Get Better Portraits by Turning Your Camera Upside Down?

Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:32PM EST

File under oddity: Website Digital Camera University says that you can take better portraits (that is, pictures of people's faces) if you turn your digital camera upside down.

Why? It has to do with the location of the flash: Since it's mounted above the lens it creates slight shadows by the way the light bounces off the lines on your subject's face, which makes wrinkles and blemishes look more noticeable than they should. By turning the camera upside down, the light (now coming from beneath the lens) hits the face at a slightly different angle, creating a slightly different image. That's the theory, anyway.

Looking at the close-up on the site's sample images you can indeed see the difference the writer is talking about if you look at the lines around the model's eyes fairly closely. But I tried it myself to make sure this wasn't a hoax. When shooting an adult face, it was very clear that the upside-down tip did indeed reduce the appearance of lines. The crease around the mouth was noticeably less visible in the upside-down shot I tried than in the regular portrait. However, there was one unintended side effect: The upside-down shot made her face look much redder than it should have, for reasons I can't explain.

I also tried the trick on my four-year-old daughter, but since she is not yet jaded and beaten down by the cruel world, she doesn't have facial lines. I couldn't tell the difference between the side-by-side shots of her.

As the linked site itself notes, the effect is subtle and difficult to see, but it does exist. Is it something I'll do regularly? Probably not, unless repeated portraits keep turning out badly. But it's a neat little party trick that you ought to try at least once when snapping a shot of grandma.

Whether it's "dinner with friends", a "night on the town" - or "shooting photos"..."what to wear" is always a big question.

For "tranny's" - this holds doubly true - compared to our "genetic girl" counterparts. Why? We must decide upon more than "clothes". We're forced to also choose a hair color & style, level of make up...all sorts of "choices".

What should you do? Depending upon "the size" of your wardrobe - I'd pull three outfits for "shooting".

I'm aware "if you're new" - you'll be most interested in shooting "lingerie" pictures.

You'll want other looks, as well. Plus, you can "strip down" from your more conventional outfits - and create a very erotic set of photos in the process - if you so desire.

Outside of "taping" your business - you'll find wearing "black" panties will do an excellent job of creating a highly feminine look when you're down to "nuthin". Likewise, if you'd prefer to "advertise" your unique sexuality - a paler color set of briefs will make your point exceptionally "clear".

Know what else? Sometimes - the simplest ensembles create the sexiest photos. Don't be afraid to try a set of pictures in a t-shirt - or dress shirt - you might be surprised how sexy you'll appear - in the "basics". *smile*

The best pictures usually come from having another person take the photo who is experienced in lighting, camera angles, etc. Unfortunately, this is not a viable option for many of you.

I almost never get pictures taken by anyone else. The sheer hassle of arranging a time to shoot runs against my schedule. I usually take pictures after I return home from a "night on the town" - thus - I have no idea of "exactly" - when I'll be shooting photos.

The good news? Technology has made it such that anyone can get good pictures made - regardless of circumstances.

99.99% of my photos are taken with the "timer" from my digital camera. This - is the case with most t-girls across the USA.

"This" is actually a better method than you might first think. If you get a tripod, use a camera with auto-focus, and plan your shots carefully - you'll find the majority of pictures taken in this manner come out beautifully.

One "accessory" a beginner will find immensely helpful with this process - is a full length mirror situated on the wall opposite your "set". This will allow you the opportunity to make a final "check" - of your positioning - before the camera clicks off your special memory. While I'm now too lazy to "check" poses - this was a tremendous benefit in my beginning.

If you're like most new girls, you'll only have a couple of shots from your first set of pictures you'll "like". Don't fret - this will improve. You'll subsequently begin to discover which colors, poses, backgrounds, etc. - work best for you. I now only end up with a handful of photo's from each session I don't like. Practice - makes perfect! ((hugs))

For example - bend down with your hands on your knees, drop to the floor and stretch out for the camera - "look" away from the lens - lift your head - look down - look up - face the camera - turn to the side...get the idea? Do this - with each stage of undress. You'll be amazed at what a different "statement" a photo can make with only the slightest change in clothing and pose.

Movement is essential for us "digital timer" models. We never know what will look best - until it's too late to re-shoot. If you think a pose will look extra-good - shoot more than one version of the same shot.

I follow a fairly simple "process" with each set of photos I take - to achieve maximum use from each set. How? I begin - fully clothed - with a number of "fashionable

le" poses and head shots.

I'll often subsequently shoot more playful poses. You know - raise my skirt a bit...remove a piece of clothing, etc. You don't have to subsequently share this R-rated photo with world. You might subsequently edit it to a lovely Disney level picture. One idea "here" is to take a few pictures of you "actually" removing the

piece of your ensemble. That - can be extra sexy - even innocent.

Likewise - shoot photos in a variety of different locales - if possible. The biggest reason for "this" - is variations with lighting. Between lighting & settings - good photos are such a hit & miss proposition. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I shot a hoard of photographs I thought would be my very best - only to have a few I "threw in" at the end - turn out to be the "pick of the litter".

You'll also need to "check" the position of the camera with each new location and degree of focus. Most digitals include a "review" feature where you can subsequently examine each picture. Your primary concern during this phase of your shoot is that you're not cutting off your head. *Smile* Hey - it happens.

I often vary the degree of focus on my camera during shoots. Many cameras have a "close up" feature that can offer awesome details in a picture - albeit with less details of your complete ensemble.

To improve the likelihood of getting poses "just right" early on - I'd suggest you place a mirror on the wall opposite you - behind the camera. If you'll take a moment before you start "shooting" - and get it "just right" - you'll be able to get a quick look at each pose before the camera clicks. I found this particularly helpful when I was first learning to strike a decent pose.

Finally, since our faces are usually a bit wider than our female counterparts - we tend to look more feminine from the side - than "dead on" the camera. You'll likely discover one side of your profile creates better pictures than the other. Remain sensitive to this trait.

I usually go ahead and download each "set" / "outfit" to my CPU as a quick break in the action - and to check if one location or another is proving "best".

After a quick review of those pictures - I'll slap on a touch of lip gloss, touch up my mane, throw on the next outfit - and start saying "cheese" - all over again.

One thing you'll really enjoy is taking photos with "others" - while out and about. Pictures - with friends - is a reminder of what all of this - is all about. Namely, being happy.

I suspect some of you've thought about "pulling out your camera" - to record a more intimate activities. Any desires regarding intimate photos should be a function of the agreement of your partner. The Internet has rightfully caused many people to become far more cautious regarding "what's going on" when a camera flashes. There are laws against posting pictures of people who've not provided written consent. No reason to end up in court from a Kodak moment.

I don't allow "intimate" pictures of me with a lover. However, I'm not above "hamming it up" for the camera with "playful" action that another person might perceive as more "devious". The photo you see to the left with my good friend Suzie had a bunch of people stirring. *Laugh* In reality - we just hammed a few silly poses before walking out the door for a night on the town.

A little creativity can be just as hot as the real thing. Just ask anybody who looks at a Victoria's Secret catalog...*Smile*