Kuhu is an Indian non-binary trans person who describes being a woman as something that makes her “happy, calm and content.” That sense of ease and certainty shows in every one of these photos. She came to Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, my MtF makeover studio in Takoma Park, Maryland near Washington, DC, for a five-hour total makeover and photoshoot with a clear plan: two completely different looks, her own jewelry and accessories, and a full day to capture it all in my studio and spring garden.
“I am so glad that I finally took the courage to live my life in an authentic way,” she said.
With five hours together, Kuhu knew exactly the trans makeover experience she wanted, and she chose to spend her time taking photos rather than doing an accompanied outing. The outdoor results speak for themselves.
The Look: Dramatic Elegance in Black
Kuhu brought her own black ankle-length gown with a square neckline, delicate lace cap sleeves with scalloped edges, and a full lace panel across the back. The skirt falls in a draped, wrapped silhouette with a sheer chiffon overlay that gives the gown a soft sweep at the hem. She completed the look with black heeled mules with a gold accent, a sparkling rhinestone collar necklace, drop earrings, a gold watch on a beige band on one wrist, a gold bracelet with a rhinestone centerpiece on the other, and two rings. Her nails were painted a blue-grey metallic that added a subtle, modern edge to the otherwise classic look.
Her long, black, wavy wig framed her face and shoulders beautifully, and her confidence in that gown was clear from the moment we stepped outside.
The Makeup: Gold and Burgundy
For makeup, I used MAC gold eyeshadow shades to create a warm, luminous eye that worked beautifully against Kuhu’s complexion and the richness of the black gown. A deep burgundy lip gave the look its drama. The combination was striking without being overdone.
The Photoshoot: My Spring Garden in Full Bloom near Washington, DC
We photographed Kuhu both inside my studio and out in the spring garden, and the outdoor setting could not have been more beautiful that day. The azaleas were in full bloom, with clusters of pink, purple, cream, and white flowers lining the garden path, and the lush green lawn stretched out around her. The contrast of the deep black gown against that burst of spring color made Kuhu pop.
Kuhu was confident and ready to pose throughout. She stood with her hands on her hips, meeting the camera with a direct, assured gaze. For one of my favorite shots, I photographed her from behind inside the studio, looking back over her shoulder, which showcases the full lace panel across the back of the gown and her drop earrings beautifully.
Kuhu also took advantage of my Bring Your Friend option, and her fiancée joined her for the day including for joint engagement photos. We captured some beautiful couples’ photos together, which Kuhu and her fiancée have chosen to keep private.
A Trans Makeover in Two Acts
This black gown shoot was just one part of Kuhu’s full day. She also wore a traditional Indian saree for a bridal-inspired look photographed in the same spring garden. You can read about her full session and see her saree photos here.
Book Your Trans Makeover and Photoshoot near Washington, DC
Whether you have a clear vision you have been dreaming of for years or you want to explore what feels right with my guidance, I would love to help you create something beautiful. If you are new to makeovers and wondering what a session looks like from start to finish, read about a typical experience here.
At Makeovers with Elizabeth Taylor, I offer one-on-one, personalized makeover experiences including makeup artistry, photography, total makeovers with access to a full studio wardrobe, feminine deportment coaching, accompanied outings, and more. Friends and partners are welcome to join for photos through my Bring Your Friend option.
My private studio in Takoma Park, Maryland is a safe and welcoming space for trans women, MtF crossdressers, and femme-presenting genderfluid and non-binary people to explore their style and build confidence. My studio is located just two miles from Washington, DC in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic. I regularly see clients from Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, and New Jersey.
Whether you are dreaming of a dramatic outdoor photoshoot, a total makeover in studio, or a full-day experience with multiple looks, I am here to help you look and feel your best. Book your makeover online anytime. Contact me by email, phone, or text (202-803-3231) to plan your experience.
More Makeover Stories You’ll Love
A Traditional Bride: Kuhu’s Indian Saree Bridal Makeover
This is the companion post to the photos you just saw. Kuhu’s fiancée helped drape her saree to perfection for a bridal-inspired photoshoot in the same spring garden, and the results are breathtaking.
Puja Loves Pink!
Puja is another Indian client who arrived with a clear vision and a love of bold color. Her pink Venus dress and MAC pink eyeshadows made for a joyful, vibrant shoot. [Please replace this link with the correct Puja post URL.]
A Perfect Rose: Jeny Becomes a Bride
Jeny is another Indian client who brought her own styling and chose two wedding gowns from my studio wardrobe for an outdoor bridal photoshoot.
Elegance among the Ruins: Allison’s Transgender Makeover Adventure
Like Kuhu, Allison chose a dramatic multi-outfit photoshoot in a striking outdoor setting and spent a full day at my studio near Washington, DC. Her adventure took her through a graffiti-covered abandoned mill in the Maryland woods.
Makeup artistry and photography by Elizabeth Anne Taylor. Wardrobing and styling by Kuhu.
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