Can you believe it’s already May 2012? Time flies when you are having fun!

I’ve got tons happening behind the scenes that I can’t wait to share with you – including a top secret photo project that is going to help redefine society’s concept of “transgender beauty” …

I’m about to show the world what you and I already know – that crossdressers and TG women can be every bit as beautiful, feminine, and fabulous as their GG sisters! (Stay tuned for more details coming soon!)

Photos are a perfect way to express your femme side – and they can be a huge confidence booster.

But I know what it’s like to freeze up as soon as the camera comes out …

Bad shots are a bummer, so keep reading to discover the top 5 femme photo posing mistakes – and how to fix them!

1. Shooting shoulders square on

Most crossdressers and transgender women have broad shoulders, so it’s a big mistake to shoot them square on.

Instead, pose with your shoulders at an angle to the camera. This makes them look smaller and more feminine – and gives you more of an hourglass shape.

2. Holding your body too straight

Posing with your arms, legs, head, and torso too straight makes you look stiff and awkward. It’s also makes you look more masculine.

The secret to flattering, feminine photos is to create softness and curves with your body – so bend your arms and legs slightly, tilt your head, lean forward at the waist, and relax 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.

If you are indoors, move away from overhead lights and try placing a couple lamps with soft lighting around you.

If you are 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, diffuse glow.

If you must pose in strong light, tilt your chin up a bit to minimize shadows.

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.

5. Not engaging your mind

I’m a huge fan of America’s Next Top Model. I love how the show demonstrates that modeling is as much about mindset as it is about natural-born beauty. If a model isn’t feeling fabulous, it WILL show in her photos.

The same is true for you! You need to psych yourself up so you feel as stunning as possible during your photoshoot …

Having trouble mustering up your confidence? One trick is to imagine that you are portraying a character (either real or imagined). “Modeling” somebody else is a great way to channel their energy in photos.

One of my favorite parts about blogging is seeing the photos you girls upload to my site. (Literally thousands of photos at this point!) So in this post, I’d love to see your best shots. Leave me a comment and upload your favorite femme photos below!

Love,
Lucille

Feminization Secrets

Did you realize that your HAIR is one of the first things people notice about you?

Unfortunately, there are some common hairstyle mistakes that could be preventing you from passing or blending in as a woman …

Here are the top 5 CD/TG hairstyle mistakes – and how to fix them!

1. Choosing the wrong hair color

If you wear a wig or dye your hair, choosing the right hair color is key. The wrong shade will wash you out and highlight the harsh angles of your face.

Rule #1 is to stay within 2 shades of your natural hair color. Most girls can’t pull off extreme shades like “Barbie” blonde or jet black.

Only Barbie can pull off this shade of blonde!	Jet black is too harsh for most people’s skin tones	Stay within 2 shades of your natural hair color

Rule #2 is to choose a hair color that compliments your skin tone.

First, identify whether you have a WARM or a COOL skin tone. (Hint: If the veins on your inner wrist appear blue, you have a cool skin tone. If they look green, you have a warm skin tone.)

If you have a cool skin tone, choose hair colors with a cool tone – like coffee brown, burgundy, or ash blonde. If you have a warm skin tone, opt for golden shades such as chestnut, auburn, or honey blonde.

COOL hair colors compliment cool skin tones	WARM hair colors compliment warm skin tones

2. Wearing the wrong hairstyle

The wrong hair hairstyle can throw off your entire appearance. Hairstyles that are too short, too long, or too angular have a masculinizing effect on your face.

Shoulder length cuts with soft waves or layers are most feminine and flattering. Soft bangs are also a must if you have a high forehead.

Long, straight, center-parted hair is too severe	Angular bobs emphasize the angles of your face	Soft waves and bangs are feminine and flattering

3. Showing off thinning hair or a receding hairline

While it’s great to grow out your own hair, make sure you have enough of it to show off!

I often see crossdressers and transgender women with thinning hair or receding hairlines. Slight hair loss might not be noticeable in guy mode, but it instantly reads as masculine in girl mode.

Hair loss treatments and hormones can help with hair regrowth, but in the meantime, wear a wig or hair piece. You could also rock a cute hat!

4. Wearing cheap or worn out wigs

If you’re going to wear a wig, invest in the best one you can afford. High quality human hair wigs cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, but you can find synthetic wigs for much less.

No matter how much you spend, you want to look for SHINE and SOFTNESS. Wigs with dull, rough hair fibers scream “fake” from a mile away.

Also keep in mind that wigs have a limited life span. As soon as your wig starts to look dull or frizzy, it’s time to shop for a new one.

5. Wearing a wig too high or too low on your forehead

If you are new to wigs, it’s normal to be scared your wig is going to fall off. Your instinct might be to push the wig down, but the low-forehead look is NOT flattering. (Hello, Neanderthal!)

On the other hand, if the wig isn’t properly secured, it can creep up your forehead. That’s not pretty either.

Wig worn too low	Wig worn too high	Wig worn at natural hairline

To avoid slippage (and paranoia about your wig falling off), I suggest sewing wig clips to the inside of the wig. Wearing a wig cap or a wig grip can also help keep your wig in place.

Wig clips	Wig cap	Wig grip

Author: Lucille, Feminization Secrets