Props can make or break doll photography. I’ve discovered that some of the best shots of dolls can be created with just a simple backdrop and a piece of furniture – perhaps this goes with my pared-down esthetic – but I personally think that’s all you need to give a sense of scale and place.
One of my best and most versatile pieces was a suggestion of Pat Henry, the editor of Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine. A cheap plastic Barbie playline chaise resprayed to look a little more opulent – this one piece has been pressed into use for countless shoots, and it can be endlessly repainted for so many different looks. I imagine at some point it will have so much paint on it that it will look like a shapeless blob – which might make an interesting seat in itself. At that time I’ll strip it back and start all over again.
Integrity Toys did an excellent job with their version of the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair – in fact this saved me a packet: the version made by Vitra is so much more expensive and it doesn’t come complete with an area rug and groovy scatter cushions! Find lots more ideas for chair props here …
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