Stand

25/07/2024

Anyone in San Diego for San Diego Comic-Con? Super excited to share that I'm doing a session on artistic toy photography at San Diego Comic Con!

The presentation will incorporate action figure photography into the standard STAND mix of BJDs and fashion dolls....some of the action figure photography I've seen has been incredible.

Now, in full transparency I am up against a Klingon Lifestyles presentation and the premiere of the new Deadpool movie....so not sure how many people will attend my presentation....but...

Woo hoo! STAND is presenting at San Diego Comic Con!

Hope to see you tonight!

10/02/2024

Gong hei fat choi! Happy Lunar New Year! On behalf of STAND, wishing you a prosperous Year of the Dragon!



Sculpt: Smartdoll Dauntless by Danny Choo
Photographer: Deborah Hood

04/02/2024

What's new and exciting? Unlocking the Future! That's the theme for Issue 36!

It's hard to believe a whole month has gone by already in the new year! Here in Texas, even in early February, it is starting to warm up. What's on people's minds right now is the future...we have many parts of the world in crisis and turmoil....it's an election year for many countries...there is uncertainty abound. And yet there is so much being built for the future....technological advances are everywhere including the mindblowing rise of AI. Innovation is as big as the imagination can grow.

How do you envision the future?

In this call for submissions, your challenge is to play off the theme, "Unlocking the Future". There are so many possibilities here to show off your photographic skills by pairing up your doll subjects in settings where discovery, creativity, imagination, technology and change are happening...be creative and think outside the box! A scientist on the brink of discovery, an astronaut exploring other worlds, a child dreaming of the future....even an apocalyptic future...l can't wait to see what your camera lens captures! Let's have fun with this! As this is the spring issue, general Spring photos are most welcome as well!

Pictured is an Integrity Toys Adele repaint by Park, photo by the marvelous Wil Herold. Roller skating on a space shuttle sounds like a pretty good future to me!

Please submit your best work to [email protected] by February 18th for consideration for this special issue! Let's Unlock the Future together!

Debbie
Deborah Hood, PhD
STAND Editor-in-Chief

31/12/2023

It seems I’ve been away for awhile.

But, as I think about it, I think I needed a break.

I read an article recently about a restaurant company that closes its doors for an entire week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Restaurants typically bring in quite a bit of revenue during holidays yet the rationale for closing for this company was simple: “Our employees are tired. They need a break.” This restaurant is not alone...actually, there are many more companies that have the same practice. Admittedly, I took more than a week from the magazine, but I needed a break, too.

The holidays have always been a time of reflection for me. I ponder on the year gone by and think... what did I accomplish? What were my successes? What were my failures? What do I need to do differently moving forward? 2023 has been an interesting year in many ways...personally, I struggled to find balance in an
unbelievably busy schedule that seemed to never slow down and yet I can end the year feeling positive and accomplished in many ways.

From a greater perspective, this year we witnessed the rise of Barbie with the huge success of the summer blockbuster. Usually, it’s doll photographers toting dolls with them around town, but we saw plenty of Barbies being photographed in and around theaters this summer. It made me happy...and personally, I loved the movie. We also saw the continued rise of AI...this is a bit controversial when it comes to the art of doll photography. Without a doubt, AI has great potential, but for artists and photographers (and those aspiring to be) it is a slippery slope. Where is the art in doll photography if it was not created with the emotion and purpose of a human behind the lens? From an ethics perspective, I think there are still a lot of unanswered questions. I cringe a bit every time I see AI-generated images posted, but think AI is quickly becoming a part of our reality, whether we are for it or against it. It may be better to get in front of it than in back of it. Last, we saw great growth in the doll hobby in general. Certainly, the Barbie movie helped the playline industry, but we have also seen the emergence of new BJD and fashion doll artists that have introduced exciting and innovative sculpts which is going to keep this hobby thriving.

I wanted to finish the year with an issue that reflects this reflection (pun intended) and capture some of my favorite holiday contributions from the past years. What I love about these holiday images is the use of light, both external and internal, and all evoking emotion that make these images really come to life.

Congratulations to Niebieski_Kot for her amazing cover--this image--full of light, life and joy--has been one of my favorites since i first saw it many issues ago.

Check out the new issue here and print issues will be available for purchase in the next couple of days:

https://thestandmag.com/volume-35

These images inspire me to be a better photographer, and I am inspired about ramping
up the magazine in 2024 with an elevation in content and media.

Thank you to our contributors, sponsors, advertisers and readers for your continued support and making STAND a part of your lives!

Let’s make this a great 2024! Happy New Year!

Debbie

Celebrating modern collectible dolls as art, featuring talented fashion and BJD artists and photographers.

25/12/2023

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas filled with love and light!

31/10/2023

Boo! Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween and Dia de los Mu***os!

News about the next issue coming soon!

Sculpt: Muse of Bone by Sideshow
Photo: Deborah Hood

06/03/2023

What's new and exciting? Imagination and Innovation! That's the theme for Issue 35!

The temps are starting to warm up here in Texas and spring is about to spring on us. This time of year always gives me a sense of renewal ...you can feel it in the air. This feeling led me to the next issue's theme....renewal, change, and growth usually begin with one's imagination which leads to innovation. From the first discovery of fire to the discoveries of tomorrow, it all starts with the seed of imagination.

In this call for submissions, your challenge is to play off the theme, "Imagination and Innovation". There are so many possibilities here to show off your photographic skills by pairing up your doll subjects in settings where discovery, creativity, imagination, technology and change are happening...be creative and think outside the box! A scientist on the brink of discovery, an astronaut exploring other worlds, a child dreaming of the future....l can't wait to see what your camera lens captures! As this is the spring issue, general Spring photos are most welcome as well!

Pictured is an Adele repaint by Park, photo by the marvelous

Please submit your best work to [email protected] by March 25th for consideration for the Spring issue!

Debbie


Deborah Hood, PhD
STAND Editor-in-Chief

06/03/2023

What's new and exciting? Imagination and Innovation! That's the theme for Issue 35!

The temps are starting to warm up here in Texas and spring is about to spring on us. This time of year always gives me a sense of renewal ...you can feel it in the air. This feeling led me to the next issue's theme....renewal, change, and growth usually begin with one's imagination which leads to innovation. From the first discovery of fire to the discoveries of tomorrow, it all starts with the seed of imagination.

In this call for submissions, your challenge is to play off the theme, "Imagination and Innovation". There are so many possibilities here to show off your photographic skills by pairing up your doll subjects in settings where discovery, creativity, imagination, technology and change are happening...be creative and think outside the box! A scientist on the brink of discovery, an astronaut exploring other worlds, a child dreaming of the future....l can't wait to see what your camera lens captures! As this is the spring issue, general Spring photos are most welcome as well!

Pictured is an Integrity Toys Adele repaint by Park, photo by the marvelous Wil Herold.

Please submit your best work to [email protected] by March 25th for consideration for the Spring issue!

Debbie


Deborah Hood, PhD
STAND Editor-in-Chief

14/02/2023

Happy Valentine's Day from STAND!

A perfect time to "hold hands" and do something sweet with those you love. It's also a perfect time to tell you how much I appreciate your love for this magazine....thank you to our photographers, sponsors and readers.....I love what I do because of you!

Pictured is moroLAB2 Erzsébet and moroLAB2 Nile photographed so beautifully by .kot

14/02/2023

Happy Valentine's Day from STAND!

A perfect time to "hold hands" and do something sweet with those you love. It's also a perfect time to tell you how much I appreciate your love for this magazine....thank you to our photographers, sponsors and readers.....I love what I do because of you!

Pictured is moroLAB2 Erzsébet and moroLAB2 Nile photographed so beautifully by Niebieski_Kot.

04/01/2023

Well, another year behind us and another year ahead of us to fill with hopes and dreams for a better future.

Not sure about you, but 2022 was a tough year for me. The continuation of the pandemic and the problems associated with that were partly to blame, but as the year wrapped up it also became the year I lost my mother after a very long illness. As a caregiver, the grieving process began a couple of years ago in the form of anticipatory grief while my mom began her decline...some call it “the long goodbye”. For those experiencing loss, the holidays can be a difficult time, especially with the thought of traditional activities and gatherings taking place without your lost loved one. And yet, it is through these gatherings that somehow the holidays have the capacity to transform some of that grief into celebration--celebration of family, celebration of love, and celebration of memories.

It was this realization (as well as my own anticipation of how the holidays would feel this year for the first time without her) that led to this issue’s theme of “Gatherings”. They say that gatherings feed the soul and meet the very basic human need of connectedness. The challenge to our photographers for this issue was to show their interpretation of the theme and as you’ll see, they again stepped up to the challenge. The concept of gatherings has been captured so beautifully in photos that are poignant, rich with emotion and intent, and even humor. I thank our contributors for stepping up to the challenge and showing us how gatherings, whether large or small, in person or virtual, and even represented as a gathering of thoughts, have meaning, purpose and a sense of connectedness. Congratulations to Martha Boers of Antique Lilac for her gorgeous cover! Check out the new issue here (print copies will be available for purchase in the next couple of days):

https://thestandmag.com/volume-34

As Vern McLellan said, “What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year”. For me, the new year will be a year of adjustment and renewed purpose. I plan on bringing my best to 2023, and hope you do, too!

Thank you to our contributors, sponsors, advertisers and readers for your continued support and making STAND a part of your lives!
Let’s make this a great 2023! Happy New Year!

Deborah Hood, PhD
STAND Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating modern collectible dolls as art, featuring talented fashion and BJD artists and photographers.

24/11/2022

A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from STAND!

For me, Thanksgiving is a time for both celebration and reflection....I reflect a lot on the things I am so thankful for. Among those things is you, my dear readers, contributors and sponsors. Thank you for your ongoing support of the magazine and your love for the art of doll photography.

Pictured is Winnie by Rose BBflockling in a small gathering of friends (raccoons by Schleich). "Gatherings" is the theme for Issue 34, the holiday issue. I am still taking submissions for a few more days, so if you haven't already, please send your best work to [email protected] by November 30 for consideration.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Debbie



Photo by

31/10/2022

Boo!

No bones about it (pun intended!), wishing you a happy and safe Halloween y feliz dia de los mu***os!

Pictured is Muse of Bone; doll painted and photographed by

***os

Debbie

30/10/2022

"Gatherings"! That's the theme for the holiday issue--Issue 34!

Here in Texas, the mornings have a noticeable chill already proudly announcing the arrival of Fall and the holidays. For many, it's the "bat signal" that "pumpkin spice anything" is now available at a store or restaurant near you...for me, it's my reminder that it's time to start assembling the holiday issue!

Family has been on my mind a lot lately. A few weeks ago, I lost my mother after a very long illness. As the holidays near, I consider what this season will be like for the first time without her. It's a reminder of the precious nature of family and how important gatherings are whether they are small or large.

In this call for submissions, your challenge is to play off the theme, "Gatherings". There are so many possibilities here to show off your photographic skills as you capture the magic of family--whether it is a nuclear family, an extended one, a family of 2, a family of friends, a family of pets, etc. You get the idea...use your imagination to interpret the theme creatively to capture the idea of gatherings, reunion, closeness and connectedness. And since it is the holiday issue, your magical holiday images are most welcome as well. Be creative and think outside the box! l can't wait to see what your camera lens captures!

Please submit your best work to [email protected] by Sunday, November 20th for consideration for the Holiday issue! Please be sure to visit www.thestandmag.com to review the submission requirements. Advertisers, now is the time to submit your ads for the holiday issue.

For inspiration, pictured is Baron and Lawrence with Sena captured so beautifully by photographer Martha Boers of in Issue 32. So much beauty and emotion in this image! Nice work, Martha!

Have a fantastic week!

Debbie

16/10/2022

If you haven't checked out the "Flower Power" issue yet, please do...
This issue is filled with gorgeous shots like this one by photographer of Dollclans Siber. I love the delicate pose of his jointed fingers as he reaches for a perfect blossom, and I also love how the flowers are scaled to the doll for a more realistic image. The vibrancy and the pose add to the beauty of this photo.

Check it out at https://thestandmag.com/volume-33 And pick up a print copy for yourself or a friend while you're there!

10/10/2022

If you haven't checked out the "Flower Power" issue yet, please do...

This issue is filled with gorgeous shots like this one by photographer Monika Mostowik of Rainman and Sabrinas Doll Imany that captures this issue's theme so perfectly.
The sheer beauty of this image takes my breath away with its realism and composition.

Check it out at https://thestandmag.com/volume-33 And pick up a print copy for yourself or a friend while you're there!

10/10/2022

If you haven't checked out the "Flower Power" issue yet, please do...

This issue is filled with gorgeous shots like this one by photographer Monika Mostowik of Rainman and Sabrinas Doll Imany that captures this issue's theme so perfectly.
The sheer beauty of this image takes my breath away with its realism and composition.

Check it out at https://thestandmag.com/volume-33 And pick up a print copy for yourself or a friend while you're there!

03/10/2022

It seems lately (ok, maybe all of 2022) I’ve been running behind on everything...and my delay with Issue 33 is a prime example. Many of you, like me, are balancing multiple facets of your lives in a time that is still a bit crazy. In that juggling act, there are times you drop a ball (or balls). Call it a time management opportunity or the result of trying to fit in too many commitments (including being a caregiver to an end-stage Parkinson’s parent) into a timeslot that is characterized by a post-pandemic (wait, are we even post-pandemic?), staffing crisis-characterized reality. Running late on this issue is really the result of all the above, but as I like to say, “better late than never”! I guess you could say, in conjunction with the theme, this issue is a “late-bloomer” as a summer issue heading into Fall.

This issue’s theme is “Flower Power”. There is something about the power of flowers--they add beauty to a room instantly, are deliciously fragrant, can trigger emotions, memories, positivity and can change moods. The challenge to our photographers for this issue was to show their interpretation of the theme and as you’ll see, they stepped up to the challenge. Flower Power has been captured in images that portray the beauty of flowers, the blossoming of knowledge and relationships, the symbolism of life and growth, and the delicacy of simply enjoying a single blossom.

Characteristic of a post-pandemic (or at least in the midst of an endemic) global environment, things are beginning to bloom and flourish around us. Things flower and bloom...and sometimes it happens later vs sooner. So I’ll chalk this up to being a “late bloomer” and hope you enjoy the incredible images on the pages that follow. I thank our contributors for their wonderful photographs which will be sure to delight you as you turn each page. Thank you to Polina Plotnikova of for her amazing cover. Please check out this amazing issue at https://thestandmag.com/volume-33 Print copies will be available for purchase in the next day or two.

Have a fantastic week!

Debbie

03/10/2022

It seems lately (ok, maybe all of 2022) I’ve been running behind on everything...and my delay with Issue 33 is a prime example. Many of you, like me, are balancing multiple facets of your lives in a time that is still a bit crazy. In that juggling act, there are times you drop a ball (or balls). Call it a time management opportunity or the result of trying to fit in too many commitments (including being a caregiver to an end-stage Parkinson’s parent) into a timeslot that is characterized by a post-pandemic (wait, are we even post-pandemic?), staffing crisis-characterized reality. Running late on this issue is really the result of all the above, but as I like to say, “better late than never”! I guess you could say, in conjunction with the theme, this issue is a “late-bloomer” as a summer issue heading into Fall.

This issue’s theme is “Flower Power”. There is something about the power of flowers--they add beauty to a room instantly, are deliciously fragrant, can trigger emotions, memories, positivity and can change moods. The challenge to our photographers for this issue was to show their interpretation of the theme and as you’ll see, they stepped up to the challenge. Flower Power has been captured in images that portray the beauty of flowers, the blossoming of knowledge and relationships, the symbolism of life and growth, and the delicacy of simply enjoying a single blossom.

Characteristic of a post-pandemic (or at least in the midst of an endemic) global environment, things are beginning to bloom and flourish around us. Businesses and jobs are coming back. Supply chain issues seem to be improving. Gas is getting cheaper. People are traveling now in near-normal capacity. This holiday season, even a global recession, should be a successful one. In the doll world, doll shows are making a big comeback. If you have not attended a doll show in a while, please consider doing so to support the artists and the industry.

Things flower and bloom...and sometimes it happens later vs sooner. So I’ll chalk this up to being a “late bloomer” and hope you enjoy the incredible images on the pages that follow. I thank our contributors for their wonderful photographs which will be sure to delight you as you turn each page. Thank you to Polina Plotnikova of photoartitude_dolls for her amazing cover. Please check out this amazing issue at https://thestandmag.com/volume-33 Print copies will be available for purchase in the next day or two.

Have a fantastic week!

Debbie

24/04/2022

Flower Power! That's the theme for Issue 33!

Spring is in the air, the bees are buzzing and flowers are popping up all over the place. Here in Texas, the wildflowers are blooming everywhere now...fields of bluebonnets and other wildflowers litter the landscape. I love this time of year!

In this call for submissions, your challenge is to play off the theme, "Flower Power". There are so many possibilities here to show off your photographic skills by pairing up your doll subjects with flowers, a floral ensemble, great Spring shots, etc. And remember, flowers don't have to be in the photograph....use your imagination to interpret the theme creatively...maybe you capture the idea of blossoming, flourishing, progression and growth,...be creative and think outside the box! l can't wait to see what your camera lens captures!

Please submit your best work to [email protected] by May 15th for consideration for the Spring issue!

For inspiration, pictured is Sybarite Frieze by Superdoll captured so beautifully by photographer Liane Laughlin in Issue 32. Talk about flower power! Nice work, Liane!

16/04/2022

A little fun for a Saturday morning...who wore it better? Same dress...different dolls. On the left is Integrity Dolls Elyse Jolie and on right is Navia Pham, both by Integrity Toys. It was a lot of fun pairing these two images up.

One of the fun things about BJDs and fashion dolls is changing up the look...switching outfits, wigs, eyes, accessories, getting new face ups and creating a customized look that is all yours.

Both pics from Issue 32 https://thestandmag.com/volume-32

Check it out!

Photo credits:
Left-
Right-