BushDog Loc: San Antonio, TX

I think you did a good job on the lighting. As far as the extra vertical space, my first thought, whether instinct, natural reaction, or “training”, was in line with other comments that it was excessive and needed a tighter crop. However, the extra vertical space in the last image is growing on me. I now think that unusual crop works well on this particular image, especially with your lighting of the background.

riderxlx Loc: DFW area Texas

Stan, as for me, I am not degenerating the OP or model. It is very obvious, photos do not lie unless altered. The OP is respecting the model for volunteering to do a photo session.

jrvinson45 Loc: Buckeye, AZ

With the exception of the first image, I am not going to comment on what the OP was trying to achieve by leaving the “empty” space at the top of the images; however, my overall impression is that the lighting and costuming is attempting to give a mid ‘50s Hollywood glam feeling. If that is intentional, might I suggest that instead of thinking in terms of a landscape orientation that the OP might true emulating the square format so common to the medium format studio cameras used during the glam era. Just eyeballing the images it seems like a logical if not more natural choice. Photographically, I think all considered this was a successful first pass ar this.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I find that sometimes when people, usually guys, makes derogatory comments about someone else's sexuality, it indicates that they have concerns about their own. As far as the empty space conveying a sense of lonliness or vulnerableness, I think that it is easy to come to a conclusion that may not reflect reality. If the same series of poses would have been of a young female athelete in her uniform, would we have been reading comments about the photographer wanting to convey a sense of lonliness. I can understand the model having feelings of being judged especially if she finds herself the target of the sort of disparaging remarks she received in the responses to this post. Her sexuality and lifestyle choices are not mine, but then I am not living her life and so far as I know neither are any of the responders to this post.

Stevey

Still looks like a man with a wig & dress on.....you can't fool mother nature!

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

I think that there is too much space in your vertical shots. The poses are nice, but she looks a little tense in the photos. I will attribute that to her first shoot. Lighting is generally nice. With a little work I think that she will start to relax more and then there will be a little softer feel to her personality and the way she relates to you/camera.

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

I have no feelings of inadequacy about my sexuality; I fathered four children and proud to be a real man!
It's still pathetic!

Sorry rodeo man

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I am not the one to discuss what things lead to a person making the decision to alter their gender. I am not even sure of the vocabulary needed to discuss this matter. It is my understanding that this is not some spur of the moment decision made on a whim, but rather was based on a lifelong realization that what the person is externally does not reflect their core identity. I believe most folks want to feel included and that they matter to someone.
The fact that you fathered four children doesn't have one iota to do with your sexuality. There are innumberable gay men who have procreated children and also innumberable gay women who have been mothers. Being intolerant and judgmental about someone else's self identity is not the definition of a "real man" rather it is more about how you lived your life, and how you related to your wife, those four children and others in your life. So long as she keeps her hand off your knee why can't you go on living your life and let her live hers? As far as the "Sorry rodeo man", I'm okay. In this confrontational world we live in, we need to be able to discuss areas of disagreement. Thank you.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Obviously haven’t seen some Thai Kathoey transgenders/transvestites

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

So did Bruce Jenner

anotherview Loc: California

Human sexuality varies over a span that includes extremes.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Stop this social banter. I am a member of this site for photography. I looked at the photos presented.

anotherview Loc: California

Call the posts "banter," yet this side of the expression concerning sexuality as presented takes account of the social, political, and legislative campaign to normalize extreme sexual behaviors, a contradiction in practice.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I think that the photographs are nice. Maybe a little too much space on the verticals, but it doesn't bother me all that much.
I think that the lighting is good.
I give her credit for taking on the challenge of being a model, which is difficult. She did a good job, as did you.

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

Dan, Your response is neither constructive nor useful.