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Sophie Recommends

People, Places & Experiences I Personally Recommend

These are not simply useful links I have found online. They are people, places and experiences I have personal knowledge of and feel comfortable recommending because there is a genuine reason for them to be here.

Some have become trusted professional relationships, some are people whose judgement and approach I value, and others are places or experiences I have simply found enjoyable, memorable or worth making the effort for.

Trusted Professional

Photography

Sean — Transfigured Photoshoots

I have worked with Sean for quite some time through the Translife Dressing Service, and over that time he has become far more than simply someone I call when a professional photographer is required.

He is consistently positive, personable and supportive. If you look through his wider body of work you can also see how much time he gives to photographing and recording many of the events that form part of the transgender and crossdressing calendar.

I would count Sean as a friend as well as a trusted professional. He has integrity, a good sense of humour and an ability to make people feel comfortable. Those qualities matter enormously when someone is standing in front of a camera and perhaps feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

— Sophie
Counselling & Wellbeing

Brighton & Hove / Online

Aidan Counselling

Aidan and I have discussed many of the challenges people can experience in life, particularly the process of understanding and accepting ourselves rather than exhausting ourselves trying to change the reactions or expectations of everyone around us.

Those conversations have given me confidence in his approach. He listens carefully, does not rush to judgement and has a practical way of helping someone think through what they are experiencing rather than simply telling them what they should do.

What I particularly like about Aidan is that he is a good listener and offers useful, practical guidance. Sometimes the most important change is not changing everyone else, but finding a way of becoming more comfortable and honest with ourselves.

— Sophie
Food & Photographs

Chichester & Brighton

The Ivy

The Ivy in both Chichester and Brighton is somewhere I enjoy for a special meal or drink. The interiors have plenty of character and provide some lovely opportunities for photographs when you have made the effort to dress for the occasion.

I like places where dressing nicely feels completely natural. The Ivy gives you an excuse to make an effort, enjoy the surroundings and usually come away with some lovely photographs as well.

— Sophie
Special Day Out

Vintage Fashion & Motorsport

Goodwood Revival

Goodwood Revival is much more than historic motor racing. The period fashion and atmosphere are a major part of the experience, giving you a genuine reason to embrace glamorous 1940s, 1950s or 1960s styling for the day.

It isn't a cheap day out, but I love the glamour of it. Dressing in period clothing becomes part of the occasion, and the surroundings create fantastic opportunities for photographs. For me, it is worth experiencing.

— Sophie

A Personal List

Recommendations Have to Earn Their Place Here

Sophie Recommends is deliberately different from the main crossdressing links directory. These are not paid placements and they are not here simply because somebody has asked to be listed. There needs to be a genuine personal reason for me to feel comfortable putting my name behind the recommendation.