After reading these, decided I needed to update to a different avatar. This is from a glamor studio photo shoot-back when. The silver "dress" was just a top with no back, to go from customer to customer. Shame I really like the "dress".
After reading these, decided I needed to update to a different avatar. This is from a glamor studio photo shoot-back when. The silver "dress" was just a top with no back, to go from customer to customer. Shame I really like the "dress".
[SIZE="3"]*** Barbie Lanai ***[/SIZE]
I prefer to keep my pictures in the Picture and Video section, that way only members can see them. As someone mentioned, avatar photos are there for all to see, including anonymous guests (I'll assume this is a true statement, admins speak up if it is not), so I'll keep my photos in the other section so I can semi-control who gets to see me dressed.
For those who say they won't friend someone without a photo avatar, or question someone's story because of their avatar, if you're that skeptical, research the member. See if they have posted in the picture gallery or what other types of threads they have posted.
For a lot of us, there is a certain level of anonymity that we would like to retain for a variety of reasons. Some may feel comfortable enough to post pictures in the Photo Gallery, but not as an avatar. Others may not feel comfortable putting a picture of them dressed out here on the internet at all, I respect that. It does not mean that I don't believe anything they post, I take everything people post at face value until proven otherwise.
No picture. No avatar. I had the latter, briefly. It felt too contrived.
Regarding pictures, it's all about risk to me (my threshold is zero), and I see little point to a picture that doesn't show one's face. Like some, I do scan for responses from specific people, so I understand that usage. I also understand Melissa's point, though it pains me a bit since I do not use a picture.
Lea
Life is nothing more than what you perceive it to be. I am fighting giants yet others see me jousting with windmills. My avi is a picture I took of a pewter statue of Don Quixote I purchased on a trip abroad. Set in a forest of grass, he is reading a book while taking a rest during his quest for fighting for chivalry and an era he wished to be part of.
My avi is very personal, even if it doesn't show my face. Any future avi I use will also carry deep significance for me. I hope anyone who is upset that they can't see my face can accept the fact that my face may not be as important to me as the way I feel and the way I wish to express myself.
Great thread! I don't have a problem with people not posting a photo of themselves, but would prefer that they had some recognisable image that reflected who they are (or they wish they were). The images give everyone a better visual clue as to the person, and this helps in understanding what is written. It also aids ID when combing through threads. Fractured's image is instantly recognisable, and now it has been explained... I get it.
I use a photo because I am probably vain! I wanted to get a good image of me in real life and have previously posted different pics and changed them. It was then suggested to me that changing my avatar messed things up as people do look for what they recognise. So I haven't updated this for a while... but then I don't look any different really.
We all have reasons for being here and we all have our own reasons for what we do. I am here to be Kaz and express this side of me. It seems perfectly natural to show her. Will I be recognised? Highly unlikely and if I am it is by someone who is interested in this world we inhabit. If their reasons for being here are suspect, I really don't care. These people usually show themselves at some point and get bounced.
The photo is Kaz... i.e. me with some make-up and a wig. No big deal.
Kaz xx
__________________________________________________ ____________
This Woman Within is Flying without Wings
I would like to give an opinion as to why, even though I am not one of them. I suspect some are so far in the closet they are on the next floor of the apartment building. Many are just discovering who they are, many are young, many are afraid, many don't have a camera yet, many just fetish with hose and heels for instance, the list goes on.
I like to change my pic from time to time just because I can and do not necessarily pick a 'best' pic but rather one that fits the mood I'm feeling at the time.
I don't have a picture as a girl...yet. My situation was complicated before these feelings came up, now it's venturing into the unbaerable. Some day soon, I hope, I will have a picture of the real me as an avatar. I'm choosing to not put something else up because I want it to be me.
Lots of good resons have been given for not having a photo, and I have no problem with those who don't want to post one.
In my posts I make no secret that I am a pleasure dresser and prefer to dress and make up in a very over-the-top style. My photos reflect this, and I like to hear from other cd's who are similarly driven and express themselves similarly. I understand that my preferred style may draw criticism (and it has), but it just shows me that some people don't understand that we have different drives and ways of expressing our different drives. Not all of us dress and make up conservatively to blend in public, but rather dress and make up to please ourselves. I get more positive comments than negative, so on balance I consider having a photo online a good thing for me.
As Eryn said, having a photo avatar helps me identify my posts in a thread.
it is the real me in my avatar. If some one recognizes me please send a note and we'll talk. I figure if some one sees me on this site they're here for a reason. No offense to this site or the people on it but it is not a real interesting site unless you are into CDing. I surf by her lots but I have an interest and I get bored with it sometimes.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Sallee
I have often wanted to show my pictures on the forum, I actually like being seen when i'm dressed. I am extremely fortunate to have a wife that approves and participates, I am able to express my feminine nature around her almost when any time I want to except when our grown children come over. My wife doesn't set many boundaries except that I do not post pictures on the internet, she doesn't like the internet and has seen how it has effected people in a negative way so that is a rule that I follow although I don't really like it, I suppose it's a small price to pay for such an understanding and loving wife (I still don't like the rule dangit) so I won't risk my relationship over this issue.
Linda
Jess, before I put my picture up, I had three concerns, 1) being recognized 2) I had not come out to my wife and 3) I feared I looked terrible (a dude in a dress). After I came out of the closet, she told me no one would ever recognize me, she can't even see "me" in my girl face, she also told me lowlight pass at a distance. So I jumped in.
Be careful about this.Originally Posted by Jenniferathome
I say this because I've been there too. Seeing my SO dressed was such a departure for me from the way he looks in guy mode, that I was also convinced she would never be read or recognized. I hate to say this, but CDers and the wives who love them seldom have objective views on the matter, which when you think of it is natural.
The proof that my earlier assumptions were not true was, it became apparent as we increasingly went out in public, people just seemed to "know". They treat us kindly and with respect, but they still know. Also, a young woman that my SO had befriended in another town (this young woman had only just seen my SO dressed), came to a restaurant in our town with her boyfriend, on a night when my SO was there in guy mode. She immediately recognized him, despite seeing him as a guy in a completely different context. And I have to add that my SO in my opinion passes very well (she and I are similar heights ... she wears low heels and I wear 3-4" heels, she does not wear a wig although in guy mode he keeps his long mid-back hair tied at the nape, he has small hands and feet, no square chin, no adams apple, no beard shadow since he's had laser treatments, etc), although he does look like a guy in guy mode.
Reine
[SIZE="3"]I'm sorry if some of you think less of me, but I use a cartoon for privacy....This one also represents the cowgirl in me.
[/SIZE]
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Susan V. Adams
Easy. Military service is the original reason **self edited with apologies** response was to a specific poster on this thread NOT the op.
Last edited by Crysten; 01-17-2012 at 04:23 PM.
Crysten
"Addicted to Victoria's Secret".
it was only a question of why you chose the picture you did. Your answer was completely valid, and I'm sure we all respect you for it.
Last edited by JessHaust; 01-17-2012 at 11:00 PM. Reason: Respect for original poster
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I'll never post a picture since I enjoy my privacy and feel for my security. I transitioned decades ago. When I consider that I've worked for companies that have employed staff who are deeply religious, others who are bigoted, and still others who are ignorant and uncaring I see good reason not to drop out of my stealth mode.
I've even had a couple of friends who have shared their opinions about transexuals and transvestites. One such instance involved an elderly lady friend who referred to her step son's friend who was transitioning from female to male as "it". I've taken many opportunities to educate her as to how hurtful her remarks would be to her step son's friend. Her step son's friend eventually suicided and I explained that he must have been under extraordinary stress and in much pain to go through the process of transition which obviously alienated so many people. My lady friend knows nothing of my past before transition and I have no intention of sharing it with her.
There are many people I choose to not share this transition with and there are plenty of people who do know. We no longer talk much about it and I really don't see a reason to.
It's interesting to me that before I transitioned I had a big secret, then while transitioning I opened up and shared all of me with just about everyone I knew except my employer, and after the whole transition phase returned to a stealthier mode.
Take care, good thread... Karan
Last edited by Karan49; 01-17-2012 at 04:18 PM. Reason: grammer
Just updated mine to replace the old ones that had my face blurred out. Still a bit nervous about my face being on here, but it is slowly fading thanks to all of your wonderful ladies and the gracious compliments!
It was a promise to my wife that I wouldn't post any pictures where the general public could see. As far a I know the avatar is visible to everyone on the site not just members.
My avatar speaks volumes for me now
Jessi, Interestingly, I've thought exactly the same thing only just recently. Matter of fact, I was going to ask one of my Friends this exact same question, just didn't know how, or when? Now I do, but first I have to finish reading all the posts; that answer may already be here? :D
I'm posting here now so I can come back any time my 'lil 'ol heart desires, so thanks for the thread.
L&R
M.
PS My avatar speaks volumes for me now, but in the very beginning it was an avatar of Lady Gaga.
BTW I'm not Gaga over her, just her figure...
Never really had a good picture. Probably need to find some one to take some decent ones. The avatar is definatley something I'd like to resemble
I honestly do not have any pictures of myself dressed enfemme. I chose my avatar for a few reasons.
#1- I love the outfit, it is exactly the type of clothing that I like to wear, and I would love to look like the girl that is pictured.
#2- I really liked the quote that was across it...it fit me like a pair of satin panties!
I really have no desire to have pictures of myself dressed. It's just not my thing.
Life's too short to not be enjoyed! Live each day to the fullest!
Hi Jess, Out of respect for my wife who asked that I not post any pictures.
Nothing to be ashamed of my pictures look somewhat passable for my age.
Having my ears triple pierced is AWESOME, ~~...
I can explain it to you, But I can't comprehend it for you !
If at first you don't succeed, Then Skydiving isn't for you.
Be careful what you wish for, Once you ring a bell , you just can't Un-Ring it !! !!
Always live within your comfort zone. You have to be you. If you aren't sure what non-members can see, there is an easy way. Come to the website, don't log in, and browse around. I won't log out right now to check myself, but I believe you see the M2F CDing, Transmasculine, Trasnsexual, and Upcoming Events forums. Plus you will probably find that you will see the avatars of members, but of course you can't get in their profiles.
Nothing keeps the peace like respecting your wifes requests! 31 years of marrage have taught me that.
Good for you.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I chose to use a real pic because I feel that it's empowering. In every part of my life, I'm "required" to keep Staci a secret between my wife and I, because society can't accept it any other way. This is the one place that Staci can have her moment in the sun. And in public. I feel that when I'm on the forum, I'm among great friends that aren't going to belittle or bash the way I look. Everyone here is special--and beautiful. Maybe some pass better, or look more feminine, but everyone here should feel comfortable about who they are. Be proud of what you are or what you would like to become.
This is the one place that you can get away with being yourself--Don't take it for granted! This is a truly special group of people!
Staci
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