Plus Size Bo***ir Photography
First things first, let’s talk about the term “plus size.”
Personally, I think it’s difficult to know how to handle this term these days. “Plus size” is a phrase that is full of negative connotations for so many women. On the other hand, I know brilliant women who have taken this phrase and made it their own, carving out a niche for themselves in a blossoming industr
y and becoming role models and spokeswomen for body positivity. For them,”plus size” is a description they own and are say with pride. Their attitude and unapologetic self acceptance is inspiring women in droves. To complicate matters further, I sometimes work with fashion models, where the standards get really whack. I’ll have you know that the European fashion market defines “plus size” as starting at just size 12. That’s a USA size 10 at best. *eye roll*
So I say all this to say this:
I use the term “plus size bo***ir” on this page, and throughout the rest of my website for one reason, and one reason only: it’s the term all you lovely curvy women are using when you search online. If I used the much preferable phrase, “curvy bo***ir photography” or maybe even “voluptuous bo***ir photography, ” or maybe if I just titled everything with “BOMBSHELLS – This one is for you!” I wouldn’t reach even half of you. So I SINCERELY hope the term “plus size bo***ir” doesn’t offend you, it’s certainly not intended to. I’d just rather WORK with you than refuse to the term and never meet you. Plus Size Bo***ir Sessions are so much fun. Curvy girls often become my most happy and loyal clients, and they are frequently the ones who really, really, really love their time and experience at Rebel & Romance. Please check out the information below for more details. A few common questions…
Is a Plus Size Bo***ir Photography Session different than other Bo***ir Photography Sessions? Yes and no. The layout for a Plus Size Bo***ir Session is identical to any other session – planning and prepping before the session, a few conversations beforehand to make sure we’re on the same page and that you don’t feel like I’m a complete stranger, a professional makeup artist and hairstyling on the day of your session, several wardrobe options and sets, plenty of posing and coaching, editing and retouching on your best images, and a beautiful viewing a few weeks later. There are a few things I’ll probably do differently if you indicate that you are plus size/curvy/have child bearing hips;)
First off, I’ll tell you not to worry. Being curvy often means that you’ve had a LOT of bad photographs taken. This often translates into a general dread at the thought of being in front of a camera. After all, it’s much easier to simply be missing from the picture than have to deal with the shame spiral that takes over when you see how horrible your stomach/arms/whatever looked in said picture. I want you to know that I really get this feeling, I understand it in a personal way, and it’s a big part of what led me to photography in the first place. The great news is you are not going to feel that feeling with me. Not over my dead body. A camera is just a magnification. In inexperienced hands and bad light, it magnifies all the things we dislike about ourselves. On the flip side, when you put your trust in a photography professional who has the necessary experience, you’ll be amazed how great you actually look. It’s simple things like moving your shoulders a few inches forward, turning slightly, stepping a little further into the light, etc. but they make a world of difference. I promise you, I know how to light you properly and how to direct you into poses that will be the most flattering for your hips, your stomach, your chin, etc. It’s all starting to sound very technical now, but it’s actually a lot of fun. It’s liberating if you let it be, and by the end of our time together, I’m pretty confident we’ll change the way you see yourself. All you have to do is be brave enough to give it a go:)
Second, we’ll chat about any body concerns you might have. This goes a long way to helping you feel comfortable about the shoot itself and optimistic about your final images. If there are areas of your body you’re not so keen on, we’ll chat about ways we can make these bits look their best. Usually, we’ll tackle this through clever posing and smart wardrobe options. Sometimes, the situation calls for a bit of lighting trickery (particularly good for vamoosing cellulite), or a little sneaky Photoshop (great if stretch marks or scars bother you). We’ll also chat about any parts of your body you and/or a partner loves so we can be sure to highlight and celebrate those. Third, we’ll talk extensively about wardrobe in relation to your particular body shape and style – what works, what doesn’t work, what items to consider, and where you can find them. When should I book my session? I recommend you contact me as soon as you know you’d definitely like to work with me. The sooner I can put you on my calendar, the better, as summer months and Christmas and Valentine’s dates fill up quickly. If you’re planning to create a beautiful album to give as a gift for a special event like an anniversary or birthday, we’ll aim to schedule your shoot for about 2-3 months prior to that date. That gives us plenty of time to plan all the details of your session, and leaves me enough time for the editing/retouching process, album creation, and shipping time. It also gives us a few weeks buffer in case we need to reschedule or something needs to be reordered. I can also accommodate a limited number of last minute sessions. If your event or gift is needed imminently, I’ll do my very best to squeeze you in somewhere. I offer rush retouching services, and a rush weekend service for international clients flying in from abroad. Please enquire for details. What should I do to prepare? There are a few maintenance type things that you’ll want to think about in preparation for your shoot. This isn’t a must-do list, it’s just some suggestions for things you may want to consider having done. Get your roots done! This one is not optional, you’ll hate your images if you don’t. Mani/Pedi. Don’t forget that the color you choose needs to work with all your wardrobe options, so a neutral is usually best. Waxing. Have this done about a week prior to your session if possible. Eyebrows. We’ll do makeup, but we don’t have time to tweeze and shape, so make sure you’re happy with their general state ahead of your shoot. Hydrate! It’s great if you can drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your photo shoot. It makes a world of difference to the appearance of your skin and eyes, and it’s good for you anyway. Lip Balm. Apply liberally for several days before your shoot to avoid chapped lips.. Watch what you eat in the day or two before your session. This is not the time for crash dieting, but it’s worth avoiding anything that makes you feel bloated or gives you headaches. On the day of your shoot, you MUST eat, but aim for small healthy meals rather than a giant plate of greasy chips. I think this is actually far more psychological than physical, but either way it’s hard to feel sexy if you’ve carb loaded on crap, right? Save that for after the shoot;)
A note about wanting to lose 5/10/15 Pounds before your session….you do not need to. You are beautiful and absolutely fine exactly as you are. You will look fabulous in the images we create together, whether you lose a few pounds or not. If you tell yourself you’re going to wait until you are the perfect number on the scale to come see me, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll never get the opportunity to photograph you. Forget the numbers, let’s make you feel amazing NOW. What should I bring to accessories my bo***ir photo shoot?
•Bring along a corset or basque for synching in the waist and emphasizing your chest. Make sure it is well fitting, even tight, especially across the chest.
•French knickers are great for creating a sexy, flattering line to show off your bum!
•Bring stockings and a garter belt, but not hold ups as hold ups have a tendency to grip the thigh too much.
•Scarves and floaty fabric for draping across your body.
•A pair of high heels and your favorite jewelry
