Jan
03
2012The Irresistible Lure of the Lens
I wonder why it is that t-girls seem to have an incessant desire to have their picture taken. I don’t really know how common it is, but my straw poll shows that almost everyone I know is so afflicted.
What answers are we looking for in the lens?
Is it just to see how well we’re doing at assuming the female guise?
Or is it more, “I can’t believe I look this way!”
Or is it, “Damn, I’m hot. Photos of myself turn me on like porn… maybe better!”
I have a good excuse: I need ‘em for my blog. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)
What’s yours?
Caramel Black
One of the hardest things to do for most who are born male, whether they’re crossdressers, transvestites, or transsexuals is to achieve the appearance of genetic females as convincingly as possible. You do it very well Janie, but then we all know that and we keep coming back to enjoy your experiences.
Taking photos are our way of studying ourselves and for many, showing others, for a multitude of reasons. It’s our way of documenting our progress with one of the toughest undertakings one can make, no matter how “passable” we are. The great irony to me is that there are so many males who look like females and hate it, while there are so many who want to appear feminine, yet could never make that happen.
cdjanie
How true Cara – and equally so that there are men who envy the lot of women while some women wish they could have what men have. Neither is likely to get what they seek, though we trans people do come close, don’t we? (Nice to hear from you BTW, Cara 🙂 )
gswi
Photography was always my passion, and since I learned how to do my own makeup properly I had a model available whenever I needed one 🙂
And of course it’s a good way to check how I look, which outfits work and which don’t, how to pose and walk (yes, I used to check this with videos), and so on…
Sometimes I like what I see, but I can’t say that it turns me on. I’m more an “enjoying the esthetics” kinda girl. Girls are just more esthetic and beautiful than men.
Sarah
I think all of the reasons you cite apply to me. Its the same when looking in the mirror too. In fact, I think its just a way of hanging on to that mirror image a bit longer – and then seeking validation from “fellow sufferers” of the affliction. Somehow, I am not interested in what other men who are not into transvestism/ transgenderism or transexuality, think. I feel they can’t possible understand us so why bother with their opinions. However, I am always thrilled to discover a genetic girl who is interested. This is obviously because I don’t have a female supportive partner and a fantasy dream is that I do !
cdjanie
We all have our own reasons, I suppose. I am not inclined to ask a man for an opinion the way I might ask a woman, but I am quite interested in their opinion, which I discern simply through whether they are “into” me.
Oh, and a very happy new year to you Sarah – it has been a while…
Cyrsti
I have a love/hate relationship with pix.
Pictures validate us certainly but I have never had one of my pix turn me on lol! (Does that tell you something?) haha
But I have had thought…wow, who is that?
Most of us do carry various amounts of our male selves as baggage. I feel our fascination with pictures are part of that.
Women have pictures of family and friends. Men of course are overwhelming into visual sexual stimulation so sexy pix are in demand.
I agree that pictures can be wonderful learning tools but also feel they are but a moment in time and can be overrated.
Years ago I had an acquaintance who was a flat out “hottie” on line but wasn’t able to journey out her front door without being tagged as a guy within five minutes.
As always, a wonderful thought provoking question!
cdjanie
Yeah, Cyrsti, the camera lies. Big time. Some times to the good, sometimes to the bad.
shantown
Great comments from everybody. I think pictures are a way for us to have a lasting image we can see with our eyes…and can then compare to the image we have always seen in our minds for years and years. Mirrors can do the same, but for just a fleeting moment. After all, we can’t stand in front of a mirror all day….although at times it seems I have….lol. Problem is, we are always our own worst critics on our looks, looking at ourselves through a long-time male oriented lens that others don’t see us with. Personally, that’s why I so crave interaction with others….to let that inside feeling of femininity come out in relationships, not just the physical image from the mirror or picture.. I, for one at least, want others to relate to a girl, not just see one…..
paula
While I can relate to all the above very sensible and rational reasons I suspect that at some level or another we are all both voyeurs and exhibitionists. I of course need them fr my Blog…..