Omg…the ready made backdrop idea is awesome. My house is chaotic and I don’t like going outside so something like that would be great for me. I need to get some glue dots too :). Great video!!
I know you are often overwhelmed and things are chaotic at home - you could definitely benefit from some nice, neutral and versatile backgrounds. I think we got 2' x 2' boards (they're nice and thin) at Menards.
Very great tips!! I used portrait mode for YEARS until I got my own camera and no one even realized! I would get asked what camera I use and people were shocked that I used my phone! That just goes to show that any device can take good pictures and it’s not about using expensive cameras and fancy lighting
Yep! "Work with what you have" is timeless advice for a reason. My photos could be better but my motivation/goal isn't always to take the best picture - sometimes it's just to share information or document memories. I fully believe that if I want to improve the quality of my pics, I can do it without any equipment upgrades :) (also, I thoroughly enjoy your photography on agig)
Thanks so much. I've got some new ideas. I feel better knowing you're doing pictures with your phone too. I was worried I wasn't making good quality pictures because I use my phone too. I love your photos so much. I was so inspired by your pride parade. It made me want to do something similar next year. Thanks so much for all you do for this community. Your videos are a bright space in dark times. 🌞
Thank you. When I get discouraged at how much consumerism can be rewarded over creativity in the doll community, I remember (and sometimes re-read) comments like this to remind myself that this kind of content IS appreciated. So thank you again for taking the time to leave such a kind comment.
I so love how you do these more educational style videos. You are incredibly detailed, but not in an information overload type way. I also really enjoyed the end bit where you recapped your tips with examples quiz style!
Thank you so much!! If I'm perfectly candid, I sometimes get discouraged by how much more attention the unboxings get than my other, more educational and/or creative content. So it means a ton when people remind me that these videos ARE appreciated (even if by far fewer people ;)
Great video with lots of good tips I loved hearing from the perspective of another doll photographer who only uses their phone and doesn’t do a lot of editing. That’s what I do. And glue dots are the best. I’ve been using them for years. I actually use the brand that you showed in your video. And lastly, can I get the dimensions on the backdrops you mentioned? I’m thinking about maybe making some.
Yay what a super fun clip. Thank you Kristie! Can I suggest a tip I use?? If you are outdoors in harsh sun and struggling with shadows, one thing I like to do (an old photography trick) is to go into your phones flash settings, turn the flash ON and take the pic. It provides 'fill' lighting. Just don't stand too close or it will look too artificial. 😊
Making human things seem like they're to scale is definitely not my strong suit, but I'm trying to experiment more with it. Only one way to improve, right?
A great video! I was inspired to pick up some posterboard and a few sheets of wood panel design contact paper at the dollar store along with a few tiny props…took some nice doll pics at home, such simple shots but definitely leveled up! 😊
Oh yay!! I'm so glad it inspired you and that you felt like it helped you "up your game" :) (feel free to send pics if you want - agtakesover@gmail.com)
Thanks! I watched your video of Samantha's Ice Cream Parlor but wasn't able to comment in the moment. (I'd actually love to have you talk through that one because there were a lot of details I'd love to hear the story behind, but it was still enjoyable to just watch).
Thank you for going through these details with such consideration and kindness. I love how much you help us all in this community! And I totally plan to rewatch this a few times. Let it really absorb!
You're very welcome! I wondered if people would find it too basic, but I figured if it's too basic for certain people they can always skip it, and this way it helps everyone who CAN benefit from some more foundational tips. I'm so glad you found it helpful.
I don’t mind the glasses glare so much. If it’s bad, it just forces me to change up my angle which can be a good thing. But I can see why you’d want to pop out the lenses. The brownie ombrés are my favorites, too. I have four pairs!
That's a good point about the glare forcing you to get creative. But my photo shoots often happen in the span of 2 or 3 minutes and I don't know if I have the patience/time for working around the glare lol. And YES - the ombre glasses are the best by a long shot!
Thanks so much!! My pictures are quite often not stunning, but because I refuse to caught up in the pursuit of perfection, I have a lot of fun, take a lot of pictures, and make a lot of memories.
I am trying to catch up on a huge backlog of videos and had to stop early-video to comment to say THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT PORTRAIT MODE, OMG. I hadn't even noticed that option on my phone, and IT DOES THE BLUR THINGIE THAT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED MY PHOTOS TO HAVE. I am WEEPING. I know I am the most oblivious person in the world for not noticing an ENTIRE FREAKIN' MODE on my phone, so anyone else might be like, eh, whatevs, but I am SO GRATEFUL. Now I wish I weren't at work so I could go test it out!
I'm so glad you paused to type this because it made me laugh so much I immediately had to copy your comment and send it to Grace :) Yay for discovering Portrait Mode and your utter delight about it!
This video is excellent! Thank you so much for sharing all these tips! I also only use my phone, and don’t use an editing app. I’m not tech savvy. I didn’t know you could change how much the background is blurred in portrait mode. I’ll have to play around with that. I think you mentioned glue dots before in one of your videos, but I forgot about them. I’m going to have to get some (or find my scrapbooking stash). I also need to create a couple of back drops. I started this but need to finish. Thanks again! I learned a lot!
I've never used glue dots. I may get some. I usually use earthquake putty, which is reusable, when the dolls need to hold something. You can use as big (or small) of a glob as you need.
I wish I could walk to somewhere close to take photos! My yard is blah, and I don’t feel comfortable asking neighbors to use theirs. 😂 Trying to get my yard better, but that takes a lot of time and motivation.
At least you're trying to get your yard better. I'm not even trying. I resent grass and I don't water it and a lackluster yard is my lot in life. I've made my peace with it lmao.
At least you have grass. My yard is so shady that it’s all dirt. We’re only trying to clean it up a bit to install a swing set. But it’s so hard to get out when it’s bitterly cold and gets dark early. 😢
I love photography tips from someone just using their phone and not really editing. I also use backdrops in my house. I’m really cheap and use the trifold cardboard backer that are used in science fairs. They come in colors, I’ve pasted scrapbook paper over them, painted them and even put drywall plaster in one and carved castle stones into the wet plaster and then painted when it was dry. What I really want to get is a strip of really nice fake grass for the dolls to stand on. I need to work in doll placement. Since I pattern test, most of my photos are inside, no or minimal accessories and the doll is dead center so the outfit can be seen well. Then, when I go to take pictures for fun, I find myself falling into the center doll in frame photo. Also, this is when we always notice that stray thread we forgot to cut, the dress skirt was hiked up for some reason or my personal favorite, the shoes are in the wrong foot. Great tips!
Yeah - I think you're right. When you use the same composition repeatedly it can become habit. In my Dressing My Dolls videos I always use the same placement to focus on their outfits, so I have to remind myself to mix it up on other occasions.
Great tips. I jump back and forth between my canon and my phone when I take my picture. My problem is sometimes IG compresses the pics so bad, and I hate it. I love setting up scenes and backdrops when taking my pictures. For my christmas/holiday pics I had my set up on my dinning table for about 4 days before I took it down. My number one tip is don't get discouraged by lack of shares, comments or likes. I have to remind myself of this all the time. I do this hobby for me and want to share what makes me happy. If people like, comment or share that's great, if they don't then that's fine too because it's for me. Did I spend an hour setting up a scene and get very little likes/shares yes, did someone else just hold up a doll and their hand is in the pic and get a bunch of likes/shares also yes. But thats okay, I'm doing it for me and not for the acceptance of others. You and Grace take such great pictures. I love your agig accounts.
Yes! Not letting the likes/shares/comments (or lack thereof) dictate the way we feel is easier said than done sometimes. I mean, who doesn't like having their work and/or talent appreciated? But you're right? If our enjoyment hinges on that, then we're at the mercy of strangers and a social media algorithm and that's no way to approach a hobby.
Same (about the rubber bands being visible). I will say, though, that both glue dots AND rubber bands are things that always seem to disappear on me. It's like a standing request for stocking stuffers lol.
These may seem obvious but still good reminders, I think. Check your memory and battery before you head out to your photo shoot. Take lots of photos. Professional photographers take hundreds to get a few they like. You can always delete ones you don't want or like but it's a pain to go back and take more.
This video is excellent! Thank you so much for sharing all these tips! I also only use my phone, and don’t use an editing app. I’m not tech savvy. I didn’t know you could change how much the background is blurred in portrait mode. I’ll have to play around with that. I think you mentioned glue dots before in one of your videos, but I forgot about them. I’m going to have to get some (or find my scrapbooking stash). I also need to create a couple of back drops. I started this but need to finish. Thanks again! I learned a lot!
Omg…the ready made backdrop idea is awesome. My house is chaotic and I don’t like going outside so something like that would be great for me. I need to get some glue dots too :). Great video!!
I know you are often overwhelmed and things are chaotic at home - you could definitely benefit from some nice, neutral and versatile backgrounds. I think we got 2' x 2' boards (they're nice and thin) at Menards.
@ great. I’ll have to look there.
Very great tips!! I used portrait mode for YEARS until I got my own camera and no one even realized! I would get asked what camera I use and people were shocked that I used my phone! That just goes to show that any device can take good pictures and it’s not about using expensive cameras and fancy lighting
Yep! "Work with what you have" is timeless advice for a reason. My photos could be better but my motivation/goal isn't always to take the best picture - sometimes it's just to share information or document memories. I fully believe that if I want to improve the quality of my pics, I can do it without any equipment upgrades :) (also, I thoroughly enjoy your photography on agig)
Thanks so much. I've got some new ideas. I feel better knowing you're doing pictures with your phone too. I was worried I wasn't making good quality pictures because I use my phone too.
I love your photos so much. I was so inspired by your pride parade. It made me want to do something similar next year.
Thanks so much for all you do for this community. Your videos are a bright space in dark times. 🌞
Thank you. When I get discouraged at how much consumerism can be rewarded over creativity in the doll community, I remember (and sometimes re-read) comments like this to remind myself that this kind of content IS appreciated. So thank you again for taking the time to leave such a kind comment.
I so love how you do these more educational style videos. You are incredibly detailed, but not in an information overload type way. I also really enjoyed the end bit where you recapped your tips with examples quiz style!
Thank you so much!! If I'm perfectly candid, I sometimes get discouraged by how much more attention the unboxings get than my other, more educational and/or creative content. So it means a ton when people remind me that these videos ARE appreciated (even if by far fewer people ;)
Wow this is amazing! What a fantastic resource. Thank you so much for putting all this together and sharing it.
Oh, you're welcome! I'm no expert but that doesn't stop me from enjoying it anyway (and I hope it doesn't stop others) :)
Great video with lots of good tips I loved hearing from the perspective of another doll photographer who only uses their phone and doesn’t do a lot of editing. That’s what I do. And glue dots are the best. I’ve been using them for years. I actually use the brand that you showed in your video. And lastly, can I get the dimensions on the backdrops you mentioned? I’m thinking about maybe making some.
Glad you liked the video, and the backdrop dimensions are 24" x 24". They store pretty easily and come in very handy.
I was trying out some doll photography today and I needed these tips!! Great video as always.
I hope they come in handy! Letting go of perfection and just DOING IT is the tip I try to follow most :)
Yay what a super fun clip. Thank you Kristie! Can I suggest a tip I use?? If you are outdoors in harsh sun and struggling with shadows, one thing I like to do (an old photography trick) is to go into your phones flash settings, turn the flash ON and take the pic. It provides 'fill' lighting. Just don't stand too close or it will look too artificial. 😊
I will absolutely try this! Thanks for sharing :)
@agtakesover my pleasure!🙂
I had never heard of Glue Dots! Thanks for sharing that info.This video is great! Thank you again for making it!
I'm glad you enjoyed it - you should totally put Glue Dots on your Christmas wish list :)
Great tips! Thank you! Very helpful❤❤❤
I'm glad you liked it! I'd been meaning to do it for a while :)
I love the photo of Dani in the library stacks! So fun.
Making human things seem like they're to scale is definitely not my strong suit, but I'm trying to experiment more with it. Only one way to improve, right?
A great video! I was inspired to pick up some posterboard and a few sheets of wood panel design contact paper at the dollar store along with a few tiny props…took some nice doll pics at home, such simple shots but definitely leveled up! 😊
Oh yay!! I'm so glad it inspired you and that you felt like it helped you "up your game" :) (feel free to send pics if you want - agtakesover@gmail.com)
This was a fun video to watch. Great tips!
Thanks! I watched your video of Samantha's Ice Cream Parlor but wasn't able to comment in the moment. (I'd actually love to have you talk through that one because there were a lot of details I'd love to hear the story behind, but it was still enjoyable to just watch).
Thank you for going through these details with such consideration and kindness. I love how much you help us all in this community! And I totally plan to rewatch this a few times. Let it really absorb!
You're very welcome! I wondered if people would find it too basic, but I figured if it's too basic for certain people they can always skip it, and this way it helps everyone who CAN benefit from some more foundational tips. I'm so glad you found it helpful.
@agtakesover It was so good, and I need to pick up sticky dots asap. 😊
I don’t mind the glasses glare so much. If it’s bad, it just forces me to change up my angle which can be a good thing. But I can see why you’d want to pop out the lenses. The brownie ombrés are my favorites, too. I have four pairs!
That's a good point about the glare forcing you to get creative. But my photo shoots often happen in the span of 2 or 3 minutes and I don't know if I have the patience/time for working around the glare lol. And YES - the ombre glasses are the best by a long shot!
I really enjoyed this and got some good ideas from it thank you
I'm so glad you got some useful ideas! :)
I already learned something new! Didn’t realize you could adjust the blur in portrait mode. I’ll have to remember that.
It might depend on the phone and/or camera app you use, but you should definitely be able to do it.
Great video! I’m excited that you do your work with just a phone!
Thanks so much!! My pictures are quite often not stunning, but because I refuse to caught up in the pursuit of perfection, I have a lot of fun, take a lot of pictures, and make a lot of memories.
Thank you for the tips.
Of course - you’re welcome!
I am trying to catch up on a huge backlog of videos and had to stop early-video to comment to say THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT PORTRAIT MODE, OMG. I hadn't even noticed that option on my phone, and IT DOES THE BLUR THINGIE THAT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED MY PHOTOS TO HAVE. I am WEEPING. I know I am the most oblivious person in the world for not noticing an ENTIRE FREAKIN' MODE on my phone, so anyone else might be like, eh, whatevs, but I am SO GRATEFUL. Now I wish I weren't at work so I could go test it out!
I'm so glad you paused to type this because it made me laugh so much I immediately had to copy your comment and send it to Grace :) Yay for discovering Portrait Mode and your utter delight about it!
This video is excellent! Thank you so much for sharing all these tips! I also only use my phone, and don’t use an editing app. I’m not tech savvy. I didn’t know you could change how much the background is blurred in portrait mode. I’ll have to play around with that. I think you mentioned glue dots before in one of your videos, but I forgot about them. I’m going to have to get some (or find my scrapbooking stash). I also need to create a couple of back drops. I started this but need to finish. Thanks again! I learned a lot!
:-)
I've never used glue dots. I may get some. I usually use earthquake putty, which is reusable, when the dolls need to hold something. You can use as big (or small) of a glob as you need.
I've never heard of Earthquake Putty - I'll have to check it out :)
OH THANK YOU!!!! I would post more phots on Instagram if I didn't feel like my phots look bad....
Just caption every single one of them "Stop waiting for perfect photos and post pics with the dolls that put a smile on your face!" ;-)
I wish I could walk to somewhere close to take photos! My yard is blah, and I don’t feel comfortable asking neighbors to use theirs. 😂 Trying to get my yard better, but that takes a lot of time and motivation.
At least you're trying to get your yard better. I'm not even trying. I resent grass and I don't water it and a lackluster yard is my lot in life. I've made my peace with it lmao.
At least you have grass. My yard is so shady that it’s all dirt. We’re only trying to clean it up a bit to install a swing set. But it’s so hard to get out when it’s bitterly cold and gets dark early. 😢
I love photography tips from someone just using their phone and not really editing.
I also use backdrops in my house. I’m really cheap and use the trifold cardboard backer that are used in science fairs. They come in colors, I’ve pasted scrapbook paper over them, painted them and even put drywall plaster in one and carved castle stones into the wet plaster and then painted when it was dry. What I really want to get is a strip of really nice fake grass
for the dolls to stand on.
I need to work in doll placement. Since I pattern test, most of my photos are inside, no or minimal accessories and the doll is dead center so the outfit can be seen well. Then, when I go to take pictures for fun, I find myself falling into the center doll in frame photo. Also, this is when we always notice that stray thread we forgot to cut, the dress skirt was hiked up for some reason or my personal favorite, the shoes are in the wrong foot.
Great tips!
Yeah - I think you're right. When you use the same composition repeatedly it can become habit. In my Dressing My Dolls videos I always use the same placement to focus on their outfits, so I have to remind myself to mix it up on other occasions.
This video is really helpful because one of my goals for 2025 is I am planning to do Ag Doll Photography.
That's awesome! I'm happy my video could be helpful. Have so much fun!
@ it was really helpful
Great tips.
I jump back and forth between my canon and my phone when I take my picture. My problem is sometimes IG compresses the pics so bad, and I hate it.
I love setting up scenes and backdrops when taking my pictures. For my christmas/holiday pics I had my set up on my dinning table for about 4 days before I took it down.
My number one tip is don't get discouraged by lack of shares, comments or likes. I have to remind myself of this all the time.
I do this hobby for me and want to share what makes me happy. If people like, comment or share that's great, if they don't then that's fine too because it's for me. Did I spend an hour setting up a scene and get very little likes/shares yes, did someone else just hold up a doll and their hand is in the pic and get a bunch of likes/shares also yes. But thats okay, I'm doing it for me and not for the acceptance of others.
You and Grace take such great pictures. I love your agig accounts.
Yes! Not letting the likes/shares/comments (or lack thereof) dictate the way we feel is easier said than done sometimes. I mean, who doesn't like having their work and/or talent appreciated? But you're right? If our enjoyment hinges on that, then we're at the mercy of strangers and a social media algorithm and that's no way to approach a hobby.
I need to get some glue dots. I don’t love how rubber bands show so much in photos.
Same (about the rubber bands being visible). I will say, though, that both glue dots AND rubber bands are things that always seem to disappear on me. It's like a standing request for stocking stuffers lol.
Great video 😊 I want to send you a picture of the jeans you asked me what I have? I am able to send email or share on Facebook chat. 3 or 4 pairs.
Sure. The email for this channel is agtakesover@gmail.com and I check it once or twice a week :)
These may seem obvious but still good reminders, I think. Check your memory and battery before you head out to your photo shoot.
Take lots of photos. Professional photographers take hundreds to get a few they like. You can always delete ones you don't want or like but it's a pain to go back and take more.
Excellent reminders!!
OK I found your email.
Great - I'll check my inbox.
This video is excellent! Thank you so much for sharing all these tips! I also only use my phone, and don’t use an editing app. I’m not tech savvy. I didn’t know you could change how much the background is blurred in portrait mode. I’ll have to play around with that. I think you mentioned glue dots before in one of your videos, but I forgot about them. I’m going to have to get some (or find my scrapbooking stash). I also need to create a couple of back drops. I started this but need to finish. Thanks again! I learned a lot!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to comment - good luck with the backdrops. They'll come in so handy!