Tell us a bit about yourself, SoftPoison! How did you get into photography and why?
Well, Hi I’m Desiree and I’m from the Netherlands. I started photography thanks to my hobby. My hobby is customizing Ball jointed dolls. I saw these very talented people making great pictures of these dolls so I wanted such a doll and later I bought a camera. My first camera was a compact camera. It made great pictures but my love for photography grew.I wanted something more so I bought my Canon and It was love at first sight. I started to photograph everything. From rocks to beautiful skies. Now my camera is one of my best friends hahaha
Why are you on deviantART?
When I was younger I always looked at Deviantart to get some inspiration for my drawings. I saw an awesome illustrator and I wanted to be his friend so I made my own account. Now Deviantart is kinda part of my life. When I go to bed I always check my Da account.What got you into still life photography, in particular still life dolls and figures? What do you most like and dislike about it?
I really wanted to show people the dolls I’ve customized so that’s why I started to photograph them. I also saw these awesome artist who made the most beautiful pictures of their dolls and I also wanted to do that. To let people see that dolls are not boring, but pretty cool. What I like most about these dolls is that they have so much character even the fact that they’re dolls. And the thing that I don’t like about them is that they’re kinda small. When you want to photograph them you need to bend yourself in the most weird positions.What is the best and worst thing about shooting still life dolls and figures?
Best thing is that they always stand still and look good on a picture. Worst thing is that they’re kinda small and they can’t move. They can’t move their faces so you have to find something to give them character.Do you have a particular favourite doll that you like to use for your photographs?
Uhh, I really like to photograph the doll with the pink hair called Candy and the doll with the black hair called Monroo. I just really like their faces. They have a nice shape of eyes.
How do you come up with your ideas and concepts? Especially in still life where creativity is needed a bit more?
A lot of other dollowners give me inspiration. I just look through my DA friends. The pictures they make give me a lot of idea’s. Sometimes songs give me some great idea’s.Do you use a specific technique when shooting? What setting on your camera do you most like to use?
No not really. I’m totally in love with my 50mm lens. I use that lens almost every time I make a picture of a doll.What do you think is the most important thing to take into account when shooting?
Oehh.. Uhhm.. Good question.. Uhmm Like the object you’re photographing of course. If you like the object it will also show in the picture itself. It comes more alive. And light. Make sure you have good light. This will make photographing easier. When I have some good light I always try new things. Just experiment and see what light does. It’s amazing.You receive a lot of feedback on deviantART. How did you get to that stage?
A lot of luck. Some time ago a picture of one of my dolls got on the frontpage and that’s when it happened. I still know what picture that was hahah. Colorfull Candy. And friend told me that I needed to look at my DA account and I could not believe it. I’m still really grateful for that. So thank you people for still liking my work!What is your favourite piece and why?
My favourite piece is: Found you and It’s good to see you again. I really like how intense these pictures are. They almost look real.. yeah almost hahaha
What is your equipment list?
Camera ( canon 1100D). I want a better one but this one was the only one I could afford. (saving for a new one
) I don’t really use anymore equipment. Just a camera and a doll. If you had to choose one subcategory of photography to shoot other than still life dolls and figures, what would you choose and why?
I also really like to photograph people and especially portrait pictures. I just love faces and emotions.Are you doing any projects at the moment, photography wise or not? Offline and online?
Yes, right now I’m following a minor photography. This will be for 6 months. This will teach me all the things I need to know about photography. I never really learnt anything about photography. I taught myself how to use my camera. Now I learn all the theory behind it. It’s a lot of fun. I started last week. Great classes and great teachers.What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Just photograph what you love. It doesn’t matter if it’s a stamp or like me dolls. If you love something you will do anything in your power to make it look good on the picture. And if you like something, just try it. The sky is the limit.Finally, is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for this interview!!!!
Thank you SoftPoison!
3wyl, posting on behalf of CRPhotography
