Nan Goldin is well known for their work covering and documenting the life of transvestites. All images are completely candid and taken in a natural fashion. This is done in a kind way that isn’t exploitive but instead informative. Another attempt at breaking stereotypes around gender norms. I attempted to recreate these sort of images myself.
To attempt to keep that candid natural feel, I asked my subject to get their self ready alone without the help of a female, or any other person skilled in makeup or other related areas. I then asked them to pose on the bed in the ways their attire made them feel, along with taking genuinely candid of the process of getting ready.
To me, it’s apparent that people take gender issues way too seriously and should just try experiencing other perspectives in someone elses shoes. As proof, I took my friend and took a portrait of him in his own shoes.
Then made him appear feminine…
After showing him the results, his impression, posture and even mannerisms changed drastically… and more importantly…
He had a huge smile on his face!
In my opinion, more people really should try looking at these ‘sensitive’ issues through a different perspectives, and even put their self in someone else’s shoes.. LITERALLY!
Self Images 