Once, I ran from you. Now, I'll run to you...

[Bree Wagner]

Yeah, yeah. I know it's backwards, but I'm not talking about tainted love, I'm talking about cameras. :D

Growing up I didn't want anything to do with them and would fight family portraits or just about any staged picture situation with all my might. If there was one thing my parents ever got really upset with me over it was ruining pictures. Definitely not among my proudest memories. :sad:

My attitude may have started to change a bit after a photography class while a freshman in high school, but it still wasn't great and I still prefered to be the one behind the camera. By the time I hit my twenties I had a much more 'normal' relationship with the camera. I'd take a few pics while on vacation, a few with my wife-to-be, and was a bit more comfortable in front of the camera. I realize what a great tool it was to capture memories and the picture collection grew. Going digital sure didn't hurt either, no more development costs!

As I approached, and crossed, the 30 year point I had done a 180 degree turn. Can you guess the two reasons? Kids and crossdressing. The floodgates were open. Now I've got to start thinking about getting some extra digital storage space! :heehee:

I wonder if there's a common denominator in the two picture drivers. Maybe pride? I know I'm beyond proud of my kids and everything they do. I love to capture great moments of them and with them and have no problem snapping a few (hundred) pics. With crossdressing perhaps it's more about pride in what I've done and the journey I've taken with fashion and makeup.

Can you tell?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8567899468_8e60d5110b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8567899468/)
Into the Archives. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8567899468/) by Bree Wagner (http://www.flickr.com/people/breewagner/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8594589038_f7d943812a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8594589038/)
The Way-back Machine (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8594589038/) by Bree Wagner (http://www.flickr.com/people/breewagner/), on Flickr

Maybe there's a hint of narcissism there, but I wouldn't let that stop me now! :devil:

Whether I'm with my family or have just thrown on a wig and a dress, there will be no doubts now that a huge smile will be on my face when I see that camera. Let's capture the moment and make a memory.

Anyways, Mr. Camerman, I'm ready for my closeup!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8369/8503290979_e96febb61d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8503290979/)
End Result (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8503290979/) by Bree Wagner (http://www.flickr.com/people/breewagner/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8544239362_4c9a43e31a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8544239362/)
I'm truly ready... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/breewagner/8544239362/) by Bree Wagner (http://www.flickr.com/people/breewagner/), on Flickr

[Julie Denier]

Wonderful post, Bree! Your evolution has indeed been terrific and I've enjoyed reading all about it ;)

[FelicityMay]

You have every right to be narcissistic about this! you are gorgeous!
I have been pretty camera shy most of my life too, but when i get dressed up, i cant get enough :D

[Tracii G]

Same here I love the camera now LOL.

[Beverley Sims]

It is sad that later in life for those that are afraid of cameras there are too few shots to look back on.
It does leave a hole in the mystery that is life.

[AmyGaleRT]

It's taken a long time for me to learn to relax in front of the camera, especially as Amy. I've gotten a lot better about it, especially at giving that big, wide smile that gets so many nice compliments in the Pictures forum. :)

I don't even know if any of my early "proto-Amy" shots are worth trying to post. Among other things, I didn't have the hair...

- Amy

[Tink]

Beautiful pictures. And, may I add, beautiful smile!

I too hate with a passion having my photo taken. And I made a resolution to get over it but so far have failed miserably. But I'm determined to try because I would absolutely love to have a few pictures of me and my BF both his male side and his female side.

Congrats on your journey with the camera!

[stephNE]

Bree, you take wonderful pictures!

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Bree, You are like a bottle of fine wine you get better with age.

[Michala]

Love the changes, I think the biggest changes are your makeup skills. You are proof that a little makeup done correctly is so much better than too much. No wonder you are more comfortable in front of the camera.

[Annaliese]

I to never like my picture taken, even today in male mode I will move away from the camera, in Annaliese mode I can't enough I think it the best way to improve on make up skills. I just like my picture taken as Annaliese it show the true me.

[Claire Cook]

And we can see the increased confidence ... the real you is coming out!

[Bree Wagner]

I have been pretty camera shy most of my life too, but when i get dressed up, i cant get enough :D


Same here I love the camera now LOL.

I had a feeling I might not be alone! :)


It's taken a long time for me to learn to relax in front of the camera, especially as Amy. I've gotten a lot better about it, especially at giving that big, wide smile that gets so many nice compliments in the Pictures forum. :)


Yes, that's another huge change for me too. It just about took a pair of pliers to get me to smile, especially if I was told to show teeth, while growing up. Now I'd like to think it just effortlessly radiates from me.


Love the changes, I think the biggest changes are your makeup skills. You are proof that a little makeup done correctly is so much better than too much. No wonder you are more comfortable in front of the camera.

And we can see the increased confidence ... the real you is coming out!

Without a doubt! I've found a look I like and am comfortable with but there's still plenty of room for improvement and experimentation. Just maybe I'll even have a bit of fun doing that experimentation too. My wife and kids are out of town for the next ten days so I'll have plenty of chances! :D

[Jodi Anne]

That great smile sure does not hurt, you do look like you feel confident.Great look Bree