Posing

[Nigella]

Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.

What is wrong with the simple everyday poses we all do, you know around the coffee table, lounging on the sofa, what is it with the legs bent a funny angle and the boobs being thrust out so they are seen an hour before the person?

Just curious

[JulieK1980]

I don't pose like that, but I don't think that answers the question.:tongueout

[msniki48]

Nigella,

I think it comes back to the fact that our minds image does not always reflect what the camera sees. i am sure the girls feel the pose is enticing. [ sometimes the camera agrees]...most times it does not... after several hundreds of these types of pics, as time goes on, and they try to venture out in public, they find a more realistic presentation does wonders. and so the picture poses change also.:battingeyelashes:

it is all part of the evolution

[Nigella]

This is quite similar to a thread you explored already.

The similar thread you refer to was in relation to states of undress. This one is about posing. :brolleyes:

Two different subject matters, unless of course someone is posing in the manner described in my question, whilst in a state of undress. :straightface:


Obviously something deeply disturbs you regarding these photos.

Sorry I forgot to leave my cheque for your professional services as a psychiatrist. I didn't realise I was disturbed. :D


Perhaps calling the specific people to task by PM might be better,

Sorry but did I refer to any particular person :eek:, I believe that the question is posed as being curious and is generalised.


or simply asking them respectfully.

I don't think there is anything disrespectfull about the post :Angry3:, care to elaborate?

OOPS now I know what the problem is, my current location!!

[Tamara Croft]

I asked a member that only yesterday, why they were bent over, because to me it makes no sense?

Some of the poses I've seen, well in all honesty, do you really know how silly you actually look? I mean I've seen some really daft poses and it's hard to even make a comment without it coming across as rude. I often think to myself, why would we want to look at you all bent over or all over the bed like that... would you show it your mother? if not, why do you think we all want to see it?? And before you slap me, these are my own personal thoughts as a member!!

[Sarah Doepner]

I know the photos you are talking about. Could it be the sterotypical photo of an attractive female that got stuck in the back of our minds is one from Playboy or a starlet or model vamping for the camera?

However, I think there is a very large contingent of our people here who are attempting to be more realistic in their photos. But even then, we are attempting to hide the "guy" by accentuating the "girl" and that will create some odd angles and poses. And I believe there is a commonly held belief that what we do here is, or can be, fun. If you ask, the people who you are thinking about seem to be having a really good time, even if it looks a little odd to some.

[KimberlyJo]

Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.

What is wrong with the simple everyday poses we all do, you know around the coffee table, lounging on the sofa, what is it with the legs bent a funny angle and the boobs being thrust out so they are seen an hour before the person?

Just curious

I think the answer is fairly obvious. Because to some, the act of crossdressing itself has sexual connotations. There are those that only do it (or at least primarily) for the sexual kick of it. And well...not everyone is highly adept at the art of feminine visual sensuality.
:2c:

[Super Amanda]

I think the answer is fairly obvious. Because to some, the act of crossdressing itself has sexual connotations. There are those that only do it (or at least primarily) for the sexual kick of it. :2c:


I agree. For those that get a big sexual rush from dressing, then that shows in the pictures, I think.

My pics are boring, just standing there, trying to look pretty! :) I'd be too embarrassed to attempt to be sexy....I know a lot of GG's who wouldn't post "naughty" pics of themselves online, maybe send one in a text message to their boyfriends, but other than that it seems like it takes a very confident person to post a revealing picture, IMO.:2c:

[StephanieC]

Well, since I don't have much in the boobs department, thrusting out my chest doesn't do much. And it leave me was SUCH a backache.

I have seen lots of comments about setting feet, not standing by a door, etc. I have enough to worry about to ensure my makeup and hair are ok and that I'm wearing clothes that don't make me look like I'm in kindergarten.

But having said that, I realize that people take pictures for different reasons. I try to view a picture without making judgments (including any envy over shoes). Fortunately pictures are usually of low resolution so I'm not envious about the makeup (and I'm clueless about Photoshop).

:2c:

[msniki48]

I agree. For those that get a big sexual rush from dressing, then that shows in the pictures, I think.

My pics are boring, just standing there, trying to look pretty! :) I'd be too embarrassed to attempt to be sexy.... , IMO.:2c:


Amanda, you do a wonderful job of looking pretty! I agree with you... i'd be way too embarrassed to try to look sexy....ok ok ok...maybe 25 yrs ago...but then i didn't know niki yet.

hugs amanda:love:




msniki48

[carhill2mn]

I have often wondered the same thing. I often see mutliple photos of some where the "unusual" pose is nearly the same as previous photos. Another thing that I have noticed is that many pose in what I would consider "exagerated masculine poses", not feminine poses. I would guess that these unusual poses have something to do with how the people feel about themselves. It would be interesting to know the "Why".

[Presh GG]

I am the photographer in our home. I tell my husband where to stand ,sit. Those are the pix she would share. I then give her free time [ do whatever you want] Those pix are never ment for anyone but her and I. [ such as kissy lips photos] They are just too silly!

Presh GG
I laugh at the pigeon-toe look. Women don't stand like that.

[gabimartini]

I understand your point, Nigella.

I don't get some of those poses, either. Which coupled with fishnet stockings, microskirts, unrealistic breast sizes, and what not, tend to produce a female pastiche that barely resembles women.

Carole posted an interesting comment also. Sometimes, the poses are way too masculine. I see frowns, shoulders hunched, etc. This reminds me of my first pics, your typical "boy in a dress" look. It was only with time that I was able to develop a more feminine stance, and I'm still working on it!

Guess people are trying to find their balance. Not everybody has the time or resources to work on their CDing as much as they would like to. So, if practice makes perfect, and they don't practice...

Oh well, in the end we all share a similar goal, which is to feel feminine and liberate the girl inside. That's all that matters. It's beautiful to see a world of plurality! (at least I like to think so).

[tamarav]

I certainly see your point and have to agree with most of the posters. There is just something male in most of the posters that makes them think that their pose is attractive.

I can't pose that way because I feel it is too demeaning to most women, and I worship the feminine and do not intend to ever put any woman down or degrade her.

[Presh GG]

Oh yeah, Those short-short skirts and fishnets are so unrealistic! Thats a fast way to get "read" if worn in public.
Or maybe the picture is from 1969?

Presh GG

[Sandra]

Hmmmm

Although I don't understand why the poses are done like that, I do have a thought that maybe, it is because to the "poser" the sexy look makes them feel sexy.?

[jill_cd_girl]

Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.

What is wrong with the simple everyday poses we all do, you know around the coffee table, lounging on the sofa, what is it with the legs bent a funny angle and the boobs being thrust out so they are seen an hour before the person?

Just curious

For many, the "classic 'sexual connotation'" stems from what KimberlyJo astutely pointed out: that dressing for some tends to be tied with sexual arousal or some sort of sexual fetishism. Also, dressing makes us all feel feminine, and perhaps for some, they only see some of those poses (legs bent, etc.) being done by women on certain magazines, etc. and, as a result, they feel more feminine doing poses that they would never do en drab.

Also, perhaps there is no implication from such poses that there is anything wrong with the ordinary poses.

I understand that the intention behind this question and the points raised by others who 'agree' are meant to be benevolent and motivated purely by curiosity.

I think Tamarav brings up an excellent concern, which I confess I myself ought to think about more.

[johnboy23]

Uhhhhh because when we dress sexy, we feel sexy, so we take sexy pics. When we feel pretty, we take pretty pics. When we fel cute we take cute pics. DUHHH

[Joanie_Shakti]

As a wannabe glamour photographer, I'm probably guilty of provacative posing. Especially with my leather outfit, but I feel that one calls for it.



I laugh at the pigeon-toe look. Women don't stand like that.

See attached photos. But fashion photography doesn't mimic real life. I've seen some bizarre positions recently at the high end clothing sites.

I kind of like seeing a woman in heels with a slight pigeon toe stance but I don't do it myself. I read in "Miss Vera's Finishing School for Boys Who Want to Be Girls," that the pigeon toe stance was one habit that she often had to break her students of when they posed for the camera.

[Kate Simmons]

I blame it on Madonna myself Hon.:heehee:

[SuzanneBender]

I agree. For those that get a big sexual rush from dressing, then that shows in the pictures, I think.

My pics are boring, just standing there, trying to look pretty! :) I'd be too embarrassed to attempt to be sexy....I know a lot of GG's who wouldn't post "naughty" pics of themselves online, maybe send one in a text message to their boyfriends, but other than that it seems like it takes a very confident person to post a revealing picture, IMO.:2c:

Amanda I think you are right on the money with this one. When I first starting dressing for real I was all over the sexy outfits and poses. Then I realized how silly that was for me and that it really didn't reflect who I am. Some folks get a rush out of being sexy. Sexy isn't for me. I am satisfied if I can reach the cute level. Don't expect to see any crazy pics of me when I run for Senate :heehee:

[Nigella23]

Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.
I would guess it's all about suggestion, these poses portray a skewed masculine view of feminimity, and whilst perhaps not acceptable to the accomplished CDer who has mastered makeup, the outdoors and actually sharing their secret, I think they may help those of us who aren't as quite "up to speed", with being a MAN in a dress.

[Stephenie S]

I think it's simply a growing up thing. As you grow up and experience things you will discover what works for you and what doesn't.

I raised two daughters. You should have seen some of the ridiculous poses they tried out as they learned and experimented.

It's perfectly normal to look silly as you first start out. The more pics you see of yourself, and the more pics of you others critique, the more you learn about which poses work and which do not.

I wouldn't read too much into the silly poses. Most CDers have very little experience being women.

Lovies,
Stephenie

[Sherlyn]

Something about the camera eye glaring at me ..I just have to do something beside just standing there..and there's the just having fun factor..but that type of pic for me is when I'm home just feeling like a photoshoot ..when I'm out with Di doing things we just take pics no plan about them just a natural stance ...so you see Nigella.. there are 2 types of picture taking that sum up.. my photo's :D

[Miranda09]

Something about the camera eye glaring at me ..I just have to do something beside just standing there..and there's the just having fun factor..but that type of pic for me is when I'm home just feeling like a photoshoot ..when I'm out with Di doing things we just take pics no plan about them just a natural stance ...so you see Nigella.. there are 2 types of picture taking that sum up.. my photo's :D

I agree Sherlyn. When taking pics that you really want to have fun with, sometimes, sexy, seductive poses, even if a little awkward, can be very suggestive. As an amateur photographer myself, when I'm shooting, I don't always want my model to use an everyday pose. So, for example, we do alot of the pinup model type poses, which certainly are NOT an everyday pose a gg would do. Also, when I'm posing myself, it's a way of hiding my male pose. To me, it helps bring Miranda out to a greater extent. :)

[sherri52]

For some it makes them feel more feminine. For others it is a pose more than a normal picture. Most women when you ask them to smile for the camera, they try to make it slightly sexy.

[Jocelyn Quivers]

I think it's simply a growing up thing. As you grow up and experience things you will discover what works for you and what doesn't.

I raised two daughters. You should have seen some of the ridiculous poses they tried out as they learned and experimented.

It's perfectly normal to look silly as you first start out. The more pics you see of yourself, and the more pics of you others critique, the more you learn about which poses work and which do not.

I wouldn't read too much into the silly poses. Most CDers have very little experience being women.

Lovies,
Stephenie

My take on it as well. Being in my case I have no experience in being a woman so I'm on a bit of a learning curve in the picture area.

[Cathytg]

Ii tried posing sexy once and it got a good laugh out of me. I usually pose as natural as I can or as nicely as I can. I don't do sexy very well.

[Barbara Dugan]

I think because we are just posing and having fun. We are sexual beings and its just a form of expressing some of it:hugs:

[AllieSF]

I agree with Stephanie S. As many who post pics regularly state, it takes lots of pics to get just a very few that are acceptable to them, let alone for us others. Practice makes more better and I need a lot of that because I am far from perfection as of now. Plus, I think that like using makeup, during the day it is normally understated and at night it is overstated so that it can be seen and appreciated in poorly lighted places. While taking pics, some people want to emphasize what they think is good for a pose, and end up over emphasizing it. Whatever way they come, I enjoy the pics and appreciate those that take the time and effort to share them with us. So people, keep those controversial pics coming!

[Lorileah]

this smacks of the "Why don't you dress appropriately?" or "dress your age" posts. Blend in, don't look sexy, don't show anything, look like a "real" woman. Why do some people seem to be the police for others here. If you don't like how someone poses don't freakin' look at the pictures!

Most professional pictures will put the subject in an attractive pose. One that gets attention, otherwise it is a snap shot. When someone poses they want to show how pretty, or cute thy are. It is very hard to get a good pose when you are either setting a timer or using a reflection. I have many pictures and I have been lucky to have other eyes on many of them but holding the pose for long period of time and slight adjustments to make it more sexy or feminine gets tiring.

This (dressing up) should be fun. It should be fun for the dresser. What ever makes it fun for them is what they should do (see about 800 threads on this site saying do it for YOU). If we all looked like VS models or even Sears catalog models I could see why when someone posts something that just doesn't look right or is overtly stereotypic, people would have a complaint, but we don't. We are enjoying being something we don't get to be all the time. And until we start showing genitals or sexual acts, lets just have some fun. IF you want to pse like the pictures taken with a wet plate camera, go for it. If you want to look like Madonna, go for it. Why is one more correct than the other? The only person the photo has to please is the subject.

[Nigella]

this smacks of the "Why don't you dress appropriately?" or "dress your age" posts. Blend in, don't look sexy, don't show anything, look like a "real" woman. Why do some people seem to be the police for others here. If you don't like how someone poses don't freakin' look at the pictures!

:timeout: here just need to get my self back in uniform :hwac: :D

You has got the wrong end of the stick here girl, I don't recall slighting anyone for how they pose, as you can see by a reaffermation of my post. I wonder who has put out your fire with ur*ne.


Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.

What is wrong with the simple everyday poses we all do, you know around the coffee table, lounging on the sofa, what is it with the legs bent a funny angle and the boobs being thrust out so they are seen an hour before the person?

Just curious



The only person the photo has to please is the subject.

:iagree:

[msniki48]

[QUOTE=Lorileah;2034321]this smacks of the "Why don't you dress appropriately?" or "dress your age" posts. Blend in, don't look sexy, don't show anything, look like a "real" woman. Why do some people seem to be the police for others here. If you don't like how someone poses don't freakin' look at the pictures!


[ /QUOTE]

Lorileah, I agree. I think that we sometimes forget that this is a Crossdresser's forum..[not just TS or TG but all of the above]

we all dress for different reasons, and should not judge others motives or style. I also read that many TG girls also go through this phase of growing up...since they have been male for so long they need to progress being a girl before being a woman...[something like that] there are many dynamics going on here. if you don't like the pose...don't comment, click on to the next one.

i still think this question was asked in good faith as to why we do what we do....i hope we can keep the venom out of the conversations.

[Deidra Cowen]

Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.

What is wrong with the simple everyday poses we all do, you know around the coffee table, lounging on the sofa, what is it with the legs bent a funny angle and the boobs being thrust out so they are seen an hour before the person?

Just curious

A lot of CDs get a thrill from and enjoy the sexual aspects of dressing. Perhaps those types of pics reflect that. There is a huge spectrum of CDs out there...sometimes we can't wrap our brain around what those girls that are not on our wavelenght are up to!

[KimberlyJo]

You has got the wrong end of the stick here girl, I don't recall slighting anyone for how they pose,...

Here let me show you where the slight can be inferred:


Why do CDers choose to use the classic "sexual connotation" pose when taking photos.

What is wrong with the simple everyday poses we all do, you know around the coffee table, lounging on the sofa, what is it with the legs bent a funny angle and the boobs being thrust out so they are seen an hour before the person?

Just curious

You seem to say that the "simple everyday poses" are in some way better or more appropriate than the "sexual connotation" poses.

The thing is, we're all entitled to our own opinions and preferences. I've seen lots and lots of pictures on here and sometimes I say "Oh wow" and sometimes I think "Aw girl, hell no" but, you know, if it's not my taste, I just move along :) Unless of course, they specifically ask for constructive criticism.

[GypsyKaren]

Nigella isn't seeming to say anything, let's not make something out of nothing.

Karen

[Joni Marie Cruz]

Thank you, Lorileah, thank you, Kimberly Jo.

Hugs...Joni Mari

[ReineD]

Great question! I've often wondered as well.

If I may venture a guess, there've been two major types of GG poses in the media. Fashion photography which obviously is aimed at selling clothes to other GGs, where the poses are attractive without having an overly sexual nuance to them. And then there are the GG pics meant to excite men .. Playboy, Sports Illustrated, any ads aimed at selling products to men such as cars, boats, etc. These models, their poses, and the clothes they wear (or no clothes :straightface:) are designed to pander to male sexual fantasies. Of course even women are aware of what turns men on, so some lingerie and such ads take on the seductive look to entice the women who do want to be seductive to buy these clothes. Further, a woman who wants to get a guy might pose pics of herself, such as you describe, on social sites, etc. Or at least as sexy as she feels comfortable being.

So from my GG POV, if I were to post such pics it would be as a mating call and I've always assumed without giving it much thought that the CDs posting similar pics had similar motives ... to attract men or other CDs. But upon reflection, some of the CDs who do this are perhaps responding to their own definitions of the ideal woman based on their male fantasies rather than in trying to attract sexual partners?

But then as with anything, the motives will depend on the individual and it will be difficult to reach a general consensus.

[Karren H]

Guess I shouldn't be using my Victoria Secret's catalogue as a template?

[VeronicaMoonlit]

this smacks of the "Why don't you dress appropriately?" or "dress your age" posts. Blend in, don't look sexy, don't show anything, look like a "real" woman. Why do some people seem to be the police for others here. If you don't like how someone poses don't freakin' look at the pictures!

<DeNiro as travis bickle voice>You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?</DeNiro as travis bickle>

I AM the Fashion Police. :-) Actually, I sometimes forget we aren't all in the "same game" here which is why I sometimes write the things I do.

I think some of the "hunched" poses happen because some are tall and are trying to fit themselves in the camera and don't have a tripod and/or tilt their camera 90 degrees.

Veronica Rogers

[Presh GG]

Maybe Nigella is refering to photos that were not accepted for print?


And Karren, you always look amazeing.

Presh GG

[Kathi Lake]

Amanda I think you are right on the money with this one. When I first starting dressing for real I was all over the sexy outfits and poses. Then I realized how silly that was for me and that it really didn't reflect who I am. Some folks get a rush out of being sexy. Sexy isn't for me. I am satisfied if I can reach the cute level. Don't expect to see any crazy pics of me when I run for Senate :heehee:I'm with Suzanne. Sexy certainly isn't for me. For one, that's just not me. The other reason is, who in the heck am I trying to be sexy for?! It's certainly not my wife - she doesn't lean that way. People here? Nope. Guys? Heck no!

In my pictures, I just pose like I believe a classy young woman would pose - confident and happy in her femininity.

Kathi

[Tanya C]

Being a crossdresser with a digital camera and a computer I have thousands of photos of me dressed in all kinds of poses. But in the pics that I choose to share with others I tend to avoid sexpot poses mainly because I really can't pull it off and I end up looking rediculous. I have my hands full trying to look somewhat feminine let alone sexy.
On the other hand there are some crossdressers that are so beautiful and convincing that they can look good in any pose they choose.

[ReineD]

Guess I shouldn't be using my Victoria Secret's catalogue as a template?

Lol. :trout:

[Shelly67]

Simples ......

You know why some of us pose in particular ways .......

because we want to .

[tall sam]

Nigella

I know what you mean but sometimes you dont notice yourself as posing strangely when taking photo's. There is also limited time before pushing the self-timer button and getting a decent pose!

I have just posted a number of photo's and am happy to be the guinnepig for comments - yes, I dont mind criticism or suggestings. I took quite a few pics with different poses so as the comments come I can post these and get feedback.

Sam

[JulieK1980]

Guess I shouldn't be using my Victoria Secret's catalogue as a template?

I'd swear that same thought crossed my mind! LOL

[TxKimberly]

There are a lot of people and photos out on the web that would give the muggles the impression that all cross dressing or being TG is about, is sex. Personally this irritates the hell out of me, but there isn't much you can do about it.
Now having said that, I think that we aren't real likely to find a lot of normal and run of the mill pics and poses out there because, lets face it, we are taking pics of ourselves.Very few of us are out there in real life and surrounded by friends with cameras so much that we are likely to get a lot of candid photos taken by others.

[eluuzion]

Maybe it is some sort of unconscious "perception" that equates self-image with the expectation to appear "sexy".

Some of it may be the unconscious inability to resist that old childhood urge to flaunt the brief role of being the center attraction. You know, like when we were toddlers at the pool. Diaper falling off triggers that immediate urge to become a scrambling "streaker" to attract attention! lol

I guess there is a reason most of us are not professional models, eh?

[abigailf]

I don't have a lot of natural curves. I pose to try and create an illusion of curves. Sometimes it works, sometimes it don't.

[Danielle76]

I do the bimbo poses, I must confess. It's a stereotype, but I don't much care, personally. That's what turns me on, so that's what I'll do!

[Fab Karen]

this smacks of the "Why don't you dress appropriately?" or "dress your age" posts. Blend in, don't look sexy, don't show anything, look like a "real" woman. Why do some people seem to be the police for others here. If you don't like how someone poses don't freakin' look at the pictures!

Most professional pictures will put the subject in an attractive pose. One that gets attention, otherwise it is a snap shot. When someone poses they want to show how pretty, or cute thy are. It is very hard to get a good pose when you are either setting a timer or using a reflection. I have many pictures and I have been lucky to have other eyes on many of them but holding the pose for long period of time and slight adjustments to make it more sexy or feminine gets tiring.

This (dressing up) should be fun. It should be fun for the dresser. What ever makes it fun for them is what they should do (see about 800 threads on this site saying do it for YOU). If we all looked like VS models or even Sears catalog models I could see why when someone posts something that just doesn't look right or is overtly stereotypical, people would have a complaint, but we don't. We are enjoying being something we don't get to be all the time. And until we start showing genitals or sexual acts, lets just have some fun. IF you want to pose like the pictures taken with a wet plate camera, go for it. If you want to look like Madonna, go for it. Why is one more correct than the other? The only person the photo has to please is the subject.
Yep. And Sher & Miranda also mentioned, poses are poses- how odd they wouldn't reflect everyday life.
One other thing- on the Oscar Night you will see "real" women dressed Fab and glamorous, some of them mention they spent five hours getting ready. If they don't look like everyday women, does that mean they aren't "real" women?