You forum avatar/profile picture

[Victoria_Winters]

So, I have some questions for those of you who do not use a picture of yourself for your avatar...

1) why don’t you use a picture of yourself?

2) why did you choose the avatar you use?

3) where did you get the picture from?


My Answers are

1) I’m not really ‘out’ so I’m very reluctant to take a picture of myself en femm.
2) my old one I just liked it. My new one I just wanted something more like me and other ppl have very simular avatars...
3) my old avatar was from an app called ‘Avatar Creator’. My new one is from an app called ‘Showgirl EX’. I tried to make it look as much like the real me as I could.

[Tracy Irving]

My picture is all me, unedited. I'm not going to speak for others or even speculate why, so, sorry, I can't help you on this one.

[Helen_Highwater]

Victoria,

I now use a close up pic of me dressed but I can remember some of my ealier ones. I think the first was an outdoor pic with me so far away it could have been the Dalai Lama. The next was a little closer but still fairly ambiguous.

I guess the thinking was if I posted something more recognisable I'd out myself to the whole world. I guess also it has to do with having a pic that looks ok. Over time my presentation has improved although you might say looking at my avitar there's still a long way to go!

[Charlotte7]

My avatar is me, or at least a bit of me. It's my favourite dress at the moment and I love a bit of bling. Obviously it's a selfie. As for why I don't show more, it's as Helen says, I'm not ready to be out to the whole World, not yet.

[Beverley Sims]

1. I am too lazy to change it. I have used my own photo in the past.

2. It is a place I have visited. I have done a series of photos like this.

3. I took it myself. I have hundreds more that are suitable, I might start on the U.K. and Europe next.

3A. How about Euro Disney in Paris or Disney on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

[Kendalli]

1) I am only really out to my wife, so I try not to put out too much exposure of me dressed on the internet. And I am not really fan of how I look.
2) I liked the avatar when I was scrolling through the options.
3) I got it from this site.

[Queen Bridget]

1) I'm in the closet and I'm ugly.

2) I don't have one (See 1)

3) (See 2)

[Samm]

1) why don’t you use a picture of yourself?
I didn't have any when I joined the forum. That, and I was a 'neck down' dresser at the time.

2) why did you choose the avatar you use?
I thought it best represented me when I joined, as I didn't have the identity I feel I'm growing into now. (But I still like the avatar, so I keep it.)

3) where did you get the picture from?
internet, where else?

[alwayshave]

The picture is me, 5 years ago when I had a makeover at True Colors in Bethlehem Pennsylvania.

[Maria 60]

I'm in the closet and far from passing, the picture is of me showing of what I believe is my only femine quality, my legs.

[Ressie]

1- I'm quite unattractive and I wouldn't want the lady across the street to find any photos of me dressed.

2- I like how sexy this transvestite looks!

3 - I googled images and found this one. Maybe I'll change it to something else next week.

[DaisyLawrence]

1. It's me. I change it occassionally but it is always me.

2. I like to know who I'm talking to so I assume others do to. A picture is worth a thousand words afterall.

3. My phone.

[Stephanie Julianna]

I understand the fear of being exposed. Any place can be hacked by bad people. That being said. The beauty in getting older is simply, I don't care any more. I am proud that I look like this and my Avatar looks nothing like my drab self. Anyone who knows me would never see me in that woman unless they really looked closely. So the answers to your questions don't really apply to your theme but I will say:
1) It's the only place I can post a picture of the real me and the way I wish I could present all the time.
2) My current Avatar is from this last April in a dress I love to wear with my new body post diet. I don't think I ever look that happy in my drab pics. Actually, I never let my picture be taken often in male mode.
3)The picture is from a day out with Billie from this site. Just a great day being the mostly complete me if only for a day. Well it will never be complete because for that to happen I would have to have my family around me as Steph, then I would be 100% complete. (Will never happen, sadly)

[CarlaWestin]

Profile picture is my all time favorite. The lighting and the pose were perfect although, I forgot the cute white apron that came with the maid's dress. Also, my thoughts before taking that picture are reflected in my signature line.
The avatar I've changed a couple of times but, I like the current one. It's so relaxed and natural.

[Pixie_94]

1) I don't use a picture of myself because my face looks pretty masculine and I'm not in the shape I'd like to be.

2) I chose this avatar just for fun and to keep some variety, since my last one was kind of a pun with my username, it was a cluster of dead pixels.

3) I got the avatar from the app Avatar Creator. Why so? I saw someone else here had one from that, so I tried it and I didn't want to use a copyrighted character nor a photo of someone else.

[Victoria_Winters]

Deadpixel: I changed my avatar because I keep seeing yours and mixing it up with mine! Your look looked a lot like mine. You have good taste! Lol.

[Alice_2014_B]

I always use a picture that is of me.
I might, however, use one that is clearly not of me, but that is only when I would be on a hiatus.
Other than that, always me.

:)

[Allisa]

My avatar is me and I like the white nails(grown myself), needless to say it's one of 1000's I've got stored away. I know the angst about first time member and not daring to let anyone see me especially on a CDer site but then one day I owned it and the rest is history.

[DIANEF]

All my avatars are me, unedited, (apart from the background). I look so different from my male self that I doubt anyone would recognise me.

[Jaylyn]

Of course this is me and my toes on the right. Now my profile picture is 100% me, but I don't think anyone could I'd me from it.

[missynicole]

1- i am not really out and need to be discrete even though i am single
2- i want to look like that and am dieting and exercising to try and look as close to that as i can
3- the internet
l&k
mn

[April Rose]

1. Out of respect for my wife's preferences, no pictures on the internet.
2.It is a reflection of who I am on the inside.
3. I drew it. (It is a freehand copy of a detail from DaVinci's "Madonna of the Rocks" )

[Joni T]

My avatar would probably be rejected because it shows me holding one my favorite (gasp!) rifles. The mere mention of the word will probably get this post deleted by the mods. Apparently, to them, the mere mention of the word is, in their eyes, a "discussion".
Jon

[Tracii G]

Both my avatar and profile pic are me always.
I did enhance my avatar with just a little software help lighting mostly and eyebrows.
My profile is all me with no enhancements.

[KymG]

Mine is me, just not enough to be recognised by.
Although its a part of my appearence I am quite pleased with.

[jacques]

hello Victoria,
in reply -
1 - for the same reason that I did not use my real name an age when I joined this group - I did not want to reveal my true identity; something I now regret because I realise that this is a safe place, full of support.
2 - "I long to be young gifted and black" and a bit female!
3 - I copied it from a magazine & edited quite a while ago now.
luv J

[Sandy Storm]

11) yes it is me, but I am only really out to my wife and select group of friends, so I try not to put to much on the internet.
2) I love lingerie, huge fan,
3) wife took it

[Lana Mae]

1) It is a picture of me!
2) It is the latest picture of me!
3) My daughter took it in our hallway!
I used one of the pre-made ones here until I had some photos done! Profile pic is at my transformation and is me! FYI
Hugs Lana Mae

[Zoe B]

My profile and avatar are both me, I was trying to be careful when I made them hence the obscured face.

I should probably update it, but I have become quite comfortable with them. I did have a ‘generic image’ when I originally registered here just because of the fear of being recognized.

[Rayleen]

pics are both of me, I do not like my face to be public front.

Rayleen.

[Mysterious Nina]

1) I do use a picture of myself, just with no face(yet)

2) It looks casual and i like the combination :)

3) From my living room haha ;)

[candice.aihara]

1. I posted photos of myself at https://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?257190-Sporty-girl
2. My first name is Candice. The large 'C' seems apropos
3. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pink_copyright.svg

[LeannS]

yes it is a picture of me

because I liked it

Software program that took my real picture and made this one and yes I am very pleased with it

[Marie-Jo]

Yes it is me, and I like to change it now an then. Recently I had a pic made from my name Marie looking like a Chinese pagoda. The current is from October last year.
I find it hard to get good photos that look OK in the small format. Resizing change the pic a lot.
This pic is taken in a mirror and is a good picture of the fact that when dressed I'm mostly my only company.

[daviolin]

Avatar is all me
. I really like this one. Some day I will change it.

[BrendaPDX]

Hi Victoria, We are a lot alike.

1) why don’t you use a picture of yourself?
I am a closet case cross dresser, not ready to take the risk.

2) why did you choose the avatar you use?
My avatar represents who I want to be. I do have one actual picture of me here on this site.

3) where did you get the picture from?
My avatar is from the web, can't remember where it is from.

We are alike as we are different, I came here looking for acceptance and found reassurance that I am not broken or weird.

Good post, thank you! Brenda

[Sissy_Michelle]

Victoria_Winters,

1) Why don’t you use a picture of yourself?
A couple of reasons really, I’m not 100% “out” in addition don’t believe I could be anytime soon. The other reason is that I lived most of my life outside, either on the flight line or on the back of my motorcycle and the environment hasn’t been kind to me.

2) Why did you choose the avatar you use?
At one time my hair was red, so I change my avatar between a few different selections depending on mood. Also didn’t like the ones offered by the site.

3) Where did you get the picture from?
Each picture I have downloaded I have either purchased or requested the use of the picture as an avatar. I only have two where the artist never contacted me back, so I don’t use them.

@—}——
Michelle

[Lilly Diadem]

My Answers are

1) I don't full en-femme anymore so a miad won't cut it and even if I did I wouldn't offer a pic of myself on the internet.
2) Answer in my signature.. but I loved Jenny Powell.
3) Internet search a while back and saved to my machine.

[Teresa]

Victoria,
I feel it's a shame we all don't have the freedom to post a true picture of ourselves, it's far better to know what the person looks like when making a reply. I can understand your fears, we mustn't forget how many people can visit this forum and see our pictures , it's quite a scary thought !

You asked for replies saying why members don't post their picture but most have answered why they do , for me it's a coming out process , it had to happen , I'm happy letting the World see I'm not ashamed to stand up and be counted as TG . I have to admit when I first posted one I nearly chickened out and deleted it, that was sometime ago , it just feels so good to say it really doesn't matter anymore .

The only retouching my pictures get is resizing to abide by forum rules otherwise what you see is what you get , OK warts and all !!

[2B Natasha]

I do use a picture of me
I chose it because at the time it was my favorite picture and now I’m to lazy to change it
My wife took the photo of me on a driving a bus during the pride parade in Seattle in 2016

[Loveday]

1) why don’t you use a picture of yourself?
My computer is very slow at uploading a pic, 15 to 30 minutes per picture. When I figure out hoe to log in on my phone I plan to change it.

2) why did you choose the avatar you use? & 3) where did you get the picture from?

At the time I had no pictures of myself and noticed some street art that was on display in town for a couple of years.

[Joyce Swindell]

Mine is all me. It did take me a long time to post one because​ of the fear of being exposed. I used a long blonde female cartoon character I had found on the internet on some sites. The turning point for me in posting mine here was how delighted I was with the hair, the makeup and how wonderful I felt in my own skin that night. It was actually the first time I felt that way and I was actually pretty proud of them and I wanted to share.

[ClosetED]

The avatar is open to search engines, so I use a picture of me - but just legs. I can see your avatar by using Google "victoria_Winters crossdressers" and Images-there are others that show up first but it is there
The Profile Picture is open to just members, so I use a better picture of all of me. And over 700 pictures in Picture Gallery
Hugs, Ellen

[amandagurl2014]

Mine is just an example of the look I would love to present. Her name is pixiwoo or Samantha Chapman, a makeup artist in London. She is absolutely drop dead gorgeous and a crazy good MUA. Im not against putting my own picture up as I do have a decent female presentation when dressed. From time to time, I get a some compliments and a few women have even asked me for advice on their outfits. That level of acceptance is all one could ask for.

[Tracii G]

ClosetED I beg to differ with you I googled my name as you suggested and nothing about me came up anywhere.
I went thru the long list too.
I googled you too and nothing not even a mention so I have to ask where on earth did you hear that you could do that?

[Queen Bridget]

ClosetED I beg to differ with you I googled my name as you suggested and nothing about me came up anywhere.
I went thru the long list too.
I googled you too and nothing not even a mention so I have to ask where on earth did you hear that you could do that?

She's right. If you type "Tracii G crossdresser" into google images, it shows you photos of almost everyone on this site. (https://www.google.co.uk/search?biw=1920&bih=915&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=FcgFW9jZMYX0gQay5IzQDw&q=Tracii+G+crossdresser&oq=Tracii+G+crossdresser&gs_l=img.12...4371.6465.0.9227.13.13.0.0.0.0.101.6 44.12j1.13.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0....0.Z7arB_ iHoro)

[Tracii G]

OK I see it did show up well I have no issues with that.
I keep things clean and respectable so no worries.

[MarinaTwelve200]

I use photos of myself----Even though I am closeted, I am one of those people who looks DRASTICALLY different in a wig and makeup---and I like my look

[Bobbi46]

I have just Googled my avatar and seen myself there, my question is how did Google Images get hold of our Avatars! I thought this site was secure!

[kimdl93]

1) I do, at the moment, but at other times I've used avatars for anonymity or to reflect my mood and/or self image at a given time....including a nine-winged aircraft that never quite got off the ground!
2) I tried to pick the best pic I had at the moment - sadly, that was it!
3) from the cam on my desktop computer. But I have gotten others from Google images and those available via CD.com

[Kelly DeWinter]

1) I'm much better looking this way, don't ya think ? :battingeyelashes:

2) It reminds me of the Prom I never had :love:


3) Amanda at Tru Colors. I did the color changes with Photoshop :gh:

[Becky Blue]

My pics are always of me, but I ensure that I would be unrecognisable to all but a deep look...

[ClosetED]

The various search engines can see what any person who does not sign in can see,!therefore avatars and things posted in clouding pictures in this section. But notice the sections you CAN’T see until you sign in- those are secure. Unless a member copies your pictures and then posts them elsewhere less secure. Which is theoretically possible but I think very rare. This Is why you have to post 10 times and be cleared by the wonderful admins before being given access. I choose a username that is also a word so searching it won’t be too useful. And you would just see my legs. But even seeing my face would probably not make me recognizable in drab.
Hugs, Ellen

[Maria in heels]

My avatar is of me, and don't you worry about anything Victoria. I seriously doubt that someone here will ask you to make an "official avatar" and just do whatever makes you comfortable

[Nic J]

1. I don't put a real photo' of myself here for two reasons. Mainly because i am not ready for people, particularly my inlaws, to find out about my CDing. (Maybe this will all be able to change one day....)
Also, because i am not very good lookin, i wouldn't want to inflict my piccy on you all. :D

2. I chose this avatar because i like to wear a casual or sporty look. Apart from the long blond hair, pretty face and great figure, it looks exactly like me. :rofl:

3. The avatar is one of the standard forum cartoon options.

[CynthiaD]

For a long time I had no avatar, just the blank box you get when you sign up. I wanted to use a picture of myself, but all my selfies looked just horrible. I seem to have a knack for catching myself from the worst possible angle in a way that accentuates all my bad features. Then one day I took a selfie and thought, "Hey, that's not that bad!" My current avatar.

[Pat]

I seriously doubt that someone here will ask you to make an "official avatar"...

The moderator says:

Nobody official will ask you to do that. We are a support site and we take a dim view of people trying to make others reveal themselves though we have to draw a distinction between "make" and "encourage." I have to admit I'm watching this thread pretty closely to make sure the line doesn't get crossed. I suspect others are too. People have been banned from this site for getting too pushy about getting others to reveal their personal information.

[Tina Marie]

Small town, private person.

[Judy-Somthing]

My avatar is me with a good amount of makeup on and most of the time I feel that it would be hard for someone to recognize me!

[dana digs sweaters]

1 -- I have in the past

2 -- It's Bugs. He always looked great dressed up as a girl. Why would I Not want to create a good looking female image also? :love:

3 -- from the Net of course! :doh:

4 -- Subject to change in the future :dance:

[Shayla]

I just put up a pic, from my first makeover. I didn't do it before because I did not have a good picture of myself. I am not worried about the internet as who would be looking for pictures of CD's who wasn't one themselves? and my real name is not associated with the picture anyway. Also, even facial recognition software would be stumped on mine since the MUA changed the shape of my face with her skills (as well as plumping the lips and arching the brows). I know that no one would recognize me like this so I am not worried.

[Ressie]

1- I'm quite unattractive and...

2- I like how sexy this transvestite looks!

3 - I googled images and found this one. Maybe I'll change it to something else next week.

I was just joking with this post. All of the avatars I've used have been pics of me.

[Underdressed]

1) why don’t you use a picture of yourself?

I don't visually like how I present in a dress.
Therefore I underdress out in the real world and dress as I wish at home.

2) why did you choose the avatar you use?

Due to my height and build this is how I feel I look in a dress.

3) where did you get the picture from?

Online somewhere.

[Sashauk]

1) The photo is me - or part of me.
2) It's one I had - must try to take some more.
3) I took it myself.

[Rachelish]

My original avatar was a cartoon I found randomly on the web. and it represented the kind of look I'd love to attain. I'm not out to anyone so still not confident enough to use a recognisable image but have 'upgraded' to this photo of me which captures a bit of how I am :)

[IamWren]

I have a picture of me for my profile photo but my avatar is a cartoon/sketch hijabi that I absolutely adore. I started off wearing a hijab and just love how she looks. Oh, if only I were as cute as she is.

[sometimes_miss]

1. I'm not out, and don't want to be. Once you post a pic of yourself online, it stays there forever, and I have two scars on my face that would definitely let anyone who suspected it was me, to be absolutely sure once they saw the picture. So, no pics of me crossdressed or connected to crossdressing, online anywhere, for me. In fact, AFAIK, there are zero pics of me on the net. I'd like to keep it that way.
2. I purchased the dress in the picture from a vendor in China. The model does lots of x rated advertisements. When I wear the dresses, I want to look as much like her as possible.
3. Screen capture from the advertisement for the dress.

[dorylinn]

1) why don’t you use a picture of yourself?

That is an internet bell that can't be "un-rung"

2) why did you choose the avatar you use?

Big fan of Electric Light Orchestra [Painted Lady] ... and Dorthy

3) where did you get the picture from?

Actual photo of real life Album cover. Back when music wasn't the only art added to the collection when you tracked down the record you were after

[jessica33]

My avatar is me . I really don't care if my friends/relatives see the photo .