Post or no post a photo or maybe a psuedo(avatar) image

[cctgurl]

Another newbie question.

Looks like I can now post a profile. I humbly admit I am somewhat well known and most definitely in the closet with, maybe not catastrophic, definite problems if identified. Do any members here post a pic with a mask over the face? I do have some nice frilly flapper type halloween masks which cover most of my face but show my lipsticked lips and lower face. Perhaps some longer term members would be nice enough to give me a heads up(display-ha). Sure hope I am not coming off as some flake here. thank you

[leliani]

You could blur your face out with photoshop or something...or even hide your face with your wig. Personally...I've taken a picture from the back :)

[cctgurl]

Leliani,

Thanks...very good idea. Nice to meet you.

[Julogden]

I think your mask idea sounds like an answer to your problem. I'd try that if I were you, if you get results that you like, go with it.

And welcome!

Carol

[Annaliese2010]

I used to be concerned about being identified until I realized the ppl I know or work for/with are crazier than me. Then I thought s'more and realized nobody much cares about anything all that much, anyways. But even if there was negative impact..would it REALLY matter? I doubt it. The headlong rush of life is so fast & furious nowadays nothing impresses for long is soon forgotten or accepted with a yawn. Today's outrage becomes tomorrows norm.

[joanna marie]

just post picture from the neck down until you feel more comfortable

[AllieSF]

First off. You don't have to post pics nor an avatar if you do not want. I truly understand your concerns. I have no avatar pic of myself and am happy with that. I do occasionally post a few pics, which show my face, in threads of interest to me. I have seen a lot of headless avatar pics which work great for some people. If you want to post an avatar pic, how about one where you really can't see much detail of the face because it is not a close-up view. Anyway you decide is fine with me and most others here. By the way, welcome to the forum and enjoy your stay.

[AKAMichelle]

I own my own business and I use to be concerned about that. Now I use a photo of me without any camo. None of my clients are on here unless they are TG.

[Chiana]

When I first joined this forum, I felt that there was some subtle and some not so subtle pressure from the veterans to get people to post pictures of themselves in their avatar. Fortunately, I don't sense that same level of pressure anymore. I went for a long time before I posted a picture. Partly because I never had a picture that I wanted to share. I can fully understand not wanting to post up a picture of yourself on this site. Only do what you feel comfortable doing.

[cctgurl]

Thank you Carol, I just may do that. Very attractive you are.

[Kathi Lake]

I have heard so many times from so many different people the phrase, "I would never recognize you" or "You look so different!" that I threw caution to the wind and let my picture show the real me. The important thing is to realize that there are no rules when it comes to that. You do what feels comfortable to you, not to someone else.

Kathi

[cctgurl]

Thx, you are soooooo correct mentioning what a crazy world this is. Also, so happy to have found this site.

Thank you Chiana. Glad you posted a pic. you look great.

Kathi. Your comment seems just right. Thank you

Thx Allie, Yes, Life is Grand. The trick is to work hard to maintain that wonderful attitude.

Thank you Joanna Marie This might be the best idea at least in the short term.

[suzy1]

I agree with Kathi.
When I look in the mirror as Suzy even I don’t recognize me!

SUZY

[Rianna Humble]

When I first joined, I never posted anything above the knee, later I moved on to headless shots, but since my face has appeared in national tabloid papers, I don't see any point in hiding it.

All this to say, that you should find what you are comfortable with (anywhere from no pic to full pic and points in between) and go with that.

[Karren H]

I felt the same way too... thousands of photos and movies ago..... It really doesn't matter what avatar you post as long as you ready and willing to jump into the fray! lol

[Jocelyn Quivers]

When I first joined it took me time to gain the confidence to post anything, as others have stated I started out being a headless CD until I gained the confidence to post blurry hard to see facial avatars.

[Babette]

It took me a good while to finally post any pictures. That was several years ago. Since then, I have posted dozens and nothing has ever happened to me except for the nice compliments that people send.

To post a picture or not is a personal choice. Never let anyone push you into doing something that truly leaves you uncomfortable.

Babette

[Alice B]

I am very well know in my community, yet have an avitar photo posted and have posted pictures of my self on this site many times. It is safe here, but do not post on Face Book or the like if you want to remain safe.

[Alberta_Pat]

I agree with the others who have spoken before me.

Remember that almost every one here has a common interest, and who knows, perhaps one of your friends is in the same situation as you, and seeing your picture will help them to become more involved in the community.

[Stephanie Miller]

Just be a little creative. It can be you, just artisticly done. Here is one photoshop'd in colored pencil.
Or you can just pick a characture pic.

[crystalann]

I would have to ask. If someone you know recognizes you on this site, why are they on here and what where they looking for? :)

[docrobbysherry]

From personal experience, I can tell u they're NOT well received here!:brolleyes:
I can't recommend headless or, "blurred face" pics either.:sad:

Many of the girls that r proud of their figures, take side, or rear view pics. Or, if u like your legs, etc., take a pic of the part u like and post it!:thumbsup:
( NO! NOT THAT PART!):o

[Christy_M]

My first avatar pics were with a female mask. I had a goatee and had to wait for my wife to be OK with me shaving. I agree that even if someone recognizes me, there is some other reason for them to be here besides outing me.

[Kelly DeWinter]

If you are worried about being recognized, then post a picture of your elbow, make sure that its a gender specific photo

[linda allen]

I would have to ask. If someone you know recognizes you on this site, why are they on here and what where they looking for? :)

The Internet is far reaching. You might be surprised. Do a search on "crystalann" and see what comes up.

[NV Susan]

Hi cctgurl, and welcome to the neighborhood. :hugs:
I would recommend you do as much as you feel comfortable with, and remember your here to enjoy yoruself! :love:

[Jorja]

I have my own take on pictures and the internet. I don't care if I am recgonized. That is not a problem for me. Several years ago I posted my pictures to my photo album on a site much like this one. It required a password to get into that area of the site. Once in you could view any of the photos there. To me that sounded secure enough. Not long after I posted my pictures (a couple of days or so) I got a phone call from a friend asking when I had posed for the pictures on one of the porn sites. Never I told them. They gave me the link. When I opened the site, there I was for all to see everything. Only the head was me and I WISHED my body looked like that. By the end of the day my face was on every porn site on the internet. It took me almost a year and several thousand dollars to get the pictures removed. Still today my picture pops up every now and then.

I am not saying that Crossdressers.com was in anyway part of my problem or even involved. I am just saying if you are well known I am sure someone could and would have a field day with you. I will never post my picture online again. I don't care how safe the site is. Some people will do anything to make a buck. That being said, I do trust each and everyone here. There is an old saying, "once bitten, twice shy". When it comes to the internet and pictures I live by this saying.

You must do what you feel is right for you and your situation.

[crystalann]

The Internet is far reaching. You might be surprised. Do a search on "crystalann" and see what comes up.please do so:devil:

[Stephanie Anne]

Who knows, maybe you could get lucky ;) if someone catches you.

[Carly D]

A couple of things to think about when considering posting a picture: 1: Is your computer used by many people? If so then they will find your browser history and eventually find out about your alternate self, if not then not to worry there.. 2: Are you "out" to anyone you know? If not then they wouldn't be apt to be looking for you here.. I thought long and hard about posting a picture of myself dressed up, but then I thought if anyone finds me here then why were they here?? To me it means they are doing something "hinky".. There are ways to look less obvious as your male self.. My wig (such as it is) changes the way I look because I am getting more and more of the less hair type up there.. So seeing me with long hair like this is something I never had and hair above the ears less every day.. If you are worried about being seen by someone you know then DON'T post a pic.. But I did think long and hard and you have to realize the internet is vast in size.. Gigantic, bigger than... well big let's just say.. I worry nearly nil about being found out about..

[Rianna Humble]

I doubt that all of the 89,900 results were you and I certainly hope the one about breaking into a church was not you

[CharleneM]

I just jumped in!