I think the main reason it looks puppet-like is the angle of the camera-- it's straight on-- like a stage. Play with it some more up and down, you seem to have come down a bit in this one, come in at an angle, it often improves things, and, as they say, lighting. The whole thing really depends on lighting. It is, in a way, a stage, where you are directing and shooting the stills, it's up to you the cameraman to disguise the theatrical aspects. By the way, I think your Victor looks very convincing. He does look like he has a skirt on, but clothing is not in huge supply.:)) Emily