost any techinical errors, as long as I'm laughing.

Indoors or outdoors matters less than what the dolls are doing. Detailed scenes ususally cover up a poorly thought out story. A thought out/emotional story or 'captured moment' is what makes me happiest.

~Oh! That and SooRi's pictured with food themes (Long story!) :blush:kisses:yey

[nena]

I love elaborate setups with accurate-sized miniatures, they amaze me :D I also like whimsical, romantic shoots with well-made clothing and a well-made up doll. Clear shots is also desired.

I usually dislike really heavily photoshopped images -- when they're so altered you're left wondering what the doll looks like ^^;

[harlowe]

I love elaborate set-ups, with attention to detail. When people create realistic poses, moments and settings. Those are my favorite. I also like the cute or funny ones or even well done sexy ones (but not cheesy, only when they can make it look natural).

I really, really do not care for overly-saturated, photo-shopped pictures.

[Arkady]

My personal preference is for shoots where at first glance, it's not obvious you're looking at a doll; when due to a combination of lighting, in-scale props, good face-up etc, it takes a moment to realise that you're looking at resin, not flesh-and-blood.

[Niko Ko]

My favorite photos show creativity in some facet -- setting, poses, props, costuming, etc. Execution is important, of course, but a lot can be forgiven if the photographer offers a fresh perspective or idea, even if it's something small. And like Arkady, I also really like it when the photos give the impression of a spark of life -- that certain shine in the eye, or a natural quality about the pose...

[chizzie_shark]

Like some people here, I tend to like photos that make BJDs look like real people - elaborate outfits, clever use of props, and a unique expression on the doll's face. I also like photos that convey emotion, or an original idea or concept - basically I treat photos like I do artworks.

I personally also tend to like harmonious colours, pastels, and colours that match. That tends to draw me in.

[mxiong]

Good lighting is a MUST. Uncluttered or a well set background/set is a MUST.
I tend to gravitate toward fantasy themed photos and ones that are creatively lit and framed. I love elaborate sets and costumes! If the dolls look like real people at first glance, then I am in awe. Photoshop for final touches is fine with me.

[ShadowAura]

Hmm...that's a interesting question.

I like many different kinds of photography. In general, I love to see color enhancement (or just nice, natural, sharp color), different angles, and neat little props. As far as specifics go:

- Adventure/Horror

I like horror shoots with dark coloring (not overly dark though) or strange and obscure themes. I find it interesting and sometimes creative.

- Innovative (something that might be weird as in lighting/Photoshop collage/thought provoking... something that isn't your usual)

I love this type of photography. I like symbolic things and anything that makes you think. There's usually a lot of creativity put into these kinds of shoots.

- Elaborate set ups (Elaborate backgrounds/costumes/props)

Backgrounds, props, and costumes can really make a difference in photos. In particularly, I love to see cute little props in photostories, the detail always amazes me. It turns me off however, when people have clutter in the background of their photos. >< As far as using indoors versus outdoors for backgrounds, I don't think I have a preference. Both, with effort put forth, can look very nice. :)

- Humor

As long as it's funny, I generally like humor a lot. :p

[Smaug]

when I look through the galleries I first gravitate towards names I already know, friends or people with a style I like.

I love humor in posts - especially in Photostories. I also have a weakness for elaborate pictures, and innovativeness. Sexy or pretty is not a requirement fo me...I love looking at dolls with 'character' and attitude (like Leeke Mihael for example). I also tend to avoid streamline setups - if I suspect something punk/goth/emo/lolita I steer clear of those shoots (with some exceptions :))

Indoor or outdoor doesn't matter to me as long as the scene is really 'set up'. I don't like random human-things in the background, distracting items peeking in form the corners...but photostories are exceptions - I don't expect everyone to have a perfect, dolly sized room big enough for all the dolls to interact in (but I like when it happens^^).

Picture quality is also very important to me. I can't tolerate blurryness too well and I like those pictures where the dolls have 'life' in their eyes. They don't need to directly look into the camera, but eye positioning is extremely important to me (nothing can make me steer clear of a photoshoot quicker than the 'deer-in-headlight' look :sweat)

[Rosebud]

I like picture that show me what other people are interested in the hobby. There is such a diversity, that the diversity is interesting. I also like some of the sets. I've not really gotten into the story pictures, but have seen a few that I thought were well done.

[Elsewise]

I like innovative photos and photos that give life to a doll and put them in settings where they become real and wonderful. I love Dollseye's work because she does all those things. It's marvelous.

[bugland]

i'm interested in pictures that show the "character" of the doll, rather than focusing simply on aesthetics. in photostories, i look for humor, clever plotting, and expressiveness- it's amazing how different a doll's face can look depending on lighting and the angle of the shot! the more alive the doll looks, the better i like it. romance and fantasy i'm not into so much, unless, again, it's about the doll as opposed to the clever setting or mods.

[shikaruchan]

pretty much just gothic and horror

[clefdecristal]

I'm most interested in humor photos and photostories.
I also like "aestheticism" for photo shots, whatever the settings (but not horror)
Them being outdoor or indoor is of no importance for me, I love them both :lol

[AmyAngel]

I'm talking here primarily about the gallery, which to me implies a different standard of photo quality than a story or comparison might, since those can be much more casual in nature.

I'll look at just about anything (though I tend to jump first to look at doll sculpts I have or like), but the photos I like the most are in-focus, well-lit, well-composed, well-thought-out photos. Natural posing is really important, especially hand and foot positioning and the eye position. Non-distracting backgrounds are good, and I like it to look like a moment was taken to double-check the doll for things like oddly-hanging clothes, hair issues, etc. Outdoors seems easier, but I don't really have a preference. I like when photos express the doll's character, and when there is variety in posing.

Things I especially don't like are when joints are photoshopped out, and when in-scale and not in-scale photos are mixed in a shoot. I don't mean like the doll sitting on a human sofa with a doll-size toy or food, but more like the majority of the shoot makes the doll look in-scale with the environment then suddenly they are sitting on a human size stair or bench or something and the illusion is broken. I'm totally OK with dolls living in a human size world, but I prefer it be consistent within a shoot or story unless there's a reason for it not to be.

Basically I like there not to be distractions that pull me out of the photo or make me think about the photo itself... I don't want to be thinking of the flash or focus, or feeling like I want to reach in and fix the doll's eyes or hands, or be distracted by something in the background.

And of course I've broken ALL those "rules" myself from time to time! ;)

[luluna]

Sometimes I'll open a gallery just because of the type of doll photographed. Maybe it's of a doll I have and I want to see how the owner varied their look...or a doll I've heard about but don't know what it looks like. I also appreciate when they are posed in what looks like a natural or real positions.

Lately I find I'm envious of some of the great location shots owners take their dolls to. I'm still a chicken in taking my dolls outside...in very public places. :XD

[kuraiangels]

C) Adventure/Horror
D) Characters of Dolls/Friends that you know and/or follow
G) Humor

my favorite in bold. the other two if it's got a good story.

[cacauflower]

i'm a bit of a romantic
so i love stories....!

[IamGears&Lace]

I love love steampunk pics shadowy lighting-pics with roses and flowers and pics with grafitti and rusted metal objects-pics holding hands

[MidnightPariah]

I love very detailed backdrops with nice lighting where human sized objects are photographed in a way that looks doll sized. I also like gothic and steam punk genres and I would really love to see a "carnival freak show" type of photo story/pic.

I don't like messy, dirty backgrounds or photostories where the doll is in the same position for more than two shots.

[Ms Kittys Closet]

The photos that I generally like to search for are elaborate costuming, something innovative, sometimes romantic is nice. I especially like a good story so when someone photographs a storyboard really well I am totally immersed.
I could browse for hours on good photos of costumed dolls, I love seeing the creativeness of others. It always suprises me when one mold of doll can have hundreds of looks just by placing a different wig, eyes, costume on them and photograph them in various lighting. But I can loose my interest very quickly if the quality of the photo is bad, it may be a fantastic doll or costume, but in the wrong lighting it isn't so pleasing to the eye anymore.

I would say I have seen a lot of really great outside photos and I like it when they are put into nature like they are alive. I have seen fun and humorous photos of dolls climbing trees, some of dolls in an embrace amongst flowers. Of course the crispness of the photo has to be of good quality. Don't get me wrong I like a good set up inside photoshoot just as much, but I think the outdoor ones just are more alive. What I don't like and I've seen this photography alot in both dolls and human photo shoots is the angled shots where the person is on a diagonal, I've seen a few good shots like this, but I feel you really have to have just the right lighting and content in the photo to pull this off well.

[april]

Hmmm... what subjects so I like? That's hard to say... In a way, I like them all. I guess if I had to put them in order:

F) Elaborate set ups (Elaborate backgrounds/costumes/props)
E) Innovative (something that might be weird as in lighting/Photoshop collage/thought provoking... something that isn't your usual)
A) Pretty (flowery/romantic)
B) Sexy
G) Humor
C) Adventure/Horror
D) Characters of Dolls/Friends that you know and/or follow

Props and backgrounds just impress me because they are a lot of work and having things in-scale just helps make the photo convincing.
Innovation is always impressive if done well, because it is creative and unique.
Pretty and romantic is always nice.
Sexy is good, too.
Humor is fun.
Adventure/Horror... OK. Mood is important, costume, stuff like that, to me... I'm not a huge gore fan, though.
Characters... hard for me to really follow with so many dolls and owners around.

1) indoor shoots or 2) outdoor?
Doesn't really matter. Although some breath-taking outdoor scenery is always impressive.

Doll Photos in general--I tend to mostly look at dolls I'm interested in personally, mostly because there are just so many posts (well, on DoA, for instance) that I need to edit them somehow.

After that, pretty much any well-shot photo with a good pose and all that, is welcome, and any extras, like extra creativity and props and interesting narrative and great background, is all good.