Daydreaming Bee

Michael Shrapnel's Smart Doll photography is a testament to the power of creativity and its impact on mental well-being. His ability to capture the enchanting essence of Smart Dolls, while also highlighting their fashion and the stunning locations of Adelaide, creates a harmonious blend of artistry and storytelling.

Michael's focus on promoting calm, serenity, and the sheer enjoyment of doll photography serves as an inspiration to others to explore this unique art form. His attention to detail, from scouting locations to perfecting poses, demonstrates a deep commitment to his craft.

I applaud Michael's work, and I am grateful to him for choosing Smart Doll as his creative platform. As a token of my appreciation, I will be sending Michael some goodies to aid in his creative work. Congratulations to Michael for being nominated by the community. You can follow Michael's work on his Instagram at instagram.com/daydreaming_bee/

Let's hear from Michael as he shares insights into his creative process, followed by a curated gallery showcasing his captivating work. 

Hello, my name is Michael Shrapnel and I work as a Mental Health Nurse in Adelaide, Australia.

I firmly believe that finding a way to explore a person’s creativity is vital to mental well-being and health. One of my Smart Doll photography aims is to promote a sense of calm and serenity by creating graceful and elegant photos that have an enchanting and fairy tale-like feeling about them.

With my photography I want to not only showcase the magical personalities of Smart Dolls, but also the amazing fashions they wear that have been created by the many talented members of the Smart Doll community. I enjoy combining a variety of photographic genres such as fashion and architectural photography to showcase the many wondrous and iconic locations of Adelaide such as the wonderful Capri Theatre, historic Old Reynella, the beach side holiday locations of beautiful Glenelg and the magnificent Stamford Grand Adelaide.

Another aim of my photography is to promote how much fun doll photography can be. Simply going for a walk with a Smart Doll and photographing what ever takes my interest is so rewarding and enjoyable. It would be great to see more people taking up this wonderful art-form.

My creative process:

One of my creative processes involves going for a walk with just my camera and 'scouting' for potential photo shoot locations. I find this part of the process very relaxing and calming as I explore new locations and potential ideas. When taking these 'scouting' photos, I either compose the photo with a Smart Doll in mind or use my camera bag to represent the Smart Doll. At home I then have fun choosing the outfit and pose that will best tell the story about why the smart doll is at that location (please see attached photos for examples of my scouting photos and my at home posing practice). I find this creation process helps me improve my styling, posing, and photo-story compositional skills.

In order to mimic fashion style photographs, I will often shoot with the camera very close to the ground with the lens angled upwards. I use a camera with a tilting view screen to help me view the shot. I often use a tripod, especially when attempting long exposure night photography. I really like the look and tone of long exposure night photography as it is often gives the photo a more dreamy quality.

Overall, I want to stress that none of my ideas are necessary for creating great Smart Doll photos or enjoying Smart Doll photography. The most important thing about Smart Doll photography is to have fun.

I would like to thank the Smart Doll community for all their wonderful support. I also want to thank Danny Choo for giving myself and the other Smart Doll creators this amazing opportunity to showcase our creativity and passion for Smart Dolls.

Fashions Worn in submitted photographs:

Prowess' Old Reynella Bushlands and Horse Changing Station outfit: @moyashi__doll on Instagram (Bishop sleeve turtle neck, Preppy skirt, Pom Pom Beanie and Tessel necklace) and Danny Choo (Takashin Long Boots and Stockings)

Dauntless' Old Reynella outfit: @disiniodolls on Instagram (Smart Doll Girl Gathered Dress)

Valiant's night garden exploration outfit: by Danny Choo (Nice Sweater and Cargo Pants in charcoal)

Liberty at the Capri Theatre outfit: @moyashi__doll on Instagram (Moyashi Doll Holiday Dress 2021)

'I Am Woman' with Smart Doll Art Exhibition: a variety of amazing fashions from Danny Choo, Disinio Dolls (@disiniodolls on Instagram), Elite Doll World (@elitesmartbyedw on Instagram), MarukoHalu (@maruko_halu on Instagram), @mina.journey on Instagram, Moyashi Doll (@moyashi__doll on Instagram), and Suecha (@miraisuecha on Instagram)