For our first big trip this year, we're heading to Japan. Of course, we want to bring home some gorgeous photos to ooh and ah over. But have to admit, taking photos is an art and a gift. You just have to have that eye, which some of us don't have (We're not telling who).

So, here's our first lesson in taking beautiful snaps. We spoke with Italian photographer Chiara Del Moro - whose claim to Zaji Girl fame are her amazing photos of fashion dolls.

Check out her portfolio on Flickr! We asked her all sorts of questions about everything.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Your photos are gorgeous. How long have you been a photographer? When did you fall in love with taking photos? What's the hardest thing about being a professional photographer?

I started with photography 4 years ago thanks to my best friend who’s a photographer as well. He taught me the basics, and I started studying to improve my technique.

I love photography because through it I can truly express myself. I just find it easier to show other people my feelings and emotions through a photo than for example writing them a letter.

I think that the hardest part of being a photographer is the discontinuity of the job and also making a picture shot on a grey day appealing. You have to make your photos recognizable, special, and unique just like you!

Can you give us your top 3 tips for taking beautiful photos, if you are an amateur?

-First of all photograph subjects, where you can recognize yourself, it makes it easier!

-Then play with the aperture on your camera, focus on details.

-Use the light (natural or artificial) to create the right atmosphere for your shot! Oh and the most important thing: have fun!!!

How did you develop your love of fashion dolls? Can you tell us the story behind your Pullip collection. They look like little people..

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved dolls so when I found out that in Japan dolls are not just a child-only concept I thought it was the perfect excuse to start buying and playing with them again! I started with Pinky-Street. They are 4 inch tall figures. Their parts are interchangable, which allows you to put together different combinations of outfits and hair, letting you express yourself in creating your Pinky!

About 9 inches after,I come into Pullips. I fell in love with their big heads and more realistic look, after them came Blythes, Momokos and lots of vintage dollies so my collection keeps growing!

How do you capture that style and those fun looks..with inanimate objects?

I like to play with my dolls’ eye mechanism and body to pose them in fun or realistic ways. After a while it became natural to me and it lets the dolls themselves show off their personalities! Sometimes I change my dolls’ original bodies into more posable ones, like Obitsu bodies for example!

You’re a professional woman, do people still think that having a doll collection is a bit childish or do you find most people open-minded about it?

Well I’m sure many people still think that having a doll collection is childish or…weird! I’m very lucky because all my friends, my boyfriend and my family support my love for fashion dolls, and I share my hobby with some of them as well! 



I think the main reason for people finding dolls weird is that they just see them as toys; while I think that many fashion dolls are directed to adults not to children!

For example when Kenner Blythes first came out in the 70s they weren’t very popular among kids, while now thanks to Gina Garan and “This is Blythe” site they regained popularity among adults (and some kid as well). And lately they have become very expensive too!!

 

What is your favourite fashion doll that you have photographed?

This is a tough one!! I love all my dollies but I think my favorite model is my Pullip Assa. I called her Melissa, rewigged her and gave her a new body, she’s really pretty and photogenic!

As I was saying I love all my dolls but Melissa is special! She’s always glancing at the camera.

FASHION

One of your favorite fashion icons is Audrey Hepburn? What is it about her style that you think works even in 2008? Any other favorite fashion icons?
 

I think Audrey Hepburn is the ultimate fashion icon! I love her simplicity; her style is always appropriate and never ordinary! She’s unique; I love that! She was innovative, chic and she managed to turn her style into fashion!

Another of my icons is Twiggy; I love the 70s so I think this is the main reason! She IS the 70s!! All those miniskirts, boots, floral and optical prints…I like that
style a lot and I mix modern to vintage to create my own style taking inspiration from Audrey, Twiggy and many others!

You're also Italian. And Italians are invariably known for their fashion sense. Can you tell us what makes Italians so effortlessly fashionable and stylish?

I think it's because Italians are very hedonistic. We take our time to enjoy the pleasures of life, even though nowadays it's not easy, because life is frenetic. I think we have something that links us to a past in which people had time for themselves and this love for life is reflected in our fashion sense

 

TRAVEL AND JAPAN

 

You are also a fan of Japanese anime and always sign off your web pages as the Orihime Inoue character…. What is it that you love about the name that seems to characterize the creative part of yourself?

Yes you’re right I’m a fan of Bleach and my nickname comes from that anime. I choose the Orihime character because I like her personality, and I think it matches mine somehow. She’s a sweet girl, always cheerful but also naïve just like me!

Moreover the name Orihime means Weaver, the star Vega and is linked to a Japanese legend called Tanabata that talks about a princess (hime in Japanese means princess).

Who is Hitomi Takahashi? Her song is on your My Space page. Seems like you are a big fan of Japanese culture? How did that come about?

Hitomi Takahashi is a Japanese j-pop singer very famous in Japan. I love Japanese music and culture and I usually watch and read a lot about it! I started studying Japanese when I was in high school (even though my Japanese is still weak. The culture of that country fascinated me at first glance. I love Japanese culture because of its colorful aspects.

Its cheerful musicality and above all the art that Japanese people have to create their own style! A style that is made of whatever comes in to your mind, a sort of expression of your soul through clothes, music, accessories and dolls as well

Have you been to Japan?

Unfortunately no, I have never been to Japan! But I’d love to go!! I’d like to see Kyoto, Osaka. Tokyo-of course with all its districts: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza etc. where I can go for crazy shopping sessions in which for once I can include dolls!! I can’t wait to try all Japanese typical dishes as well, from Kare Raisu, Tempura, Wagashi, and Zenzai to the most popular like sushi and sashimi!

ITALY AND BERLIN

Can you tell us something about Italy or about someplace in Italy that many tourists don't go to that that you think is definitely worth a trip off the beaten path?

Italy is a small country, but one of the things I like the most is that you can do anything; from skiing to going to the seaside; from eating spaghetti in a cozy low profile restaurant to a luxury dinner in a fusion restaurant. The landscape changes as long as you go from north to south, blooming in a thousand different colors!

I’m from Florence, and I think it's a city you must see at least once in your life! There are many other beautiful places like Tropea in Calabria or Viareggio in Tuscany. A really cool place especially for young people), Parma, Siena (with it's wonderful Spa)..I could go on forever!! I suggest you all to come to Italy you won’t regret your choice.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Travelling is one of my favorite things to do! I like to travel everywhere from my own country to China, and Peru. However there’s one city that surprised me a lot: Berlin.

There’s a very low tempo there, relaxed atmosphere and a lot of slacking off in the parks. Lots of beer gardens and an endless supply of bars, restaurants and so on. It's a place that makes you feel always welcome! Every time I go there I find something new and interesting. I just can't wait to go back there!!

 

 

Photo Credits: All photos by Chiara Del Moro, except Audrey Hepburn by Hepburn Tribute , Berlin by "© Sai.chan | Dreamstime.com" and character Orihime by Bleach Anime.