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?
Hey there,
I know that a good photo does a lot to
improve your credibility toward projecting
your feminine image. I have many suitors who
think that I am a GG.
Hugs,
Denise
A GG is a HORSE where I come from …..:-)
You’re so right about the confidence factor! Once you feel comfortable in front of a camera — especially someone else’s camera — the girl inside takes over!
…. AND does what???
A couple of my favourite shots, even though one is on a sunny day, with lots of shadows and straight on to the camera.
You look gorgeous in both shots:)xx
Great information. I will keep all of your tips in mind when I have some more pictures taken. These are two of my favorites, I think they turned out ok but I am a work in progress 🙂
These are excellent tips, Lucille. I would suggest adding a sixth, though. SMILE!!!! It is astonishing to me how few people, when they are posing for photos, look like they are about to get an elective colonoscopy. Photos are improved by orders of magnitude is the subject looks like she is enjoying herself at the moment the photo is taken. Gina Conners
…. Good Point Gina girl! SMILE !!!! Hey you look foxy were do you live?
Thanks for your blogs. I appreciate all your comments and I know the rest of the girls here and everywhere like them too.
I completely agree with the above recommendations. Taking pictures can be so much fun if you do them just right. Shoulders and stiffness are the biggest problem for most of us. Just relax and you will find your female qualities will flow into the lens. Attached is a photo of a day out in Washington state last week. Love, Carollyn
Carollyn , I really enjoy seeing your photos. I have seen several of you . I like your conservative style . I have several dresses , skirts , blouses , handbags ,and of course lots of shoes. I am just about ready to get a wig and professional makeover. Your posts and photos have continued to inspire me to go out as a confident , loving life, woman . Thank you.
pictures taken at age 73 Using your many instructions
Tanya , your beautiful . I love that smile , hugs .
Hi Ross,
Thank you for wonderful compliments. It is Lucille who got me started my breast development when I bought her breast development program.
After that it was her many other tips that helped me have a wonderful journey into womanhood. I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR!!
Huggles to all,
Tanya
Hi Tania
if i change my self back I take you as my lady
You look Lovely in that dress beatiful breast
Lovely smile you dont look 73 you look 50 years
Youre look 100 percent woman. thanks for you Pictures
take care
Thank you Naterlie.
… Hey man you look like de QUEEN