Photos are a great way to express your femme self. Whether you take selfies or go to a studio, beautiful images can be a real confidence booster.
Fortunately, you don’t need supermodel genes to look great in photos. It’s all about skill – and avoiding some common mistakes.
Read on to learn about 5 common photo posing mistakes… and how to fix them!
1. Shooting Shoulders Straight On
If you have broad shoulders (like most crossdressers and transgender women), you should angle your shoulders away from the camera to create a slimmer look. This downplays their width, creating more feminine-looking body proportions.
2. Holding Your Body Too Straight
There’s nothing worse than looking stiff and awkward in your photos. The secret to flattering, feminine photos is to create softness and curves with your body. Experiment with bending your arms and legs slightly, tilting your head, pushing a hip out, and relaxing your fingers.
3. Shooting in Unflattering Light
Lighting makes all the difference in the world in photos. The #1 rule is to avoid strong overhead or side lighting since this creates ugly shadows on the face. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- If you’re indoors, move away from overhead lights and try placing a couple lamps with soft lighting around you.
- If you’re outdoors, avoid shooting in strong midday sunlight. The best time of day is to shoot at dusk or dawn when the sun has a soft, diffused glow.
- If you take selfies, try a selfie light ring that attaches to your phone. This allows you to take flattering photos in low light settings.
4. Placing the Camera Below Eye Level
Nobody wants to rock a double chin in their photos, so never pose with the camera below eye level. The lens should be at or above eye level to diminish a double chin and downplay a large jawline. As an extra bonus, this angle also makes your eyes look bigger.
5. Not Engaging Your Mind
I love watching America’s Next Top Model because it shows that modeling is as much about mindset as it is about natural-born beauty. If you’re not feeling fabulous, it WILL show up in your photos.
So how can you increase your confidence when taking photos? An easy trick is to imagine that you’re portraying a character (either real or imagined). For example: Gisele Bundchen, Cleopatra, or Sophia Loren. “Modeling” somebody else is a great way to channel their energy in photos.
Let’s see your best shot!
Taking great photos is only the first step. Sharing them with the world is where the real magic happens!
On that note, I’d love to see the photos you’re most proud of. Please share your femme photos in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, you’ll love my Stepping Out Secrets Program! This training program covers the 6 “alluring arts” that must be mastered to present yourself as a woman. It even includes a bonus module on photo posing!
transformation tips?
Here’s mine.
a few here
a few of my favorite pose, shot from above.
my right wrist was broken a few years ago so i really cant put my hand flat. BECAUSE this uses the arm to lead up to the face and bust, its really important to have your nails done (i think)
oh, and i love swimsuits. im too fat for a bikini unless i get a high waist panty and full top. the white flowered tank here, was too short and my boobs came close to falling out!
some tips: watch your background, pick up anything on the floor around your shooting area, use diffuse light (light coming in from a north facing window or use a big modifier on your flash, close in so its a soft light…
and do the details. earrings? bracelet or watch (feminine watch), nails polished? fancy rings? costume jewelry works just fine. and for posing, look at fashion magazines and try out the same poses based on your outfit…
This was recently shot here in our city white house.
Recent photo at an event. Taken by a friend at the beginning of a western style event.
I think the low light of the sun made this picture one of my best. (Please ignore the nose bandage.)
My most recent outing
You are absolutely beautiful. I love the dress and your hair and your make up. You are really stunning hunny
My most recent photo.
Love doing photo shoots!