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STAND
September - October 2020
Cover Photo: Darla Daley, repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold All images are owned by their respective photographers and all images are provided with permission. Credit is given on each image according to what is provided by contributor. STAND is not responsible for incorrect information.
// from the Editor Dorothy Drake Editor-In-Chief
Debbie Hood Co-Editor
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Fall...a favorite time of year! I love Fall, it is more than just brilliant foliage. It is a time to harvest the garden and enjoy a bit of morning briskness before the onset of winter. But times are indeed changing along with weather patterns, disasterous fires throughout the West, political unrest and the virus that is still with us. But I am also encouraged. From random acts of kindness in my community to the heroic actions of firefighters everywhere, I am thankful for the precious gifts of having my family near and my health intact. STAND was conceived as an online magazine, so little has changed in our preparation. Content submissions are showing a blurring of lines between fashion and BJD dolls. Both are amazing in expression, poseability, and the fashions they wear. Both can be serious, comical and breathtaking. So starting with this issue, the STAND cover will be the editors’ choice of just one photo. A tall task to be sure! For this issue, Debbie’s idea to interview Wil Herold got the ball rolling. As the photo contributions came in, many made me say WOW. Why? It boiled down to the story/emotion within the framework of the photo. Which led me to include a short anthology of close-ups by Frankenwah. As you turn the pages, take a moment to appreciate the art of photographing dolls! Have a great Fall and stay safe!
Dorothy
and
Debbie
Submission Guidelines The STAND is published January, March, May, July, September, & November yearly on the 15th of that month.
Contributers: Submit your photos to editor@thestandmag.com for consideration at any time. You will be contacted by the editor for photos that may be used in an issue. Show Reports: Submit within 60 days of the event taking place. The report is limited to 1000 words supported by as many high quality (300dpi) pictures as you would like to send. The editor will contact you with any additional instructions should the report be considered for publication. Sponsors: Contact editor@thestandmag.com for rates and scheduling. All images are owned by their respective photographers and all images are provided with permission. Credit is given on each image according to what is provided by contributor. STAND is not responsible for incorrect information.
doll: Elyse Jolie, repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
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doll: Chalita by Deva Doll photographer: Kin London
doll: Agent Kimiko Gunn by Integrity Toys photographer: Sharon Wright
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doll: Rita by Elfdoll photographer: Cyranka
doll: Doll Family-A-Damien photographer: Niebieski_Kot doll: Doll Family-A-Damienphotographer: Niebieski_Kot
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doll: Mini Pulse by PashaPasha photographer: Masha
doll: Pullip Milk Latte by Groove photographer: Silent Distraction
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doll: Poppy Parker, repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
doll: Ydike sleeping & awake by Marchen Waltz photographer: Cyranka
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doll: RosenGarden Rui photographer: Niebieski_Kot
doll: DollClans Siber photographer: Niebieski_Kot
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doll: Iplehouse Bianca photographer: Frankenwah
doll: Dollshe Diana, 5th Motif Venitu, Raccondoll Sweet Mocha A photographer: Frankenwah
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doll: Magic Superdoll Sybarite photographer: Jymmii
doll: Rainbow Collection Poppy Parker by Integrity Toys photographer: Sharon Wright
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doll: Fashion Takara Blythe by Chailai Blythe photographer: PureEmbers doll: Royaltycustomized Kyori, Repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
doll: Pirate Capuchin by Stevi T photographer: Stevi T
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doll: Lindsey Thomas Makes photographer: Pure Embers
doll: Aldou & Quartz by Dream High Studio photographer: Nicolette Peppinck
doll: Momonita by AtellierMomoni photographer: ShairaStar
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doll: Integrity Toys Erin Salston repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
WIL HEROLD
We love showcasing the incredible artists that create the gorgeous sculpts gracing every issue of STAND. As you flip through our pages, it is easy to become captivated, even awestruck, by the dolls themselves. It should be noted, however, that the photographer behind the photo is the one who makes those dolls come to life through what this publication is all about....the art of doll photography. So, in this issue, we are “flipping the lens” and interviewing Canadian doll photographer Wil Herold, who lives in London, Ontario with his husband and pet Westie! Wil’s photographs have graced the pages (and covers) of STAND on a regular basis and in this interview, he shares his personal journey in doll photography.
Interview by Deborah Hood, PhD Photos courtesy of Wil Herold
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doll: Integrity Toys Kyori Sato repaint by Jon Copeland
STAND: Tell us a little about your life growing up… WH: I grew up in St.Thomas, a small town in South Western Ontario, Canada. I was raised in a strict Presby-
terian family, so I’m sure that has had more impact on me then I would like to admit. I was a teenager in the 80’s and in my 20’s during the 90’s so those are the decades that probably had the most influence on me. Like most small town gay boys I liked everything that had nothing to do with a small town: fashion, music and movies. As a result I was obsessed with fashion magazines and Supermodels, movies from John Hughes to Star Wars and all types of music from Pop and Hip Hop to New Wave and Alternative. As for how it has impacted my work I definitely see lots of Pop Culture influence and style references from those periods in my images.
STAND: Were you interested in dolls or play with dolls as a child? If so, did you have a favorite doll growing up? Were you interested in photography as a child? WH: I definitely was interested in dolls but my Dad was not interested in me having them, lol. I had an amazing grandmother who I adored and often visited in Scotland for the summer. She would buy me dolls, that my father would throw out when I returned home. But I enjoyed my summers playing with Malibu Barbie and the like. I wasn’t really involved with any photography as a child but would look through images my aunt’s fashion magazines for hours.
STAND: What did you study in school and what is your work background? WH: I went to school for Fashion Merchandising and then later returned for Interior Design. I have worked in so many aspects of retail from The Gap to Ralph Lauren and then later opening my own business, The Eclectic Company (an interiors and home goods store). I currently work doing a mix of interior design, personal training and photography (mostly promotional stuff and head shots.)
STAND: Can you describe the time when you first realized that photography was something you absolutely had to do? How did you get started in serious photography? WH: I was helping a friend, Jon Copeland, by doing the photography of Twilight movie inspired dolls for the annual fundraiser on the doll board Doll Divas and then that in turn led to contributing some images to the Tyler Wentworth 10th Anniversary Album.
STAND: What drew you to dolls as a photographer? Were you a collector first? WH: I was definitely a collector first as far as doll photography goes. I love dolls as a subject. It is so much fun
to create dioramas and editorials around dolls. It’s an amazing way to be creative and the ability to control your subject is a great bonus. Another amazing thing about dolls is you can set up a shot and come back to it over and over again at your convenience, playing with lighting, changing styling or just when you have more time. It’s is a great way to learn when working in a studio environment, as you can download photos and adapt and reshoot and compare images. thestandmag.com
doll: Integrity Toys Ayumi Nakamura repaint by Park
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STAND: How did you learn the process of doll photography? Do you have formal training in photography? WH: I actually was into photography first shooting items for design work and client’s homes. I had taken some
courses in college as well. Collecting though really ignited my passion for hobby photography. It definitely was a learning curve. There was a lot of trial and error, at the end of the day macro photography has its own challenges. What looks great when you are observe it directly can look absolutely awful when you enlarge the image later. I definitely had a lot of times where I thought I had captured some amazing images only to be disappointed later. Creating natural poses and learning to style hair can be a challenge in the beginning as well.
STAND: What is your goal in your photography? What are you trying to communicate? WH: I really like to create fashion images, at the end of the day editorials are what really inspired me so that is
what I aspire to. I also love when people outside of the doll world question images and wonder if it’s a doll made to look human or a human who has been made to look like a doll.
STAND: What or who serves as your biggest inspiration in your work? Are you inspired by the work of any other doll photographers? WH: I am inspired by so many people both in fashion photography and in the doll world as well. In the doll
world I have always loved the work of Sharon Wright, Alexandra Forbes, Pat Henry, Ernesto Padro Campos and so many of the contributors to this book as well as many others. It’s a long list!
STAND: How do you like to create? What is your photo workspace/ studio like? Do you prefer shooting indoors or outdoors?
WH: I love to shoot outdoors. Nothing better than driving to a new location and shooting for the day. My husband gets very bored though and runs away when other people show up. I also set up stuff on our dining room table from time to time but I am looking for a more permanent solution for indoor photography. I had a better space at our previous home, and I’m working on a solution for where we are currently, without taking over the whole space.
STAND: What is your photographic process? WH: I like to plan out the items for a shoot well ahead of time. There are always lots of dolls, clothing and
props in piles in the cupboard in my office based on ideas I have for future shoots. I also tend to take several dolls and some wardrobe changes with me when I go on vacation. I get up before everyone and go shoot photos for a couple hours. Then, I organize and redress the dolls for their next shoot whenever there is some down time.
STAND: What kind of camera, lens and gear to you like to work with? WH: I use a Canon EOS 6D. I have several lenses including some macro but I tend to use my ZOOM EF 24-
105mm more often then not. As far as my kit goes, because I do mainly macro/doll photography and mainly outdoors, I have a container I take with me full of tools: various art brushes for removing dust and lint from the dolls, a lint roller for their clothes, and a light up magnifying glass to find any issues. (this all saves a ton of time in editing). I also have glue dots for shoes and props (learned this the hard way after losing shoes into the abyss), various stands and posts for staging, spray bottles of water and a comb for doll hair, lens cleaner and a back-up battery. thestandmag.com
doll: Integrity Toys Nadja Rhymes repaint by Park
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STAND: Do you like to use filters and editing software in your work? WH: I don’t use a lot of filters but I love the Juno filter on Instagram. As for editing software, I definitely use
Photoshop quite a bit. Mainly I use it for tweaking lighting, if it was not as perfect as I had hoped on the day of shooting. I also use the clone stamp a lot for removing any lint or dust I missed when I was photographing.
STAND: What are your “go-to” props? WH: I have several Vitra Design miniatures that are definitely my favorite pieces. I also like using household pieces as well, like a wine rack standing in as an art installation. I love La Boutiques purses and there are so many amazing people making great diorama pieces on Etsy and Ebay
STAND: Do you have a “go-to” doll you favor photographing? WH: I tend to for a period of time and then it changes! Definitely the Nuface girls from Integrity Toys are my favorites, Nadja in particular.
STAND: Let’s talk about posing.....how do you determine the best pose for a particular shot? WH: I’m definitely influenced by fashion magazines. But a lot of the time it just happens organically based on
what feels right, what direction the dolls eyes are facing, if I will be able to easily edit out a stand with the outfit they are wearing, or if I should lean the doll to avoid that issue. I tend to use stands more with dresses and just a pole or stick with other items as I can hide them better in the surroundings.
STAND: In your opinion, what distinguishes a doll photo from a really great doll photo? WH: I think just like all types of photos, the devil is in the details. Lint, dust and fly away hairs can wreck
an image. I have had a whole series ruined because a strand of hair blocked the doll’s eyes and blurred focus in every image (I Iove hairography and using fans but this works best in a controlled environment.) Also, items that throw off the scale and disrupt the image. A leaf next to your doll in a rockscape takes you out of the fantasy that your photographing next to a cliff or rock wall. Of course, at the end of day the best photos tell a story or draw you into the image
STAND: What tips would you give to someone trying to improve their own doll photos? there some common mistakes/opportunities you see?
Are
WH: I think the best tip is to just play around and have fun. Lighting has such a major impact, so get outside
early if you can for the best light (it’s also easier to shoot when there are less people around). Overcast days are great too. If you are going to shoot inside get some cheap spotlights at a hardware store. There are also some pretty affordable kits online now. Camera phones take amazing pictures now too, so play around with your features if that is what you are using. Take the time to style your dolls well. Comb their hair and cut off loose threads from clothing. I sometimes add a little fabric softener in my water spray bottle (you are working with artificial hair, after all). I also cover the doll’s face to prevent it being covered with water as that can really distort an image. To be honest, doll photography is a lot like painting a room- the prep time is the hardest part. Oh, and if you are shooting outdoors make sure your accessories are well-anchored. It is really easy to lose a necklace or a shoe and almost impossible to find it again in a pile of leaves or in a crevice between some rocks! Quetzal thestandmag.com
STAND: Of all the photographs you have done, which are you the most proud of? WH: Actually it was a series of photos I did for the now defunct Haute Doll. Sharon Wright was the editor at the time I was a big fan of her work and very flattered when she asked me to contribute.
STAND: What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doll photographer for you? WH: I think it is just being able to be creative and play around in worlds that you may not able to be a part of like High Fashion or that don’t exist like Fantasy and Sci-Fi .
STAND: Looking at your body of work, how would you describe how your photography as evolved over the years?
WH: I definitely have improved on my posing, fine details and lighting. I do a lot less editing then I used to do.
I am also far more patient. I have learned from experience that rushed work is seldom good. I definitely did a lot more studio-type photography in the beginning partly because I think I was just embarrassed to shoot dolls in public. Now, I could care less and I really enjoy shooting outdoors. I love being in nature and searching to find the right environment to create the right scale for the image I am trying to create. It’s kind of like a puzzle and that is part of the fun for me personally. As far as where I am going, I feel like I want to get back to more studio work so I can play around with more props and ideas that just don’t work outside. I am working on creating a new space for this and that has me very excited!
STAND: Last, what is your advice to an aspiring doll photographer? WH: I think it’s the same advice I would give any photographer-- shoot what is fun for you and experiment a lot.
It’s great to take some basic classes either at a local photography shop or college, but you can learn so much online and even more from experience. Try photographing the same doll and playing with lighting and backgrounds and then looking at your results and getting ideas of what works best and what impact each set up has on the end result. Sometimes mistakes can become happy accidents. Either way, the more you play around, the better understanding you will have of what works best and the impact lighting, both natural and commercial, has on your subject.
We thank Wil for sharing his journey in photography with STAND and look forward to seeing that journey continue. Want to see more of his work? You can find Wil on Instagram at @wilbcliche and on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/ photos/7507084@N07/
doll: Integrity Toys Elyse Jolie repaint by Park
doll: Integrity Toys Darla Daley repaint by Park
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dolls: 5th motif Venitu and Phoenixdoll Liu photographer: Natsumi
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dolls: Peregrine and Peoony by Rose Bbflockling, Eggie Moss by Charles Creature Cabinet photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: dolls: Nabarro AnnoraBoys by Tonner; Har photographer: Violet, Owen, Ilona Stella Kalinowska and Lahela by Iplehouse photographer/author: Nakia Powell
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doll: Serenity Vanessa by Integrity Toys photographer: Sharon Wright
doll: Pullip Nanette by Grove photographer: Silent Distraction
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dolls: Eden Blair & Colette Duranger from Integrity Toys photographer: Doll Diva
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doll: Sybarite Marchino by SuperDoll photographer: Jymmii
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doll: Paris Runway Giselle by Integrity Toys photographer: Sharon Wright
doll: Tulabelle by Integrity Toys photographer: Sharon Wright
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Your BEST SHOT As part of an ongoing article series, STAND presents tips, tricks and best practices to help you “STAND out” in your photography. In this issue, let’s discuss using light and shadow to enhance your images. Good photographers know that lighting can make or break an image. Good photographers also know that playing with light and shadow (the absence of light) can bring an image to life. Here are some key points to remember in your work... • First of all, always make sure you have good lighting to start off with. Indoor photography should always be done with plenty of natural light (such as a big window) or from studio lighting. Outdoor photography can be a bit trickier....a sunny day may seem great at first, but depending on the time of day, the bright sunlight may create shadows that you don’t want. Many photographers prefer to shoot outdoors on an overcast day. • Don’t be afraid to experiment with lighting--both outside and inside your image. Lights used as props can be great to not only bring a sense of realism to a photo, but also to create some light “play”. Take a look at the top two photos at right. You can see in the first image, Margeaux is staring into a lit lava lamp that is reflecting sprinkles of light across her body. Even her cigarette is “lit” with a little editing. In the next image, Tuppance and Winnie are “aglow” from the glow of the lit snowglobe that magically lights up their faces. Note also in both pictures the use of lights in the backgrounds. • Play with shadow, too. That sunny day may ruin a good picture, but it could also take your picture to a different place as well. As you are posing your doll, experiment with different angles to see how the light enhances or detracts from the image your are trying to create. Sometimes, an inch to the right or 10 degrees to the left makes a big difference. In the lower left photo on the next page, Stella is dressed in sari with her head covered in a dupatta (shawl). For me, the way her exposed hair created a shadow across part of her face, almost mirrors the veil she is wearing, giving the photo more depth in a symbolic way. In the last photo, note how shadow works to help define the sculpt with the definition of her upper torso and arms, the tonal contrast resulting in a different feel for this very delicate sculpt. Remember, your images can be whatever you want them to be. Try experimenting at different times of day outside to see how the light changes the look and feel. Experiment with artificial lights, too...even a string of Christmas lights can add a sense of magic to an image. Last, playing with light and shadow can enhance the story you are telling....have fun!
Deborah Hood, PhD Examples Using Light Sculpt: Margeaux by Demuse Doll
Sculpts: Tuppance & Winnie by Rose BBflockling
Use of lights as props within images with reflection and illumination play
Examples Using Shadow Sculpt: Stella by Connie Lowe
Sculpt: Nichole by Demuse Doll
Use of shadow to enhance the overall depth and feel of an image
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Close-Ups Photographed by Frankenwah
doll: Fairyland Feeple 65 Chloe
doll: Iplehouse Stella
dolls: Domuya Fin and Supia baby
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Same Doll, Wig, Background Photographed by Frankenwah
doll: Amadiz Virginia
“I actually take all different angles of the same pose...close ups, far away, from the back from the ground. Too many pictures of the same pose sometimes!�
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doll: Poppy Parker by Integrity Toys photographer: PruchanunR
doll: Giselle Diefendorf, repaint by Park photographer: Wil Herold
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doll: Dollshe Diana photographer: Frankenwah
dolls: Tobias Alsford from Integrity Toys photographer: Doll Diva
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doll: Rose Heln by Dust of Dolls photographer: DollFanz
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doll: Hazel and Nevermore by Connie Lowe photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Pullip Kumiho by Groove photographer: Silent Distraction
doll: Sylvia-Scarlett by My Meadow Dolls photographer: Dineka Bolle
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doll: Marmite Sue BJD photographer: Pure Embers
doll: Sybarite Toxica by Superdoll photographer: Deborah Hood
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dolls: Dumonii sculpt Athena, Dominique, Destiny from Kingdom Doll UK photographer: Brian Bunting
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doll: RosenGarden Rui photographer: Niebieski_Kot
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doll: Baby Trichs by Joanne Callendar photographer: Deborah Hood
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doll: Ravena by Kingdom Doll UK photographer: Brian Bunting
doll: Ydike OE by Marchen Waltz on Dollshe body photographer: Cyranka
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CONTRIBUTOR CONTACT LIST Brian E Bunting
https://www.instagram.com/masterstache71
Cyranka https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyranka/ Deborah Hood
https://www.instagram.com/deborahhoodphoto/
Dineke Bolle
https://www.flickr.com/photos/142977395@N08/
Doll Diva
https://www.instagram.com/dolldiva_67/
Dollfanz
https://www.instagram.com/dollfanz
Frankenwah
https://www.instagram.com/frankenwah/
Jymmii https://www.flickr.com/photos/jymmii/ Kim London
https://www.instagram.com/kimlondon_/
Masha https://www.flickr.com/photos/bubbastudio/ Nakia Powell Spencer https://www.facebook.com/tamika.spencer.9 Natsumi
https://www.flickr.com/photos/-natsumi-/
Nicolette Peppink https://www.instagram.com/dilly1109/ Niebieski_Kot
https://www.instagram.com/niebieski.kot/
PruchanunR
www.facebook.com/pruchanunr
The STAND Lookbook is not possible without these incredibly talented people. Show them some love and let them know you appreciate their talents. Supplementary images are used with permission by photographers or sourced from various CC0 platforms.
Pure Embers
https://www.instagram.com/pure_embers/?hl=en
Shaira Creevling
https://www.instagram.com/shairastar7186
Sharon Wright
https://www.facebook.com/dollpics/
Silent Distraction https://www.instagram.com/silentdistraction1978/ Stevi T
https://www.instagram.com/stevit_alpaca_encounters/?hl=en
Wil Herold
https://www.flickr.com/photos/7507084@N07/
doll: Eden Blair from Integrity Toys photographer: Doll Diva
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