I've been asked before how to make photosets like this. I don't claim to be an expert, but I think there's three things everyone can do to make for better photosets. (Knowing how to do makeup is not one of them!) I shared these tips before on one of the threads posted to WM forum, but thought it would be useful to update and reshare.
1. A theme. Having a good idea (or a few) can pull it all together and make everything else easy. It can be anything as simple as your doll on your bed to something like Alice in Wonderland. But offhand I'd say the bigger you dream the better it can be. Appropriate clothing and props can really make a theme pop and be memorable. Not to brag, but when Halloween rolls around next year, you're more likely to remember this set than the Eye Candy threads posted immediately before or after. It's my theme you'll remember, not neccesarily the photo quality.
2. A plan of execution. I think of some poses or expressions I may want to try in the days leading up to the shoot (possibly referring to a folder of images I've saved for posing ideas), and a day or two before the shoot will draw them out in stick figure form with little notes. (See atttached below.)
I don't always execute everything I jot down becuase I may change my mind on some things at last moment (no simple clock artwork for background) or realize the dolls balance or range of motion can't do exactly what I want (curtsy, finger to cheek.) But it gives me a framework to follow so I can get all the important shots without missing anything I need or having to constantly reconfigure doll or environment. It also allows me to work faster. Following the plan start to finish may be optional - I actually did the card game photos first this time, while the rocking chair photos were the last becuase I wanted to do as many standing scenes up front and sitting scenes last so I wasn't always adjusting Brie. Generally first to last is important though if you want your doll to strip over the course of the set or do some other action that might not easily be reversed.
3. Variation of expression. Having your doll look dead ahead, straight at camera with closed mouth is fine if you like that, but you have to admit its rather basic. If you want your doll to have some life in your pictures, consider moving the eyes, head, and arms around into different positions. Most people can do the arms, but be mindful of hands and fingers: if the fingers are crossed or bent out of shape it could ruin a nice photo. If the fingers are so badly mangled as to not be appropriate for show, you could consider hiding them under sheets or a pillow, or simply crop the image to not show them. If the head can do more than turn left or right, do so; tilt it to the sides, up, or down, for some shots. VonRubber's teeth and tongue inserts are great for mouths and I highly recommend a set for photography, but you can also make
bargain teeth for just a few dollars. The hardset trick, and the one I don't see utilized enough is eye movement. VonRubber gave a tip a long time back to add some extra cotton behind the eye, which not only makes the iris appear larger and better for photography, but allows you to press against the eye and move it around more easily. Having the doll look askew at something or off camera can work wonders.
Granted, not every doll can utilize all these expressions. If you can't its even more important to build up theme and plan to compenstate. I've seen some great work recently with the little Barbie and Phicen dolls providing expression through props.
Happy to share any other insights you guys might ask about.
Awesome! 
