Picture of the Week ~ April 19, 2010 ~ Cliff Chan

Cliff Chan from Hong Kong is the featured doll collector/photographer this week. His photograph of Tonner's Green Lantern character aka Hal Jordan, reached out and grabbed me.
Not knowing much about this fictional character, I went to Wikipedia for some background information. The power "ring is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe and can be very dangerous. It gives the user great control over the physical world as long as the wielder has sufficient willpower and strength to wield it." I also learned that there have been several Green Lanterns. Who knew? Superman was my idol.
Anyway...Cliff used a Canon EOS 450D with a 18-55MM lens in natural light. This one was taken in the early morning. He claims to be a clumsy photographer with shaky hands and declares that he ought to remember to use his macro option and a tripod.
I think this photo is terrific. It makes me want to see more.

I love the focus on the ring and fist with the soft character in the background. One needs to use a wide open lens thereby creating a shallow depth of field for this type of effect.

If you would like to see more of Cliff's collection and read about his doll collecting experience, here is a link to his blog entitled Fashion Doll Empire. You will find more pictures of this doll as well as many other dolls.

Congratulations, Cliff, on the Picture of the Week Award.

Picture of the Week Award ~ February 21, 2010

This week's featured photograph is by Rebecca Ruiz. The doll is an Iplehouse Special Edition Yur in Realskin. She is 65cm (25.6") tall and has the Special Edition face-up from Iplehouse. Mirielle Clemenceau is the doll's name.
Rebecca told me that she prefers outdoor lighting but for this picture she used small photo lights that came in a set that included a light tent. She got the idea for the behind-the-scenes pictures from a huge poster seen recently in Paris subway stations.

I asked Rebecca if she had any suggestions for doll photographers. Here is a summary of her reply:
A good camera is a big help. Buying an SLR is worth putting off the purchase of that next doll. I have a Nikon D50 and a few separate lenses. I especially like my f1.8 50mm lens.

Rebecca looks in magazines, at paintings in books and at movies for ideas and enjoys hunting for props and backgrounds. When shooting out-of-doors she has gotten used to the stares and questions of passersby. Most have been curious and positive.

To see more of her beautiful collection and pictures, click here.

Congratulations, Rebecca, on the Picture of the Week Award.