Some honest, candid opinions.

[Kittie]

For those of you who are new or don't know me, my name is Lacey. I'm 25 years old and I'm TS. One of my dreams throughout my teens and twenties has always been to do some kind of lingerie/clothes modelling, I however suffer from extremely poor self image and often find myself feeling inadequate and it prevents me from taking any kind of steps to follow said dream, even without all the controversy of TS people in the modelling industry. I post these here because I would like (poor image and camera quality aside) some honest opinions on how things look (with a focus on my body and not OMG NICE KNICKERS :battingeyelashes: (although I will say I saw a model in a newspaper wearing the exact same set two weeks after I bought it - it was a cheap set too!).

Personally I feel like I'm nothing but skin and bone and I'm in need of a little shapeliness and toning (I'm more than aware of how far beyond picky the modelling industry is). So this is me putting myself out there, please be honest! :angel:

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7924/dsc00670a.png

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/1253/dsc00668ze.png

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6843/77845393.png

[Bree-asaurus]

You don't look like a dude, if that's what you're asking.

But if you're looking for honest, candid opinions of your body, you should probably just take a picture of yourself standing up like normal rather than trying to do sexy poses.

My only advice: Smile :)

[Maria in heels]

Lacey...I think that you look great! You are definitely not skin and bones, but a beautiful woman. I'm glad that you posted and its good to see you again!

[RachelDenise]

I only see an attractive woman in a cute outfit.

[Kaz]

Lacey,

These are fabulous shots and you look gorgeous. You look to me as a very attractive and sexy woman and I would never guess that you were a guy. So yes, they work. They do more than work actually. You have a fab body (to die for) - run with it!

[Jana]

Skin and bones? I don't think you have a problem with poor self-image. I think you have a defective mirror. Return it AT ONCE and buy one that works, because you look GREAT!!!!

[Saffron]

You already look good. Start a daily exercise routine just to tone up and you will feel great.

[ReneeT]

You don't look like a dude, if that's what you're asking.

But if you're looking for honest, candid opinions of your body, you should probably just take a picture of yourself standing up like normal rather than trying to do sexy poses.

My only advice: Smile :)


Where's the "Like" button?

[Nicole Erin]

This is called "fishing for compliments".

[ReneeT]

This is called "fishing for compliments".


Maybe she meant to post this in a different forum.....

[Badtranny]

This is called "fishing for compliments".

Yes indeed it is fishing for sure, but she does look fantastic. Makes me want to go back in time and punch my 18 year old self in the face.

[Ceri Anne]

Hi Lacy, I'm actually a photographer, and as was said in the first reply, getting some shots standing, posed properly would make a world of difference. What I do see is a very nice shapely body. You have the proper curves for the waist and hips, an attractive, not overdone bust and soft features. All this is good. You look very natural and attractive. I think you would be a good candidate, so move forward, get some good shots done.

[Saffron]

Yes indeed it is fishing for sure, but she does look fantastic. Makes me want to go back in time and punch my 18 year old self in the face.

If you're going to rent a time machine call me, I'll pay half of the cost, I also want to tell to my 18 year self :)

[ColleenA]

I see nice curves (in the first photo), nice breasts, and (something I usually wouldn't pay attention to, but which caught my eye somehow) a cute belly button.

[CharleneT]

Hello and welcome !

Self image can be a hard thing to bring up. I'm also a photographer, and as for modeling, most models suffer from the same self doubts you have - really. Maybe even worse ! One thing to keep in mind ... modeling is a very hard biz to break into. 99.9% of the girls who try do not get anywhere. So don't put too much stock in whether you make it or not. Especially because you're TS, not that that will stop you ( there are TS models). "No" won't be so much about you, but more how many girls the agents/art directors have to choose from and exactly what they are looking for. As Ceri suggested, go get some std shots done. Take it from there. Good luck :hugs:

[Jorja]

While you are a very cute and good looking woman, that is not always enough. Agencies require you to have a portfolio of pictures they can look at. This is how they select the women that fit the "look" they want for a project. Being TS can be a drawback in some cases but it is not always a determing factor. Go get some standard portfolio pictures taken by a professional to start your portfolio. You can include any additional pictures such as the ones you have above. You want pictures that show you at your best. Like Charlene said, modeling is a hard biusiness to break into. Do not get discouraged when they tell you, no. Try harder instead. There are some "word of mouth" things that are not listed anywhere just like any other job. Are you easy to work with or are you a bitch? Are you on time and ready to work? Are you willing to do nudes? Just to name a few.

If you want to model, learn as much as you can about it and adjust your life to it. I know you can do it! Good Luck!!!!

[kimdl93]

I think you look pretty great. Consider consulting with other members with modeling experience...they may be better equipped to offer pointers on presentation and getting in to the trad. But first, work on your self image...ask yourself why you feel the way you do.

[mikiSJ]

Kittie, you look nice, but have no idea on how to pose yourself.

My daughter, an actor, had image problems also (for different reasons). She found a professional photographer who works with models/actors/performers. The investment was around $250 for a complete portfolio. Once she saw how the 'world' could/would see her she came out of her shell, and has become an actor with an excellent local reputation.

If you are serious about modeling, call around and get some prices from PROS, not amateurs with a Nikon. You will see yourself in your best light and even if you never model a bra and panties set, you will see you are actually a very attractive woman, and that is the most important thing you can carry around with you - a really good self-image.

[Inna]

Hmmmm, as I have dipped my little pinky into white rapid waters of modeling, to get a decent billing is as far fetched as winning lottery, well maybe a little better chances that that, slightly, lol
However, getting your skin exposed for bunch of tranny chasing fetishistic males will be much more tempting and the draw of such possibility is quite tempting to those looking for validation through any means.
I would have never gone that rout and do not wish such upon anyone else as I have come to know one girl who has gone into the whirlpool of seduction and porn type modeling. It starts very innocently and quickly becomes overwhelming but at that point getting out is extremely hard and the money tempts even the most resilient ones.

Looking at your pics I cant help but see that you want attention and such validation and what feels like a cute and innocent game will rapidly become inescapable.

Put some clothes on, talk to some reputable agencies, and perhaps they will lead you to the reputable photographer who can do TFP work with you.

Good luck hon, Inna

[KellyJameson]

If you feel inadequate you want to be very careful not to make your inadequacies greater because you will give power to others who may hurt you.

When you sexualize yourself you run the risk of turning yourself into a commodity to be used by others. There is nothing wrong with sexualizing yourself except when it is mixed in with low self esteem because of the danger that you will do something later that you may regret.

Being able to sexualize ourselves gives us power to affect others but this power in of itself is very seductive so you can become seduced by your own powers.

It is like playing with fire so you want to be sure you do not get burned by this fire.

Another powerful form of seduction is done by projecting innocence mixed with a hint of sexuality so sometimes less overt sexuality creates the power of covert sexuality so you can affect your audience through their imagination but this effect is lost when they do not need to use their imagination any longer.

This skill is at the heart of femininity and one that many woman have lost or never developed.

What I have shared with you is what many mothers share with their daughters because the mothers through their own mistakes have learned the dangers that come with their sexuality.

Be very careful not to be destroyed by your own powers.

[Kathryn Martin]

This is an open forum Kitty, This post with the pictures will be available for viewing years from now. Do you really want this as part of what comes up when people research you? Googled (https://www.google.ca/#hl=en&tbo=d&sclient=psy-ab&q=Kitty+candid+transsexual&oq=Kitty+candid+transsexual&gs_l=hp.12...1926.30904.0.32917.28.26.2.0.0.0.195. 2954.8j18.26.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.KOqtR3s3q5Q&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=dcccacdc6b1a616e&bpcl=39650382&biw=1920&bih=900) you with "Kitty candid transsexual" your number 6 on the first page. If you google "Kitty candid honest" you are number 2.

[Jana]

If you're going to rent a time machine call me, I'll pay half of the cost, I also want to tell to my 18 year self :)

Let's share the cost three ways!

[ArleneRaquel]

Lovely and alluring pics...you rock !

[Kerstin]

It's not possible to tell from your photos if you're suitable for the kind of modeling work you want to do.

Have some professional photos done and make an account on Models Mayhem and get involved with that community, you will find better advice there regarding your desire to begin modeling.

[famousunknown]

This is called "fishing for compliments".

And, it worked.

[kellycan27]

WOW! you look smoking hot! I can't see you going anywhere but up from here! Best of luck, and if modeling is your dream...... follow it. All they can say is no right?

[Marleena]

Lacey I think you look great and your question is one many women ask. Being an older member I can tell you I'm envious of you because I missed out on a lot in my younger years, so relax and try to follow your dreams. Had you posted in picture gallery instead nothing negative would have been posted, just encouragement. Most people post pictures hoping they're doing okay looking femme, very few do it to show off. Who doesn't want to look prettier? :)

[Barbara Dugan]

Ok, one honest opinion and not from a TS but from a gay tranvesty. you are super pretty but I agree on the need to tone the body a little more..I wish you the best and follow your dreams

[Miranda-E]

lets be real.
If you're serious, the home alone, facebook style, camera phone, mirror shots aren't going to do it.
They are absolutely worthless. Your going to need professional shots that you own the rights to (own the rights to is a very important part and it costs money).

[Kittie]

This is called "fishing for compliments".
This is called "being obstructive".

I care not for bitchiness and I'll not have myself dragged into whatever pre-existing bitch-tittery exists between certain members, it's best to keep things calm and collected. I posted in anticipation of (constructive) 'comments' be they "compliments" or otherwise, bitch slaps however, are not required either towards me or to others :thumbsup:.

That aside; thank you to everyone that posted something constructive, throughout my life I've always been increasingly conscious of how I look and how other perceive me, this gets exacerbated by the perhaps inglorious images of 'perfection' that the media so lovingly shoves in our imperfect, human faces. It's a conflicting set of feelings in that I know I should not be so pensively seeking the approval of others and yet I also feel hard-coded to look a certain way and purposefully find myself looking for flaws and imperfections which when found (and I feel there are many), are magnified to a point where I pull myself to pieces.

I think I need a really big kick up the ass. :angel:

Also, I am wholly aware of that Miranda :P.

[DebbieL]

Kittie,

You have a good figure and face for modeling, but you will need to develop a thicker skin. Have you taken any modeling courses? talked to any agents? taken any acting classes? Do you know any really GOOD photographers? Do you live near a major city like London?

I would recommend taking Landmark Education Forum - which will help you with your self-esteem issues and help you learn how to take powerful and effective action that will lead to results, and might also give you the chance to meet others in the modeling and fashion industry.

Other things you might want to look at would be getting a Kittie a job in fashion, this could be retail, sales, design, or even sewing. It's a good way to learn the industry and get a sense of where you might fit in.

If you really want to be a model, you should have a good photographer take about 100 pictures using a good camera studio lighting, backdrops. You should have at least a dozen outfits including basic lingerie (no stockings, just bikini or panties & bra), you need to show lots of different poses, emotions, expressions. Have you watched "America's next top model?". A good photographer will be able to coach you, get a bunch of really nice pictures, and he shouldn't charge you. Professional photographers are looking for their big breaks too, and bringing out the best in a model is a great opportunity for them.

When you have a good profile, the best 20-30 of you 100 pictures, you should go to see as many agents as you can, as quickly as you can. If they ask you to sign some sort of contract where you pay them money, move on. If they send you for a "Go See" they are a real agent, they want you to pose for a photographer whose work they know. The photographer will give them feedback on how you pose, how easy you are to work with, your attitude, and your professionalism. Keep in mind that this is a job, you need to treat everyone with respect, treat them the way you want to be treated, and as much as possible, treat them with patience and compassion.

Standard rules, always be early, at least 15 minutes - better to plan for 30 minutes and have time for a cup of coffee or soda before you go in, take care of any business, and be ready for hair and make-up. For "Go-See" calls you should be fully made up, have an outfit that can create at least 3-5 looks without changing, and at least 3 changes of clothes in a bag, and a pair of high heels and a pair of flats or low heels (you can wear one of the three pair that is most comfortable for walking). You need to be ready to change into any of the outfits, with or without a dressing area.

If the photographer jokes with you, laugh and enjoy it. If he gives you coaching and guidence, then accept that coaching and do what you can to accept it without being upset or offended. Often, especially on "go-see" calls, the photographer will deliberately try to push your buttons, to see how you respond. He knows that on real high-pay gigs, you will be posing and changing for 7-8 hours at a time, sometimes even 12-14, and there will be assistants, make-up, hair, and clothing people planning your next look and your next shoot. By the end of the day, tempers get short, and it's important to know that you won't freak out and run off the set, lose enthusiasm, or just start dragging. The last shot has to be as alive and vibrant as the first shot, or the shot in the middle of the day.

When you are a model, you should always look like one. You don't want to look ****ty, you want to look like you just stepped off the cover of a magazine, but not off the runway. No flip-flops, no tennis shoes or athletic shoes. If you wear jeans, make sure that they are clean and neat, and that you contrast them with a good top.

I've known and worked with several professional models, and helped a few get started back when I lived and worked in NYC. Much of the advice I'm giving you is the same advice that the got from their real agents.

When you are going to a paying gig, you need to know what they want from you. In most cases you DON'T need to go in wearing make-up and with a fluffed up hairdo. They will have someone who will be doing your make-up for you, and doing things to your hair that you may find incredible, but they won't deliberately damage it. Often the designer has a particular look they want for the shoot, something dramatic.

If you are doing runway work, you need to remember that you are there to sell the clothes. You want to let the buyers know that you love the outfit (even if you don't), that it makes you feel powerful, confident, ready to take on the world. Even if the clothes make you feel sexy, it's an "in control" sexy rather than anything submissive. You are telling the buyers, with your walk, your facial expression, your posture, that you love wearing this and any woman will want to wear it too.

25 is a bit old for a new model, but you have a good face, good figure, you are toned, yet not muscular. This is a good look.

As for being TS, that can be an asset, it's often the very thing that top designers are looking for.

At first, you will be rejected more often than you get picked. Don't worry about it. All you have to do is keep coming to one call after another until you get picked. The more often you get picked, the bigger your portfolio gets, and the better your reputation gets, and remember that it is NEVER personal. If they don't pick you, it's not because you are too fat, too skinny, too old, too young,... to be a model. You are just not what that particular client is looking for for that particular shoot. In some cases, the client knows exactly what look they want, and in other cases, the can be sold, especially if you are confident and likable at the same time. The want to see you as someone who will sell their product. I've known photographers who knew exactly what outfits were going to be in the shoot, and were picking models based on who would look best in which outfits.

When you do get out there, you will soon find that you are comfortable doing it, and will start to enjoy going to calls, and will find ways to enjoy waiting, and will look forward to your time with the team, whether you get the job or not. The more often you can do this, the more often you will get jobs. Sometimes you won't get the job they are casting that day, but they will keep your sheet and call your agent for a shoot that IS right for you, because they want YOU!

[kathtx]

Kittie, you asked for an honest opinion, so I'll give you mine.

Yes, you are very pretty, more so than most, less so than some. Whether you will or won't make it as a model I can't predict, because success depends on so many intangibles not to mention plain old luck.

But regardless of whether you can make it in modeling, let me ask: why would you even *want* to? Modeling isn't such a great career. Except at the very top the money isn't all that good, the hours are long, the work is stressful, and opportunities will get fewer as you get older. The average salary for models in the USA is around $60K, and most models don't make that (if you don't understand how most don't make the average, google about the difference between "mean" and "median"). A few models will make millions, but most will make less than a high school teacher or nurse or secretary, and significantly less than an engineer or financial analyst or actuary. That's not even taking into account the fact that an engineer or secretary will still have steady work through her 60s while most models won't work past 30.

As a result of there being so many qualified (i.e., very pretty) women trying to make it in modeling, the labor market is a "buyer's market" so employers don't need to make working conditions very good. You don't like the way you're treated on a shoot, there will be a hundred equally pretty girls lined up to take your spot. You want good working conditions and good pay, find a skill that's harder to come by than being able to smile for a camera.

I have some friends who have worked as professional actors (film and stage) and musicians (classical and popular). It's hard work with lots of competition, and a breakthrough is as much about luck as about talent. I have a good friend whose voice will blow away any pop star you've ever heard, but could never break through to the big time; she gave up after a decade of travel and part-time gigs and temp work. The burnout rate is high. I imagine working as a model is similar.

If you really want to be a model, then by all means try. But be realistic about the odds, and just as importantly be aware of the reality of the job versus the dream of glamour. Don't bet everything on making it. Have a backup plan: learn a skill or a profession. Study nursing or auto mechanics or teaching or chemical engineering or whatever. If all goes as planned, you'll be a famous supermodel with an engineering degree or teaching certificate you don't use. If not, you'll be a very pretty engineer or teacher with some stories about your couple of catalog shoots back in your twenties.

To anyone who might classify this as jealous and catty, please get real. Ask yourself what advice you'd give your daughter or son or niece or nephew who thinks they can make it as a model or movie star or rock star or pro athlete. I hope you'd tell them about the long odds, the reality of the job, the burnout rate, and the need for a backup plan.

[ReineD]

To anyone who might classify this as jealous and catty, ...

It's not catty, and a model's life is nothing to get jealous about. As you say, even the majority of the most beautiful people don't make it in this business. Thanks for the realistic outlook.

To Kittie, beware of the scams to pry naive hopefuls out of their hard earned cash for photo shoots, modeling/acting classes, screen tests, etc. And the results never make it to the desks of the real people in the industry who are hiring the models:

US: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro23.shtm
UK: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/11450178

Even though there are laws against this, there are still plenty of scammers around.

[Xrys]

I believe the animaniacks said it best. "Hellooo Nurse!"

[MssHyde]

to be honest and blunt you look great!

[ameliabee]

1) This is 100% fishing for compliments.

2) You're abusing angles here. Also, face is always posed exactly the same. Modeling agencies require unedited full frontal, side, and facial photos.

3) It is impossible to make a living doing TS porn. Sure, you can probably get ~$800/shoot (pornographic), but there are only so many companies out there producing TS stuff. I make much more per hour with my day job than I do webcamming, it's really only for validation when I need it. Keep in mind that there are thousands of models that look at least as good as you do and are willing to do non-nude modeling for free.

4) This whole constant obsession over body image and such is very much a cognitive distortion. Try seeing a therapist?

[Kittie]

And still the bitch-slaps are being handed out. At what point did I even mention pornographic material? I have never, nor ever will be interested in that aspect of "modelling" - I was never talking about cheap TS webcam shows for some lonely guy who's wife is sound asleep next door, however if that's your thing, roll with it I guess. :thumbsup: It is more along the lines of catalogue/lingerie modelling.

Let's not pretend those pictures are done by a professional photographer with a £1000 camera with 50 different attachments and are actually going to be sent to an agency. Angle is irrelevant in this instance as is any "editing", they are mirror shots taken with a 3MP camera phone for god sake. :heehee: I'm also quite sure all published images these days, be they catalogue models or weekly magazine prints, are post-processed.

As a foot-note I should say it's not that easy to crack a smiley facial expression when such cynicism is lingering in the air. If you truly believe I'm fishing for compliments then that means you're incorrectly detecting some kind of egotistical motive behind my post, I shall however indulge your misjudgement, in relation to your final comment, by saying that if I did not obsess over how I looked, would I still look this good?

Are we done with the bitchy cynicism now or is there more coming my way?

[joannemarie barker]

Stunning :) I know it's been hard to get to this point but you can go much further :)

[Tamara Croft]

1) This is 100% fishing for compliments.Wow, pot, kettle.... says you who has 4 or so threads in the gallery asking if you pass/fail and then one thread all your face poses are exactly the same... http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?184049-I-need-validation..&p=3011094&viewfull=1#post3011094 I don't know how you dare!

[faltenrock]

Hi Lacey, I think you look beautiful and I don't see why you can't try to do some of the modeling that you wish to do. However, the beauty and fashion industry is very difficult, you're competing with countless girls that share your dream. I've worked as a photographer for many years, also with models. I would suggest, you go and find a few model agencies and ask them if they have some scheduled test photo shoots with new models. First thing you need is a little portfolio with your pictures. You may also try to find a photographer in your area to take some professional fashion or lingerie shots of you.
Best wishes and good luck to you.

Doreen from Germany

[ReineD]

And still the bitch-slaps are being handed out. At what point did I even mention pornographic material?

I think it had to do with your poses, specifically the second and third pics. If you look at most online or catalog lingerie models, they usually are not in the type of poses that are commonly found on non-retail sites (trying to be polite). I know the difference can be subtle, but the way that you pose makes all the difference in giving people certain impressions. You should retake your pics using poses more like these, and I bet you'll get different responses:

http://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/corsets-and-teddies

Personally, I think that you have a nice body and a pretty face, but I also think you need to to consider just how difficult it is to get into the modeling business. Quite a few people in this thread had objective, non-judmental things to say about this and you would do well to read their posts. This doesn't mean that you cannot try, but just know that it is a long shot, not just for you but for anyone and it wouldn't hurt to have a backup plan.



As a foot-note I should say it's not that easy to crack a smiley facial expression when such cynicism is lingering in the air.

To be fair to others, you took those pics before having read any responses here? I think you should try both types of pics, smiling and not smiling. People who will hire you as a model will want to see a wide range of moods and looks.

Good luck! :)

[Traci Elizabeth]

Hmmmm, as I have dipped my little pinky into white rapid waters of modeling, to get a decent billing is as far fetched as winning lottery, well maybe a little better chances that that, slightly, lol
However, getting your skin exposed for bunch of tranny chasing fetishistic males will be much more tempting and the draw of such possibility is quite tempting to those looking for validation through any means.
I would have never gone that rout and do not wish such upon anyone else as I have come to know one girl who has gone into the whirlpool of seduction and porn type modeling. It starts very innocently and quickly becomes overwhelming but at that point getting out is extremely hard and the money tempts even the most resilient ones.

Looking at your pics I cant help but see that you want attention and such validation and what feels like a cute and innocent game will rapidly become inescapable.

Put some clothes on, talk to some reputable agencies, and perhaps they will lead you to the reputable photographer who can do TFP work with you.

Good luck hon, Inna


I have to agree with Inna here. Plus unlike a lot of responses you have gotten, I will be strictly objective and not patronize you whatsoever.

In my opinion, you are basically a Plain Jane looking person. I don't see that you have any outstanding features that would put you in the "FRONT" of the model pack. Could you make the "local" Mom and Pop store advertising circuit - maybe but even in that limited media local market competition is fierce.

Why not spend you efforts getting a college degree or acquiring some professional certification that will serve you the rest of your life and put food on your table?

Save the modeling ambitions for part-time efforts. Like most starving artists, you need another means of supporting yourself.

[Nigella]

Kittie, I would draw your attention to your title
Some honest, candid opinions., if you don't like the comments or posts ignore them, or if you didn't want the various adverse comments, why ask for them in the first place?

[Kathryn Martin]

This is an excerpt from "Criteria for breaking into the Modeling World" by Giselle Berge:


Ready for Your Close-up
Despite what so-called modeling schools and lesser agencies advise, an aspiring model need not spend a mint on a fancy portfolio. Agents basically want a clear picture of what a girl looks like au natural - that is, free of makeup, styled hair and flattering clothes. They are also looking to see how well she photographs. A girl can be drop-dead gorgeous in person, but if the camera doesn't love her, she won't make it as a model. Basically all you need are a few quality photos that present you as you really are. Think a close-up shot with your hair pulled back and a couple of full-length shots or 3/4 length shots. And wear your bathing suit. Agents want to get a sense of what your body looks like. Research professional photographers (http://voices.yahoo.com/theme/591/photographers.html) in your area, or better yet, look into photography (http://voices.yahoo.com/theme/1605/photo.html) schools. Often a photography student will deliver great shots at a fraction of what you would pay a professional.

Ask yourself what makes you interesting as a model. What makes you "fierce" in the eyes of those who are looking for a model.

What you showed here is far from what you need. The honest opinion you were looking for was the usual found in the Pictures Forum where everyone goes to get an earful on how beautiful they are. Well, my honest opinion is that you are pretty, you have not shown anything that does not somehow sexualize your pictures, that is lascivious poses, pursed lips, tons of make-up and in lingerie lying on a bed. The pictures show little of your body but much of your skin. I cannot tell what shape your body is like from a frontal shot, if your curves are pleasing, how tall you are, if you have boobs, etc.

I realize that you are unhappy with what you are hearing. It would help you to have good pictures taken as described above, then come back and show us.

[Tamara Croft]

Invest in a tripod and a backdrop you can hang from the ceiling on hooks or something and then take some pictures, plus you need to get a better camera and smile :) If you had self esteem issues, you most certainly wouldn't be posting pictures like that on an open section of the forum where everyone can see them ;)

And people, she said 'candid', not bitchy and nasty, so pack it in!

[kellycan27]

It's not catty, and a model's life is nothing to get jealous about. As you say, even the majority of the most beautiful people don't make it in this business. Thanks for the realistic outlook.

To Kittie, beware of the scams to pry naive hopefuls out of their hard earned cash for photo shoots, modeling/acting classes, screen tests, etc. And the results never make it to the desks of the real people in the industry who are hiring the models:





US: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro23.shtm
UK: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/11450178

Even though there are laws against this, there are still plenty of scammers around.

While a model's "life" may not be something that is to be jealous about.. the fact that one is young and pretty enough to perhaps realize that life just might be... Just saying LOL

[Kittie]

Thank you for all the input, I'll rethink my approach to this. :)

[morgan51]

Good luck Kittie; I think you look great! I hope you do well. I beleive you got some realy good advice here. Get some professional pics. & A thicker skin will serve you well in life. M.

[Ingrid1999]

Kittie I think you look great.

No need to have low self esteem, but I can understand under the circumstances -- not being born a girl. That said, you look great.
As for the modeling, try some different influences. The look you are giving in these shots is not very unique. At your age you should be able to give a more "innocent" or "less sexualized" look and still be very sexy and appealing. In other words you look like you are trying too hard.

Take a look at "Elle" "Abercrombie and Fitch" "American Apparel" and some of the other retailers oriented towards 20 somthings. Get a tripod, even a small one to get beyond the Facebook cam girl look. Use two light sources (Google is your friend) to cut down on the hash shadows, one light source and a flash in the mirror is a recipe for disaster. Get some higher wattage light bulbs at least. You can easily take better pictures even at home and you will feel much better about the results.
And have fun -- the world is your Oyster.

[ameliabee]

Wow, pot, kettle.... says you who has 4 or so threads in the gallery asking if you pass/fail and then one thread all your face poses are exactly the same... http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?184049-I-need-validation..&p=3011094&viewfull=1#post3011094 I don't know how you dare!

Yes, and it took me that period of time to realize these things. Getting over body image issues is still an issue I fight with.

[MonctonGirl]

Ok - nice hair, pretty face, the body MOST women WISH they had.

I'm guessing you're probably a Leo or a Taurus. If the first one is correct, PM me and we'll sort-out your self-image issue once and for all, but be forewarned ... you'll be mad at me at first and give me a piece of your mind. Then you'll overthink it. Then it will make sense and you'll be relieved.