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Romain and Lilith…The Rock Wedding

After the stress of Romain’s coiffure, I was ready to have some fun so I went all soft and dreamy with the set.  I was thinking it would be fun to have all this softness in the background and all the edginess in the dolls out front.  I have had a number of friends comment that they were surprised I ordered this set…they are not what I typically collect.  I was surprised myself how much these dolls appealed to me.  I have to say my camera and I are IN LOVE with this trio of dolls.  I adore the versatility of Lilith’s gift set.  She has so many different looks and I can’t wait to start redressing.  Romain aka lettuce boy , hair not withstanding, is just way cool.  Love the square jaw and angles on this guy.  From a photography standpoint, there are lots of angles to work with on his face…he will have a different look depending on how you light him and from what angle…lots of options.   I would imagine that Romain and Lilith would not have the traditional wedding even though that is what the set and these photos would suggest. 

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And my favorite shot from the set

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Erin’s turn is next…always the bridesmaid and never the bride…will have to see what we can do about that Smile

Rock Steady Romain

I keep looking at his name and hoping I am spelling it correctly.  My husband has taken to calling him affectionately “lettuce boy”.  He has a reason to gripe as I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to style and photograph this guy and my husband has had to listen to it LOL.  Let’s face the facts folks..he came out of the box with clumpy and uninspired hair.  Certainly not what the promo’s promised but I prefer to look at it as a challenge…so like a dog with a bone…I set to work.  I know I didn’t hit the mark of the look of the promo shots but I am happy with the doll and photos.  I think he is handsome and love the face sculpt.  Just wish I had a smidge more bang length and I am too much of a wimp to reroot.

If you want a little taste of what I was listening to during this photo shoot and post processing, check out the playlist on the right hand side of the blog .

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Rocking Ever After Lilith

For those of you who ordered her, you are in for a treat.  For those of you who passed on this one, you may want to rethink.  This lady is drop dead gorgeous and came right out of the box ready to be photographed.  While Romain needed significant hair care before being ready for his close-up, Lilith was picture perfect within minutes of deboxing.

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LOVE HER!!!

Rock Fashion Wedding Dolls Are on the Way!

Just received my shipping notice.  Hope to have photos to share in the next couple of days.  Just to tide us over, I am sharing the slideshow I did again…

Rock Wedding photo slideshow set to music

Lilith …The Muse.

Many collectors and photographers have favorite dolls or models that inspire them.  I have a few “go to” girls that never seem to disappoint me.  No matter what I dress them in or how I style them, I always come away with some keeper photos.  My restyled Lilith is one of my muses.  Here is one set I pulled from the archives to post on the blog.  For those of you who follow my Flickr,  you may have already seen these photos.  I thought they were worth a relook.

Wishing all you Mom’s out there a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Models:  The Great Pretender LIlith (with hair restyled) and Silkstone Ken

Gown : Monogram Magnetism

Jewelry:  Monogram Magnetism and Mattel

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Dark Swan Sings the Blues

I don’t know about you guys but when I work or process photos, music is a big part of it.  I guess that is why I include a playlist on my blog.  You can always find what I am listening to currently or what I feel works with the content I am sharing on the blog in that playlist.  Today we have the incomparable Billy Holiday as a soundtrack for the photos.  While I was not listening to Billy Holiday when I styled Ms. Elise, the second I added the white flower to her hair the thought  “Lady sings the blues” came to mind and it stuck with me.  That’s why I added the microphone and the story went from there.  Hope you enjoy….

Model:  Fashion Royalty Squared Dark Swan Elise Jolie

Gown,Earrings and Microphone:  Stunning in the Spotlight Silkstone Barbie ( with flower removed )

White flower is another scrapbooking element

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Lilith Shops La Boutique

I am always amazed at how Diana and Janet of La Boutique manage to reproduce high end handbags in 1/6 scale.  The purses of the month for April 2012 were inspired by Valentino and I am absolutely enthralled.

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Model:  Nu.Face Great Pretender Lilith

Suit,Hat and purse on model: Walking Suit Silkstone Barbie

Shoes:  Nu.Face Great Pretender Lilith

Purses on display:  La Boutique POTM April 2012 ( for info on how to purchase contact Diana at dianawieler@sympatico.ca  )

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Dark Swan Elise dons a day suit

Now try to say the title of this post five times quickly {snort}.  I almost made the title “To my props…How do I love thee, let me count the ways.”  I seem to be using these busts quite a bit but oh well.  People often ask me about the lighting I use in my photos and I thought it would be fun to show these photos because the shots that came out the best ( In my opinion, and that of my partner in crime and in house tech support…the husband) are actually the ones that used the least light.  They used the least number of photography lights but were placed in such a way as to add drama and texture to the shot.  I am forever changing lights around as I shoot something because I want to see what else I can get to come out on film.  I love how the low lighting shows off the angles on the face of this Elise.  I will also admit to adding some vignetting on the full length shot. 

Model:  FR2 Dark Swan Elise

Suit and Purse:  Fashion Royalty Foreign Affair

Shoes: FR2 shoe pack from 2011 FR convention

Hat:  I could tell you but you wouldn’t believe me

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Okay so hat is really a scrapbook embellishment. Smile

Mattel releases photos of Empress of the Aliens Barbie

I don’t collect Fantasy Dolls but it does not stop me from appreciating their artistry.  I know Bill Greening is a very talented guy not to mention one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet from Mattel.  I can totally see him and his love for vintage Barbie collecting when I see all of his Barbie reproduction designs.  When he comes out with things like this, I see the true artist in him and it continues to amaze me.  He has such a range in his designs.  Mr. Greening….I tip my hat.

Empress of the Aliens Barbie

release date:  06/21/12

Available at Barbie dealers or Barbie Collector

Price: TBD

**Photos property of Mattel Inc.**

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The shoes!!  Oh my word the shoes!!  Smile

First WClub Exclusive Doll for 2012 is announced….There is a Nu.Face in Town!

The Integrity Toys WClub announced their first club doll for 2012 last week.  Her name is “High End Envy” Erin and she is a stunner.   There is plenty to envy here folks.  What can I say….always a sucker for redheads.  She is a character from Integrity’s Nu.Face line and they have “refreshed” the Erin face mold for this one.  So far the feedback on the boards is  positive.  Two big thumbs up from Inside The Fashion Doll Studio.  She has two brunette hair streaks on the sides of her head…not sure how I am liking that but will keep an open mind until I see her in real life.  Loving the edgy look for this 2012 collection and love the pouty red mouth on this lady.  I completely adore the chunky square black ring in the accessories.  Delivery is slated for this summer.

Winking smile** following three photos are property of Integrity Toys**

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And …it would appear that the Nu.Face line for 2012 is getting it’s inspiration from the Gucci Spring 2012 RTW collection

Gucci Spring RTW 2012 Erin inspiration

** Photo above is from Style.com**