Dressing the Part (or, How’s That for Cool?)
Been working on things, including moving my office and studio from the 1st to the 3rd floor. I have some new shoots in mind for my project, but logistics are such that it will be a few weeks before I get to try them out. I’ve also taken on a job as a Technical Secretary, helping a small business with its online presence and promotions. The great news is I get to dress like a secretary. :)
Since I haven’t posted an image in a while and won’t be posting one for the short term future, here’s one from last month:
“Conversation” (July, 2012)
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“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
-Winston Churchill
For me this relates to be being true to oneself. Transgender or not, I have observed that when one is living as they are meant to, despite societal pressure, they are happiest, most loved - and most hated. I’m not sure why the latter occurs, but I feel Sir Winston Churchill touched on the reason with this quote.
The Detritus of Life (or, Patience is a Virtue?)
Had to take a break from shooting for the last 5-6 days due to heat and responsibilities rearing their ugly heads. Shooting in the studio just didn’t work out. Too small and cramped with no real back drops.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that I think I have a good concept and photo-op going forward. Hopefully, tonight will be cool enough for some photography, although a check of the weather shows things might be otherwise.
It’s been a lot of work with no results to show for it, but that is sometimes the nature of a self portrait project I guess. Here’s to a better night of shooting.
How to Be Cool
Been too hot to get any photos done, though I’ve tried. Too hot in the house, day or night, too hot outside during the day and too dark outside at night. Might be time to go in the studio. The studio is naturally cooler in the summer, but it is small. It will require some creative thinking to say the least.
I‘ve done quite a bit of shooting in the studio in the past, but successes were few (“Exhale” is one.). I’m hoping that with a new perspective I may hit on the right combination of lighting, composition and subject matter. Either way it goes, at least I’ll be cool.
Anonymous asked: Hi! i am a very curious transexual and just want to know where you stand with a few things? I read your introduction post and you simply stated your transgender, are you planning on transitioning at some stage? have you begun hormones already? what are your plans for your future?
Hello. :-)
At this point I have chosen no major structural changes to my body. Being of mixed gender (I guess that means I’m bigender) I’m not convinced I would be gaining by transitioning. It’s a tough call though. I am aware that I am evolving - so I don’t completely rule out SRS - but for now I and my partner are happy with the way things are.
~Julia
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Ebb and Flow (or, Shopping Spree!)
As usual, this photo project has necessitated a mini shopping spree. This particular go-round it’s stockings (always need stockings) and tops. I also had a few skirts and a gorgeous pair of pants that were in the mending pile repaired by a lovely seamstress in town to whom I’ve gone for nearly 10 years.
You’ll find that this project runs in cycles, due in part to lack of an extensive wardrobe. Every so many months I invest in new items. Another reason is that the creative process, my creative process, runs in cycles. Inspiration comes and goes like the seasons. Finally, it is a time intensive project and I have other commitments that must be met.
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Night Shoot (or, How to Beat the Heat)
Been very hot today, so difficult to get any shooting done. On top of that, commitments have eaten most of my time the last 3 days or so. Currently it is nearly 4am and hopefully the temperature has dropped enough to make a photo shoot bearable.
But before I go, I’d like to share a photo. Since I don’t have anything new to bring you, an old one will have to do. :-)
An “oldie”. (January, 2012)
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Education, Evolution and a Logistical Disconnect
Anyone who’s done self portraits has an appreciation for how difficult a task it is. One person has to do what normally takes a team of people. And then there’s the whole logistical disconnect that comes about when photographer and model are one in the same. There’s no such thing as a candid self portrait, so there’s really no excuse for not planning out a shot. Having said that, I often wing it, which can lead to frustration but it also leads to new discoveries.
Inspired by an Henri Cartier Bresson image (Martine’s Legs) and a James Kavanaugh poem (There are Men Too Gentle to Live Among Wolves). (July, 2012)
In my first post, “An Introduction”, I mentioned that Julia has evolved and continues to grow. Thanks to this photo project that evolution continues at an accelerated pace (which is good, because I’m not getting any younger, lol). And as I wrote, I’m not trying to “pass”, but instead trying to find the true Julia; whose gender is mixed.
I undertook this project with the goal of educating the ignorant and making a little more room in this world for transgender people. But I am learning a lot about myself as well and refining my look and appearance in the process. This project is now over a year old and, looking through the images from last year, I can say there has been quite a change. I’m looking forward to the coming years of evolution.
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