Dolls/mannequins for models

scottduffy

scottduffy

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I have recently bought some strobist gear but find it almost impossible to find anyone willing to sit for a while to let me practise on them. Does anyone use a mannequin/life size doll or anything like that to practise with? I am seriously thinking about this as i really don't see any other way to improve my shots. I was thinking of practising some high key shots as well as head shots etc. I really just want to improve my photos. I could also maybe get to know the flash/camera settings a bit more which would obviously be helpful in all situations.
 
*sings* "If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair...."

Seriously, before I'm going to do a session, I just use a wooden chair to get the light settings somewhere near to what I intend to use.
 
I used a mannequin for these shots - but they are limited because
1. The skin reflects light differently to real skin
It's normally impossible to change the angle of the head.

When you say 'high key' that won't necessarily be a problem but if by high key you actually mean white background, you need to be aware that plastic hair behaves differently to real hair when it's backlit too
 
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Thanks Garry,

I did mean white background. I keep forgetting that high key and white backgrounds are two different things. I was thinking about a full body mannequin with head including hair etc, my sister in law is a hairdresser and told me she could get me a real hair wig which might help a wee bit with the light.
 
If possible, get one with glass (not painted) eyes, they produce catchlights, which painted eyes don't.

A real hair wig will be much better than plastic hair.

That only leaves you with the problem that the complexion will be perfect and the skin will be plastic - not ideal but then no two real people are the same anyway, so any learning medium is going to be flawed in that respect.
 
scottduffy use model mayhem as itsdavedotnet said, setup TF shoots just be upfront and you will have no problems.
 
Hi Alistair,

I would rather get my skills level up a bit before i start using real models but if/when i feel i'm up for it i will certainly use model mayhem.
 
For fear of being ridiculed - yep, I've used a mannequin to try lighting solutions out. I used one from a firm called 'Dazzling Dummies', was fairly expensive at the time but unlike the cheap versions used in shops, the skin time etc on this thing was excellent.
 
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