Is there a voice inside your head that whispers doubts when it comes to having your photos taken as a plus-size woman? As a female business owner, I understand the importance of brand photography in telling my story and connecting with my audience and I also understand better than most, the doubt of being plus sized in front of the camera.
Right ladies… not only is it okay, but essential to embrace your beauty and showcase your authentic self through photography.
Are you going to let fear of people seeing the real you, hold you back?
I had the fear, it held me back...then I put the big girl pants on and went for it. If I can do it, you can do it too!
In this blog post, I'll share tips and personal insights to help you feel confident, empowered, and beautiful in front of the camera.
Here are some of my top tips for having a brand shoot when you are plus sized!
Know Your Worth: Self-Love and Confidence
Girl, it’s time you start to recognise that your worth is not defined by your size.
Confidence is key to great photographs, and it starts from within.
Before your shoot, practice self-love and remind yourself that you are unique and beautiful just the way you are.
Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements and the journey that brought you to where you are today.
Our bodies tell a story, and that's something to be proud of.
Choose the Right Photographer:
I know first-hand from years of being in the industry that not every photographer understands how to pose a plus size women correctly.
I also know that some photographers can be scared to direct or say things like ‘let’s quickly fix your waist band to look more flattering’, or when a fat roll makes a sneaky appearance, it just takes a second to notice and help adjust your clothing to make it more flattering, but many are too embarrassed to say, or don’t realise this is problems plus size people have.
Having someone noticing and fixing these things on the shoot, will make you love your photographs even more when you get them.
To help with this…
Look for a photographer who specialises in diverse body types and has a portfolio that reflects inclusivity.
Schedule a consultation with the photographer to discuss your vision and any concerns you may have.
Building a comfortable rapport with your photographer can make a world of difference in how you feel during the photoshoot.
Wardrobe Matters:
Brand shoots are all about being you, but clothing matters!
Select clothing that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal style.
Where possible, avoid high necklines, nobody wants to look like a floating head.
Consider hiring a stylist who can help you choose outfits that flatter your body and enhance your confidence.
Remember that well-fitted clothing can make a significant difference in how you appear in photographs. If the jeans feel too tight, go up a size, it’s only a number and will look so much better in your photographs.
Posing Techniques:
Posing for a photoshoot with someone who is plus size, can be different from posing someone who isn’t plus size. It’s important that we accentuate the curves; and not make you look like the Michelin Man.
Before your shoot you can, practice different poses in front of a mirror to discover your most flattering angles and what makes you feel comfortable doing.
Angle your body slightly to create a more elongated and slimming effect.
Embrace your curves and focus on your favourite features. Also, before your shoot, let your photographer know if you have any areas that you are concerned about. A great photographer will make sure these look good in photos. You don't need to be a head and shoulders in every photo!
Natural Lighting is Your Friend:
I’m not being biased as I only do this but opt for a photoshoot that uses natural light. This can be outdoors (which isn’t always possible in Scotland) or well-lit indoor spaces to make the most of natural light.
Soft, diffused lighting can create a flattering, ethereal look.
Harsh, non-diffused lighting can create unflattering shadows and highlight the problem areas.
Look at the difference below with two different types of lighting below!
Be Authentic:
Just Be You!
Authenticity resonates with your audience. Don't be afraid to showcase your real self in your brand photos. Laugh, be silly, be sexy, be the kick ass businesswomen you are. Don't hide away! Embrace the uniqueness of your body, as it sets you apart and makes your brand more relatable.
Celebrate Your Journey:
Share your personal journey with your audience. Inspire others by showing how I've overcome obstacles and found success as a plus-size female entrepreneur.
Your journey is a powerful and relatable aspect of your brand story, share it with your tribe.
When people say, ‘beauty shines from within’, I want you to remember, being plus size DOES NOT mean you aren’t beautiful on the outside… because we are!
I want you to embrace your uniqueness!
Don't let size hold you back from showcasing your brand authentically through photography. By following these tips and staying true to yourself, you'll not only create stunning brand imagery but also inspire other female business owners to do the same. Be proud of who you are, and let your photos tell your remarkable story.
P.S To anyone who says ‘just loose weight’… Frog’em! It’s not always that simple!
Looking for a photographer who understands what it's like being plus sized?
Get in touch and let's take the first step to creating gorgeous images of you!
