As a doll collector, I have recently discovered several ways to pursue my hobby that doesn’t involve spending more money: chatting with other doll collectors on Yahoo! groups, and taking photographs of my dolls.

I’m particularly interested in learning more about doll photography, as that gives me a way to “play” with my dolls and actually enjoy them hands-on.  In particular, I’m interested in learning to stage photographs using dolls, following the examples of other group members.

For instance, many of the members make Halloween costumes for their dolls and then photograph them in various scenes wearing their costumes.  The most popular are witch cotumes, but I’ve also seen some great miniature replicas of popular women’s Halloween costumes.  And then of course there are some modern dolls that are sold with Halloween costumes (or that Halloween costumes are sold for), such as the immense popularity of dolls wearing Dorothy costumes — even McDonalds has had a few as Happy Meal toys.

I also like the idea of buying or dressing dolls to represent important moments in real life.  I had a replica of my wedding gown made for my favorite 1950s fashion doll to wear, and took photographs of the doll in poses similar to pictures of me at the wedding.  Eventually I’ll find a groom, and maybe even stage wedding photographs using the dolls.

Here’s one of the photos I’ve done with my wedding doll.  Can you see why I’m so intrigued by the possibilities of doll photography?

My 1920s wedding dress, and the replica made for my Madame Alexander Elise doll

Technorati Tags: doll photography, Dorothy costumes, women's Halloween costumes, Yahoo! groups