Has crossdressing inspired you to learn about virtual makeovers/photoshopping?

[Ava Tryptyk]

Hello everyone! I haven't been posting on this forum for months, even though I've been lurking just about every day during this time. Anyway, I am unfortunately unable to do any dressing due to my living conditions, but I'm still looking to have fun with my feminine self in other ways. One thing I've been doing is playing around with the Taaz virtual makeover site - my current avatar picture is a result of using that site (as well as using GIMP, a graphics editing program, to add some filters in an attempt to obscure my masculine features a bit more). I like how it looks, and it makes me want to learn more about graphics editing in GIMP, Photoshop, and other programs. I think it would be awesome if I could learn how to edit a picture of myself, using a combination of Taaz and a graphics editor, to make a convincing picture of a girl/woman. I know that in real life, even with makeup and flattering clothing, I will never be as convincing as an actual GG, but I think that graphics technology may be able to bring me closer to my goal!

So, how about you all? Have you used the Taaz site? Have you tried editing/touching up your photos to make yourselves look more feminine?
Also I'd be interested in learning more about how to feminize your looks using graphics editing programs, since I'm a real newbie at this!

[NathalieX66]

Um,......not really.

Though the contrast control on photoshop does wonders! :)

I've been a CD'er since age six. I just hid it for so long. I'm also a master at Adobe Photoshop ( I have V5.1) , I work with the program daily at work (Illustrator too!), and for the last 20 years.
I started touching up myself in photoshop on my digital photos, and then realized that I wasn't fooling anyone. Not that I don't use it to eliminate a wrinkle or blemish.
I live for being out & about in the public eye, and these days I'm willing to be brutally honest in my photography. I can only speak for myself, and no one else.

[Ava Tryptyk]

What do you mean by being brutally honest? Does that mean simply refraining from any kind of digital touching-up, or does that also involve paying less attention to lighting, composition, etc? I feel that a true example of "brutally honest" photography would be to just take a digital camera, quickly snap a photo of yourself, and put it up without any afterthought. Even better if you have a friend (who knows nothing about photography) take the photo for you.

I think it's best to compromise. Do everything you can using "natural" techniques (make-up, lighting, etc) without the use of graphics programs and see what you can achieve with just that. Then see if you can improve on that using photo editing. I have to skip to the editing right from the beginning because I don't really have makeup or other "natural" resources at my disposal.

[Georgia_Maine]

One of my hobbies is photography. The narcisist in me requires that I take entirely too many photos of myself enfemme. Digital photography makes this oh so much easier. Like Nathalie, I too make little changes with PS. These are mostly to whiten my teeth, remove red eyes, and adjust contrast and exposure errors. I know that I could make myself thinner, curvier, etc. with PS, but then it wouldn't be me. I like myself - mostly - the way I am.

Gigi

[darla_g]

There are a lot of these virtual makeovers out there now from web sites, but there are also software packages that do it too.

My favorite of the makeover sites is taaz.com you can check out different hair styles and makeup looks there

[Karren H]

Nope... I tried a program almost a decade ago and it didn't do anything for me.... Actually it had the opposite effect....... Made me want to go out and learn makeup and hair and fashion and make myself over for real... I don't care what I could look like... Only what I do look like...

[Debra Russell]

Actually I am adapt at most photo shop type of programs and like Karren just made my makeup experience more enjoyable - learned a lot.......................Debra

[thechic]

Ive never tried to edit photos,I would try if it improved the real me.

[Ava Tryptyk]

There are a lot of these virtual makeovers out there now from web sites, but there are also software packages that do it too.

My favorite of the makeover sites is taaz.com you can check out different hair styles and makeup looks there

Taaz is what I use now. Do you know of any other sites/software packages that allow you to do similar "virtual makeovers"?

[kimdl93]

I don't have the time or interest to fiddle with photoshop. As Karren mentiones above, I'm more motivated to learn skills and techniques that help me do a better job of presenting in real life.

[JenniferR771]

I am learning--a little bit at a time--but mostly I do not have enough privacy to work post production on my photos. Photoshop elements, 3.0. I am trying to learn about how to take a better photo. Better light; eliminating distracting details. I use more time exposures and fill-flash now (avatar). Sometimes put aluminum foil behind a lightbulb to throw more light on my face. Avoid backlight and hot backgrounds. And I go outside in the shade when I can. In front of green bushes works out very well. See profile pic.

[Ava Tryptyk]

That's all good for those who are able to dress freely - I too want to be able to learn to present myself better in real life, since I know so little now. The problem is that I am not going to be able to do any dressing for at least a year, probably, until I finally get a place of my own. The pink fog still comes around from time to time and I need to do something about it, so basically all I can do is browse these forums and content myself with virtual makeovers until I can get around to doing the real thing.

[almisami]

I know that I could make myself thinner, curvier, etc. with PS, but then it wouldn't be me. I like myself - mostly - the way I am.

Pretty much this. I just find the artificiality of heavy photoshoping to be the equivalent to simply taking someone else's photo and posting it. It does do wonders to fix acne or stubble where foundation just isn't enough, though.