Hi everyone,

As some of you may have seen on my flickr stream, I recently made a lightbox for Blythe photography. Many of you expressed interest in them, so I thought I’d give some hints for anyone who is thinking of making one.

I followed instructions I found on the internet, and in particular looked at other Blythe lightboxes for inspiration (well in particular, Robots for Magnolia, who takes beautiful photos!). It’s really easy, and you can really make it to suit your needs.

Ok here goes. Since I already made one yesterday, but didn’t take any progress shots, I made another one today just for this tutorial! (Note: photos are a little weirdly lighted, sorry about that!)

**

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

* cardboard box – size doesn’t really seem to matter, I used both a small one, and a large one, and they both get great results. As long as it fits into your camera’s shot, it doesn’t really matter I don’t think.

* scissors

* razor

* tracing paper

* masking tape/duct tape

* ruler

* pen

ONTO THE LIGHTBOX!

1. First, tape the bottom of the box, inside and out.

2. Cut off the flaps that usually close the box. I’ve seen some tutorials that say you can keep them to control the light entering, but for the two I’ve made I’ve cut the flaps.

3. Here’s what it should look like

4. Now, you need to choose three sides for attaching tracing paper. On the sides you have chosen, draw a frame about 2.5 cm in from the edges.

5. Here’s what I mean.

6. Cut it out with a razor.

7. Repeat for three sides. Don’t worry about it looking a bit messy at the moment, you’ll clean it up with tape in just a second.

8. Use tape around all the edges to make it neater.

9. Cut tracing paper to fit, and attach it with tape again.

10. Continue for other 2 sides, and you’re done!! Here is the new one (the one on the left) with the one I made yesterday. They both work really well, despite the size difference.

11. When you set it up, you have many options. I don’t have any professional lights, so I took all the floor lamps in our house (parents weren’t too pleased when they wanted to read in bed… lol). I placed one directly above all of the sides. However, you can also use only one light from the top, or none at all! (Natural light and its powers!)

12. Here is a comparison shot of what different lightsources look like (no photoshopping).

From left to right, top to bottom: Natural light, 3 lights, 1 light from top, 2 lights from sides.

For backdrops, you can use paper, cardboard, fake grass (above), fabric… scrapbooking material… anything really! You can attach it with blu-tak or tape.

I’m still experimenting with light sources and the such, but so far photos have been turning out well. I think if I get more white bulbs, the effects will be even better.

Have fun everyone

xx Sophia

Okay, maybe “wars” is over the top. But nothing whips the Blythe community into a frenzy as much as facemould talk.

Blythe has had four incarnations since Takara started reproducing her in 2001: BL, EBL (AKA Excellent), SBL (AKA Superior), and RBL (AKA Radiant). Although they are all based on the original look of 1972 Kenner Blythes, each Takara mould gives Blythe a slightly different look. Indeed, people new to Blythe have trouble telling one facemould from another. More militant Blythe fans, however, reject certain moulds completely and embrace others, which can result in the occasional personality clash when someone feels as though their favourite mould has been slighted.

The BL and EBL looks are based on the same mould, but the finished dolls are distinct from one another due to the different thickness od their eyelashes, and the boggled (lifted) eyelids, fuller lips, and matte faces on some of the BLs.

With their extra-wide eyes and round cheeks, BLs are sometimes described as childlike or quirky. Being the earliest Takara Blythes, they’ve become harder to attain, and therefore have become widely coveted for their rareness and distinctiveness. EBLs have a more serious look, and their mouth shape is the least “smiley” of all Blythes, making them popular with collectors who prefer more melancholy girls.

Below: a Kenner Blythe (left) and a BL Blythe (right). This particular BL (Aztec Arrival) doesn’t have the matte complexion, pouty lips and boggled eyes of found on some BLs, so the differences between her and the EBL pictured lowered down are less pronounced.

Below: a Kenner Blythe (left) and an EBL Blythe (right).

SBL (or “Superior”) Blythes began production in late 2003. The SBL mould, is, anecdotally, the least popular of the Takara moulds. SBL Blythes are sometimes described as having a more sophisticated look than BLs and EBLs and have less rounded eyes, a more noticeable smile, and a different eyechip style. They also have thicker eyelashes and a more extreme side-glance than EBLs. More recent SBLs have a new style of lip that is even more smiley than the earlier SBLs.

Below: a Kenner Blythe (left) and an SBL Blythe (right).

SBLs are still being produced, but in 2006 added another facemould, RBL (or “Radiant”). Presently, Takara and CWC alternate production between the two moulds. The aim with the RBL mould was engineer a Takara Blythe that looked as much like a Kenner Blythe as possible. RBLs have especially large eyes which are slightly uneven, which is apparently a deliberate quirk meant to echo the imperfections of Kenners. They have a soft smile and a fuller face than SBLs. RBLs are sought after because of their resemblance to Kenners and relative scarcity compared to SBLs.

Below: a Kenner Blythe (left) and an RBL Blythe (right).

I’m sure I’ve left a lot out, but this is my impression of the various moulds! It would be great if you could add any extra info in the comments.

All photos by Sue.

Seen on flickr…

source

Thanks to all those who submitted.

go here to see what belongs to who http://www.flickr.com/photos/1773/2736275897/

Have a great day all…

Hi there I am back again!

Came across this on Flickr

Wow what a collection. It has inspired me to take some snaps (will have them up by end of the week). Please submit yours to me and I will make a big post of all out shoe collections.

(send to wrongtown@gmail.com )
Source is here

I took a quick pic of my collection last night to get the ball rolling.
Will make a collage of the pics. Depending on how many we get. So get snapping.

Cheers Elli

Hi there,

This is my first post here, hopefully it is easy enough to understand.

Have a great day all.

Steps:

1. Image > adjustments > levels

2. drag the lighter arrow on the left in a bit till you see the lightness you require.

3. Image> adjustments> selective colour> drop down menu to blacks.

4. Increase the black slider to to your preference (I chose 20%)

5. Image>adjustments>shadow highlight>shadows I chose 30% in the slider.

6. Voila

ORIGINAL PICTURE.

FINISHED PRODUCT