Reflections Can Be Helpful or Damaging
Let’s consider the lowly mirror. Or its close cousin the camera. The can be a CD’s best friend. Or they could be a foe.
I regularly exchange emails with a GG friend on various subjects that pop up in life and here on Stuff. She made a comment recently that I think is pretty profound. “We are our own best audience” is what she said. I’d add to that that we are also our own worst critic.
The Mirror
When we look in the mirror and see our femme presentation it can give us a real thrill. It can be nice to see a pretty lady looking back at you. But it can also be a bit of a disappointment if that lady doesn’t measure up to your standards.
Mirrors are great for instant gratification. You see yourself in the moment. With some good lighting, I hope. You can stand there and stare at yourself, concentrating on specific areas. You can move closer for the details. Or you can step back to see the overall look. Mirrors also make it harder to get anywhere because every time you pass one you need to stop and look. Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration.
The Camera
Similar to the mirror, the camera is a great tool for judging our femme presentation. It has the advantage of being able to take in more of the whole you. You cannot only see the front of you, but you can also get the side and back. Something that’s not so easy with a mirror, unless you have one of those three panel mirrors you see in stores.
The camera has a big advantage over the mirror. Memory. Using a camera allows you to document how your look evolves over time and experience as you dress more. I keep pictures of myself going back several years. It’s interesting to look back and see how I’ve changed. Sometimes I decide to give a particular outfit another try. Or a different hair style. Having the photos is better than my own memory.
I’ll Be Back
I’d love to hear if you think your mirror is a friend or foe. The “drawing” of me above was created using ChatGPT and is derived from one of my photos. As always, comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff so if there is something you would like to read about, please let me know.
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| Wearing Ann Taylor |
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| Rachel, a Femulate reader |
When I stand before a mirror in just after I wake up, I see a woman with blonde hair beyond the shoulders and a bust. And then I start to sing. With my relaxed vocal folds, the sound of an oktavist comes out, shattering the illusion.
ReplyDeleteJohn
A very interesting observation John! I never thought of that. JJ
DeleteReaders need to keep in mind that the mirrors are good for close up detail for seniors especially 10X and 20X but distort reality. That is your pores are not as large as they seem nor are your wrinkles as noticeable.
ReplyDeleteGood point about the magnifying mirrors! Now if only we could get ourselves and our friends to stand back a ways so they can't see the wrinkles either. ;) JJ
DeleteLovely article JJ! It makes me long for the countless photos I used to have of myself dressed enfemme, of which only a few precious ones remain📷
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Elise! I'm somewhat fortunate that I do have pictures from my real start. But that wasn't that long ago. Hugs, JJ
DeleteWhen I look in the mirror I see what the mind wants to see in girl or boy mode. Then, I see a printed photograph and the reality sets in whether i boy or girl mode. When at home I avoid looking at myself in any of the bathroom mirrors, There is a full length mirror that I gaze at myself from afar which preserves the illusion but not close enough to see that aged male face. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we all see what we want to see. But with a bit of effort we can put aside those feelings and be objective. It's hard. JJ
DeleteRachel should be really pleased with that photo as everything comes together really well in it. Of course, part of the secret of its success is her pose with one shoulder back and the other forward.
ReplyDeletePenny from Edinburgh.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I try to not only have my makeup, outfits, and accessories look well together , but I think part of the look is how I feel. When I am En Femme, I feel happy and excited! I stopped wearing a wig a couple of years ago (thhat is my own hair), and I just turned 67 years old this past October. I just wished I would have found the courage to be myself decades ago!
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