1. Not Shaving
Seriously! It sounds obvious! But it is surprising how many trans-clients don't have a close shave before attending a photoshoot. Remember, a high-end camera will pick out your beard shadow when you are in front of bright lights and having your photograph taken.
Unless you have completed a course of treatment to remove facial hair, you will need to shave as late as you can before the shoot. We recommend shaving and then having a second shave with a fresh razor.
2. Not Getting Your Outfits Ready
Preparation is key. Don't just grab the suitcase with all your outfits and wigs. Who looks glamorous in scrumpled clothing and a tangled wig?
Check your outfits in advance! Do they need cleaning? Do they need an iron? Does the wig need shaping and brushing out?
Additionally, check that you have everything you need. Nothing can be worse than turning up at a photoshoot to discover you've left the breast forms behind. Or those sexy heels! Also, don't forget to remove the price and size labels. You don't want that awesome shot ruined by a white piece of card sticking out from around the neck or a label on the sole of the flashy heels!
3. Doing Your Own Makeup
If you are paying decent money for a photographer, you want to look your best! Unless you are highly skilled at makeup, find a makeup artist, ideally with experience working with transgender clients and models in photoshoots. Look for someone who can adjust their makeup for your face and desired look: several makeover services have only one look - it may not suit your face and style, and why do you want to look like everyone else?
It's even better if the makeup artist can also be present during the shoot. They can touch up makeup when it gets smudged and give you a completely new look if you are changing outfits or the style of photos.
4. Wearing The Wrong Clothing
An outfit may look glamorous on a non-trans model in a magazine or a shopping website. However, it doesn't mean it will suit your shape and build. Remember, men and women are shaped differently. Pick an outfit that gives a feminine shape, for example, one that gives a nice waist. Shapewear, such as corsets or padding, can help, but check that they don't show through your outfit (unless that is a deliberate part of the look).
Do you check the sizing too? Squeezing into something too small may make you feel good but can show unsightly bumps. Conversely, something too big won't help with that female shape.
If you can't have smooth arms, legs and torso, wear clothing covering these areas. Wear long sleeves! Consider wearing a skin-coloured pair of tights with stocking over the top. Crossdressers often remember to cover their legs and arms but forget the hairs on their chests poking out from under their tops.
5. Rushing
Take your time. If you are rushed, you won't relax, which never makes for good photos!
Arrive in plenty of time. Allow time to get the photos you want. Don't panic if you don't get mind-blowing shots in the first few minutes. It takes time to feel at ease in front of the camera.
6. Not Having a Plan
Do you know what you want? Have you communicated this to your photographer? If you aren't sure (several clients aren't), don't worry. An experienced photographer will be able to make dependable suggestions. Work together to make a plan before you start your shoot. You can always deviate and adjust as you go along. The plan should include outfits, the type of shots (for example, studio or boudoir), location(s) and the looks you want to achieve.
7. Failing to Relax and Enjoy the Shoot
Getting dressed up in front of someone can be a daunting experience, especially if you aren't used to doing so. Pick a photographer used to dealing with trans clients; they will have a good understanding, especially if this is your first shoot. If they are cool with you, it will help you relax. Any discomfort will show up and be amplified in the photographs.
Chat with the photographer in advance; do you feel that they are someone you can get on with and feel at ease in their presence? What experience do they have working with trans clients?