Do you believe the mirror or the camera?

[minalost]

I finally got a chance to dress up enfemme on Sunday . It’s literally the first time I’ve put on makeup in over seven years. Some of it came back – just like riding a bike - but some not so much! I’ve always had a hard time with foundation; I used to use way too much, so this time I really, really tried to use less and I think I ended up using too little instead ! Arg! It’s too bad I didn’t have time to do it more than once, because I’d like to try a couple of variations, to see what difference it would make. Practice, practice, practice as they say…

Anyway, when all was said and done I don’t think it looked TOO bad, judging from what I saw in the mirror. But when I took some photos, I looked all washed out, like some vampire or bloodless zombie ! Ick! (Yes, I found the best photo of the bunch and updated my profile… but beware, only the strong of stomach should venture there; or maybe use the old mirror trick to avoid being turned to stone… shudder…). I’m not really much of a shutter bug, so my lack of skill might have something to do with it too.

So, do the rest of you have this same problem with those darn lying cameras? Or is it the darn lying mirrors?

[Tracy_Victoria]

Camera, Image in a mirror is a refection, a picture from a camera is correct, the mirror is reversed, you can only get a true, representation from a mirror, by using a second mirror, ie the refection is reversed twice.

[AKAMichelle]

I personally don't like either of them. No matter how hard I try I never seem to be happy with the results.

[docrobbysherry]

If so, I think u look very cute in your profile pic!

As for improving your pics, try working on the liting, as well as finding a LOOK u like!

As for ME, I'm fortunate to be NEARSITED! So, I pretty much see the SAME image in my mirror as in my pics!

[Deborah Jane]

I prefer the mirror

I'm sure the camera lies [well mine does ]

[Mea GG]

Well, a lot of time the flash is going to overlight the face or part of it. Or emphasize shadows or blemishes worse than real life.

In the picture in my profile the pic looks better than the mirror re the horrid lines between my eyes. But the camera looks worse on my jaw area which is fine in the mirror, and in the pic I look like a ventriloquist dummy. One person at work said it made my nose too big from being so close (Jiminy Cricket look, she calls it), and the others said it looked like me.

I don't think flipping the image makes much difference but you can do that in Photobucket or Photoshop or whatever if you want to see your phot the same as the mirror pic.

[Sarah Doepner]

I prefer not to believe in either one and go with the fantasy image the voices in my head tell me looks just like a V.S. model.

For you color, the mirror may be the best choice if you have good lighting. All too often the flash on a camera will wash out all the color, giving you that pale complexion you mention. Unless you have mulitiple mirrors you can use to see your profile, you have to believe the camera when it comes to how you look from any angle other than straight on.

[kimdl93]

I would prefer to believe the mirror, but the camera seems to be more objective.

[Debb]

I would prefer to believe the mirror, but the camera seems to be more objective.

Neither. The safest bet is to go by how others react to us.

I had to quote both of these, for accuracy. I also prefer the mirror; I must get close, as I'm near-sighted, and the mirror I use is not a full-length one... this gives the result of it being only my face, and all I see is the makeup/eye shadow/lipstick/earrings, and I'm pretty for a moment.

Then I go and screw-up and take a photo. Back to reality (sigh)...

But yeah, Denise has it. Reactions tell us a lot, and really it's the fact that we're live-action, smiling, etc .. that makes all the difference. Just being people.

[Barbara Dugan]

I think the mirror because for better or for worse looks more real

[sherri52]

Wether your in front of a camera or a mirror there is still the difference of lighting. The mirror is usually affixed to a wall and doesn't get the light that you really want for a close up look. The camera can be brought to another room or even outside to help you get the look you are looking for. The right lighting can also make your pic look better than than the real thing. Have fun with it. Find a pic you like and make it a keeper.

[Carol A]

I prefer the mirror but must believe what the camera tells me. Sometimes I am very happy with a picture other times I wonder why the camera didn't break.

[EnglishRose]

Put it this way. When I sifted through 90 or so webcam shots I liked only three or so of them. However if I showed those three as my only shots they'd be unrepresentative of my looks. So I don't think the camera lies; however it's how we use its results that really affects how we're perceived, right?

Time to put in my avatar I guess. Yes, this is one I liked which goes to show how bad the others are (fish, fish)

[Kate Simmons]

Neither. The safest bet is to go by how others react to us.

[LisaElizabeth]

I think when we dress, whether CD or GG, we have a tendency to look in the mirror and at the camera through 'rose colored glasses'. I mean, we just spent an awful lot of time and money, putting together an outfit, makeup, hair, jewlery and shoes!!!
So-o-o we would feel feminine. If you looked at the image and didn't like what you saw, you would either change your outfit or your makeup or your jewlery until you liked what you saw!!
SO both actually lie to you!!!
I have to agree with Denise Rhodes!! It's how you are treated once you are out the door and mixing with the general population that determines how well you did, not your opinion or another crossdresser's opinion.
Lisa E

[minalost]

If so, I think u look very cute in your profile pic!

As for improving your pics, try working on the liting, as well as finding a LOOK u like!

As for ME, I'm fortunate to be NEARSITED! So, I pretty much see the SAME image in my mirror as in my pics!

No, but I'll take it ! Thanks !

Neither. The safest bet is to go by how others react to us.

You're right of course, but it would be nice to have a photo to post that I really like...

[Mickeytgurl]

I usually choose to believe the camera. When I do the makeup in the mirror, it is usually with glasses on, and quite close. As a result, I see every line, every pore, every tiny flaw. Most often, I am stunned at how wonderful the camera shots come out!

[jenna_woods]

I go by the camera, its helped me a lot in looking better

[ClaudiaDawn]

Hi Mina,

I looked at your profile picture and you looked terrific, I don't know what you don't like about the picture.

Myself I prefer the mirror, when I look in the mirror the pink fog is in full force and what I see is a beautiful, young woman looking back at me; when I look at the pictures after the fact then I can see why the cats hide and try to claw their way out of the house.

Hugs,
Claudia Dawn

[Alice B]

Our eyes, which have the ability to be selective in what they see, which allows the brain a wide variety of options in what it perceives. However the camera lens sees all and is not selective unless you have the photographic skills to control lighting, depth of field, etc. So, while we practice our skills at dressing, make up, etc. we must refine our photographic skills to make ourselfs look our best.

[Juliemckay]

My imagination never lies. I'm sticking to that.

I prefer the look in the camera (photoshop anyone?), but the mirror is more accurate

[minalost]

My imagination never lies. I'm sticking to that.

I'm all for that! I alway look good with my eyes shut and my minds eye wide open !

My thanks to all for your advise on make up and lighting with a camera. I'll have to give some of it a try next time out...

Additional thanks to eveyone who said nice things about my profile photo...

[Kaz]

I love the profile pic... it is a real person!

I look better in "some" photos and not others - oh the joy of digital photography!

I do "not too bad" pics occasionally (no photoshop)... but real life (mirror) I am a middle-aged guy doing what he shouldn't!

But when in the pink fog... it all looks good!

xx

[Sheila]

I hate both if I am in front of them, they show a fat short middle aged woman who is nothing like the sexy svelte girl I feel inside

[NicoleScott]

I like and use both the mirror and the camera. The mirror gives me feedback for the present. The camera gives me feedback for the future.
The camera lets me see myself from an angle other than the straight on view the mirror gives me, unless I use two or mirrors for side and back views.
To see yourself best with either mirror or camera, lighting is vitally important.
One trick I use to see if the picture might turn out good is to set a mirror on a stand (I use a makeup mirror on a pedestal stand) next to my camera on a mini-tripod. I can check the lighting (shadows don't like me, and the feeling is mutual) and the pose. When it looks right in the mirror, I click. I use a shutter timer and know within a second when the picture will be snapped.
Doing all this, trying to make the best photos possible, within the limitations of the equipment, I still feel lucky if 1 in 10 or more turn out good. Yes, we are our own worst critics, but I know a bad pic when I see one.
When cd's post questions on how to do good makeup, I often reply: practice.
I think the same goes for good picture taking: practice. In both cases, make mistakes and learn from them.