Winter holds a magic that no other season can match. But with that wonder comes a fierce nature that cannot be ignored. It’s the time of year that I am most drawn to taking doll photos…and also the most difficult. How can anyone resist the alluring sparkle of ice wrapped trees creating a crystal forest? Sunlight on snow glimmering, shimmering and reflecting tiny prisms of color beckon hypnotically. And yet, the plummeting temperatures set teeth to chattering and numb one’s fingers almost immediately upon stepping outside.
A mountain of clothing (“I can’t put my arms down!”) and constantly running indoors to warm up are a necessity. But that’s not the only obstacle to overcome. Posing the dolls and considering where exactly the photos will be taken before venturing out are key. Because very cold conditions can cause the plastics that the dolls are made of to become temporarily more brittle than normal, risking chips or cracks. So, handling them very carefully is a good idea under such tough conditions. Also, the cold can cause one to be a bit less mentally alert – I think of it as “cold dumbness” – so anything that can be thought of while still warm and indoors is a plus. Even setting up the camera controls while still in the house (maybe adding a stop for more well-lit photos or adjusting the zoom and approximately framing the photo) helps get a jump on a good shot. Oh, and anticipating a hot chocolate afterwards is a good motivator, too.
Taking winter doll photos can be a crazy, challenging frenzy. But when it works out, it’s a huge thrill. And if it doesn’t work out so well, it’s worth taking a break, warming up in front of the fire and going out to trying again. Because winter’s icy, snowy, wicked and wonderful charms are really too enchanting to resist.

Cold Beauty

A Walk In The Winter Woods

Snow & Ice and Everything Nice
Today’s model is Poppy Parker, a workshop doll I was able to purchase secondhand from the recent 2013 Premiere convention (thanks, Teresa!). She is wearing a one-of-a-kind crocheted ponytail hat made by me, Fashion Royalty earrings, The Outsider Misaki’s jacket, a rhinestone snake bracelet (a people-sized ear cuff from Claires), Barbie Best Models On Location Monte Carlo trousers and Trendy Girl Misaki’s boots. Poppy’s photos were taken yesterday morning (temperatures were around fifteen degrees – so cold!) all around our yard.
The More Difficult The Act,
The Sweeter The Achievement
When It Is Accomplished.