Photos are a great way to share your female self with the world. But maybe you think you have to look like a model to take stunning photos? Guess again!
Looking gorgeous in photos all mastering the right techniques and having a few tricks up your sleeve.
In this blog post, I share 8 trans / crossdresser photoshoot tips that can help you look and feel your best.
Whether you’re taking selfies or working with a photographer as part of a transformation service, these tips will help you look HOT in your MTF photos.
Top 8 MTF Trans / Crossdresser Photoshoot Tips
1. It’s all about the lighting
Lighting is the #1 make-or-break factor in your photos. Good lighting can literally take 10 years off your face and make you look softer, prettier, and more feminine.
The best and easiest lighting to work with is natural sunlight. Either shoot outside or in a well-lit room with lots of windows. Here are a few tips for working with natural light:
- Overcast days are the best time to shoot since the lighting is softer.
- If you are using window light, be sure to shoot facing the window. Having the light behind you or on the side will result in dark shadows.
- Play around with your position and location to ensure you’re capturing the most flattering lighting.
No sunlight? No problem! Another great solution is to invest in a ring light. Ring lights provide soft, even lighting on the face. It’s why beauty influencers love them!
2. Stabilize and position the camera correctly
A shaky camera or awkward angle will ruin any image. That’s why it’s so important to position the camera correctly.
Here are 3 tips for stabilizing and positioning your camera:
- Get a tripod. Tripods are inexpensive and will immediately up your photo game. If you’re taking selfies, you can either use the camera timer or invest in a remote control camera shutter for your phone.
- Try a selfie stick. These silly gadgets are actually very helpful for taking flattering selfie photos and getting rid of that “extended arm in the photo” look.
Speaking of selfies, did you know that photos taken at arm distance distort your face and can make your nose look 30% bigger? Yup, studies prove it! The solution is to take photos at a proper distance using the methods above.
3. Find the right angle for your face
Now let’s talk about the camera angle. This has a huge impact on how your photos turn out.
A camera angle that’s too low can create the look of a double chin. A camera angle that’s too high looks awkward.
The camera lens should be positioned at or slightly above eye level for the most flattering shots.
Another tip is to project your chin forward an inch or so more than normal. This helps define your jawline, regardless of the camera angle.
4. Adjust your body angle
When it comes to flattering photos, it’s all about the angles.
The #1 rule is to avoid facing the camera straight on. This tends to make your body look wider than it actually is.
Instead, angle your torso away from the camera. This creates the illusion of smaller shoulders and helps balance the proportions of your body.
5. Find your best side
It’s not a myth that everybody has a “good side.” Our faces aren’t perfectly symmetrical, so they look different from each side.
Experiment with different facial angles until you find your best look. Try turning your face slightly right or left, and tilting your chin up and down.
Also consider your eyes. Instead of looking straight at the camera, try looking up or away. Once you’ve found your good side, work it!
6. Watch your arms
Arms are a trouble spot for many crossdressers and transgender women.
Posing with your arms pressed against your body makes them look even bigger. Keep your arms slightly away from your body for a slimming effect.
You can also cover your shoulders with a pretty scarf. This helps downplay your arms while still allowing you to show some skin.
7. Think pretty thoughts
The camera captures EVERYTHING. If you feel bad about yourself, I guarantee it’ll be reflected in your photos.
That means you need to psych yourself up so you feel as stunning as possible during your photo shoot.
Music can instantly boost your mood, so put on some funky music and tell yourself that you’re the hottest thing since Bella Hadid!
Finally, don’t forget that even the most beautiful women in the world occasionally take bad photos. Immediately delete any bad photos – and treasure the good ones!
8. Try a photo filter
There are all kinds of selfie apps that can take your photos from good to gorgeous.
While I don’t recommend going overboard with photo filters or face editing tools, improving the colors and lighting in your photos can make a big difference.
To learn more, check out my blog post on Top 5 MTF Selfie Apps and Feminization Photo Editors to Transform Your Pics.
Share your favorite photo!
Now it’s your turn: I’d love to see your best shot, so share your favorite photo below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Want to learn more about how to master your feminine presentation?
Sign up for my free 3-part Male to Female Makeover Mini Course here!
was fun 🙂
I completely agree with this post, I usually take many pictures and try different angles and select the ones that favor myself. Also, when taking pictures you can pull off tricks to look your best (like heavy contouring, playing with light and camera exposure to soften lines, etc.).
Anyway, I think these pictures turned ok 🙂
It appears you know what you’re doing because you look great. On the other hand mine need work, however I enjoy trying to perfect my pictures
You look great
Your pictures look great, aided by a very feminine face and hips.
Thanks Janet! I do have to confess that I use padded panties 🙂
Wow, beautiful photos!
they are very nice, I would love to do a photo shoot some day.
Thank you!!
I love posing as it helps me to portray the best way i should face the camera and also face an actual person. However I find that when posing before a camera, you should praise in front of a full length mirror where you can pose full length standing, or sitting on a chair etc.To illustrate what I am saying I am adding a few pics of me. I think positively that I am the most beautiful Tgirl in the world and that I am posing for a (make believe ) Photoshoot. I also think well ahead that I should slim down and eat the right foods. Some of these include raw vegetables and an occasional raw slice of tuna. PLenty of fresh fruit juices.I avoid sugars as in chocolates, and sweets and cakes. Thank God I love hot fiery foods as against sweets. I love t adorn my hands but when i find that i sometimes have to have my hands closer to my body, then i wear a long sleeve blouse or dress. Also to create that hourglass look we should be mindful of the type f clothes we wear at each occasion. I am an anglo asian from Sri Lanka and I love both eastern and western clothes for work and parties, cocktails or dances.
I am proud to coincide a few of my pics to illustrate how i try to look my best. As I do my own make up, I know, fortunately how to apply make up, match and blend colours particularly for eyeshadows. As a T girl, you should learn basic make up techniques.
As I always say to myself , practice, watch and mimic everything that the ideal girl does.Watch them in real life, on TV or anywhere for that matter.
Love and best wishes to all Girls out there and a special hug to Lucille.
Susan G.
my feminine pose….fail
hahahahaa
i feel daft sometimes but i should really get a good photographer
i suck……
U look amazing. You’re doing fine
i think you look really pretty and feminine .. id love to look that good lauralynn
I love your look. Very feminine and sexy
Hi Lucille, Thank so much for being there for all us girls. This my last photo of myself. Love all the great advice and hard work you put in. Hope you like the photo. I’ve been wanting to do some pinup shots sometime. Could you give me some ideas? Thanks Gina
Dear lucy you can’t imagine what u have done for me–i live my life as a woman and love every second of it!! Thank you so very much!
Deana wearing her new red coat
Lucille, I have been listening to your feminization hypnosis tapes every night since I got them about three weeks ago. I listen to all of them evey night.. They have made a big difference, I feel more feminine and love dressing more than ever, I swear my makeup technique has improved and I find myself walking in heels better than ever… thanks, I love them. He’re a recent photo
Kathleen