I fully transitioned only a few years ago but had gone through almost my whole life imagining myself to be a woman and, perhaps like many in this situation, I have avoided being in photos whenever possible as the mental image and reality left me deeply conflicted. However, over the past year or so I have become increasingly confident in my appearance and having seen studio photos of other transgender women I wanted this opportunity for myself even though I am now 60.

In the weeks before the photo shoot I exchanged messages with Karen to give her an idea of what I hoped for and shared a few images of myself.  As a boost my confidence I also wanted to be assured that Karen had worked with other transwomen and consequently on arriving in the studio I was immediately put at ease by Karen’s friendly “Hi, It’s wonderful to meet you”, accompanied by a hug. As Karen did an exquisite makeover of my hair and makeup we chatted about my transition.

I first knew myself to be a girl when I was 12 years old.  That however was the mid-1970s when there was no information or discussion or use of the term transgender. Thereafter for most of my life, until my late 50s, I lived in a half world, presenting one way to be socially acceptable but longing desperately to be myself and several times, for reasons both good and bad, I pulled back from transition. I don’t know what the little pebble was but it soon turned into a landslide and my transition became something of a rush to reveal my true self.

Over the past couple of years I have had a great deal of good fortune which meant I was quickly able to start feminising hormones and progress to gender affirming surgery and I was, Karen informed me, the first post surgery transwoman she’d photographed.

For the first photos I wore just a plain white collared shirt for some images suitable for day-to-day use that I would also feel comfortable showing my family. My wife and children have been more than supportive and have encouraged me to shine brightly, but I wasn’t sure they would be ready to see more revealing photos of me.

For the next photos I’d brought several possible evening dresses.  Karen chose first a red and then a black dress and after quick changes of clothes and accessories we took some pictures on the chaise lounge and the bed.

I had hoped that if I had the confidence I could pose for some more revealing photos and had brought a sheer, black, open fronted ‘dress’ to wear over black underwear, stockings and heels. Finally I slipped into my absolutely favourite burgundy bra and knickers set.

When Karen showed me the pictures on the screen in the studio I was close to tears. I had never imagined I could look as feminine and beautiful as I do in the photos and I say beautiful without hesitation as that is how the photos make me feel.  The different clothing styles each says something about me and the steps in my recent transition as well as encapsulating mental images of how I have seen myself over 50 years. I am immensely proud of each and every image and when, a few days later, Karen sent a link to download them I did burst into tears on seeing the very first picture. 

It is impossible to single out any picture as my absolute favourite but there is one in the red dress with my hair spilling over the back of the chaise lounge and another in the black dress with my hair fanned out on the bed both of which I absolutely treasure. There is also a set of 4 images which have me lying on my front, my hand resting on the side of my face, the new monarch butterfly tattoos standing out brightly on my arm and the smile I have lights up my face and revels the joy I was experiencing at that moment.

To anyone thinking about a boudoir experience with Karen I’d say “Do it!” without any hesitation.  I felt completely safe in the studio and comfortable at all times with Karen’s presence and Karen is a lovely person to work with having all the confidence and experience to bring out the very best. If asked for a single piece of advice I would say that as well as clothing take a variety of accessories: earrings, necklaces, bangles, shoes.  Not only do these provide additional variety but Karen was able to chose items to match my clothes and those compliment and enhance the overall look.

This experience was one of the proudest moments of my life and as a transgender woman it came at the perfect moment to help me fulfil my identity.

I will most definitely return.