How do I Pose Plus Size Boudoir

Posing for the Curvy

Plus Size Boudoir Session

I get calls all the time from women who ask if I can or will pose plus size. First off, I pose all people. You can be any size or shape and I got you. If you really want to know my secret on posing plus size curvy women, I pose them the exact same way as anyone else. All women want curves in the right places, and it does not matter what their dress size is. Pop a hip here and drop a shoulder there.

A lot of of what I have everyone do is all about putting the individual in the best light. If you can follow direction well you got this, and even if you cannot, I’ve got you.

As a woman myself, growing up as a teenager in the 90’s with the waif look in fashion, I was always super critical of my own body. Thankfully we are in a time of body acceptance and learning to move past those mentally damaging views. All the same, we want to feel saucy and accentuate the curves we love. Always communicate with me what you want and what you don’t want.

The secret is getting the right pieces and the right poses. I can guide you on what to wear and how to move your body.

The Importance of Using a Makeup Artist During Your Boudoir Session

The Importance of Using a Makeup Artist During Your Boudoir Session, and how to get the exact look YOU want:

Communication is Imperative

 This article was written with the Makeup Artist in mind - communicating to the Photographer, how to make sessions a positive experience, but we find that the client can also help make their end-vision, a masterpiece, but knowing the back-end-behind-the-scenes-goings-on, of how YOUR final images, HAPPEN!

 Communicating your creative vision to the makeup artist before the shoot is vital. You think this one would be a no brainer, but you’d be surprised. Let’s start out with the obvious thing here first: no one is a mind reader. Keeping a chain of communication between the entire creative team working on a shoot is essential. This includes mood boards, pinterest and wardrobe. Please keep in mind hair styles are dependent on what they have to start with. This allows the makeup artist to come prepared with everything they need for the shoot. We have to lug around a lot of stuff, and if we can lighten our load, it helps us tremendously. It also keeps us organized. If we have a solid idea of what each look will be on each model, we’ll be more prepared and will move more quickly through each look.

 Harmony is everything. Sometimes a shoot is just a photographer, a model, and a makeup artist. Sometimes a shoot is a photographer, photographer’s assistant, makeup artist, hair stylist, makeup artist’s assistant, art director, editor, stylist, and an army of models. Shoots can range from anything in between these two and more depending on the shoot, the client, the purpose of the shoot, and the budget. It’s important to have all the moving parts working towards one goal. If everyone is confused, things won’t run smoothly and the shoot will be stressful, forced, and limited in time. Communication is the key to keep everything fun, friendly, and productive.

Be Patient:

Don’t rush the Makeup Artist. Yes, we’re used to working under pressure, but I’ve worked on shoots where I haven’t even taken out my brushes yet and the photographer is asking me if I’m done. This is another case where communication is key. If we know how many looks we need to get done in one day of shooting, we’ll have a better idea of what looks we can realistically complete in the time frame given and whether or not we need to bring an assistant. Also, plan to have the MUA and styling team come very early to set up their stations and get ready. If you’re rushing and putting major pressure on the MUA, you might make things take longer since we’ll be stressed or scrambling.

Sensational Plus Boudoir Photography

In the years I’ve spent as a boudoir photographer, I have seen women totally confident in their body at every size. Women of all shapes and all sizes find their inner confidence to love the skin that they are in. But when it comes to plus-sized boudoir photography, sometimes people get nervous. Self-doubt and self-consciousness can creep in. So, let me say it loud for everyone in the back: everyone is beautiful enough for a sensational plus-sized boudoir session!

So many women struggle with their weight and their self-image. I’ve been there, too! Sometimes it’s hard to love yourself. We women hold ourselves to a high standard. We’re critical of things that other people may not even see. When it comes to scheduling a boudoir photography session, I hear so many different concerns and self-conscious comments. One of the amazing things about boudoir photography, especially boudoir for plus-sized women is that it can really help you to feel better about yourself.

Struggles with Self-Image

I have been happy with my size and extremely discouraged by my size at various points in my life. I have found that I am happiest when I fully accept myself, and when I take care of my body. The times I was most terrible to my body was when I didn't take care of it. It seemed like a vicious cycle: trying to improve myself while truly loving myself. I did have an ah-ha moment in my late 30's when I realized I was trapped in a terrible cycle of self-sabotage. Now that I take a concerted effort in loving myself, some parts of self-care come easier.

Not all is perfect. I have my days and even weeks where I self-critique beyond what is acceptable. But here are five things that I have learned about loving myself. These five ways to love the skin you are in will help you to prepare for your sensational plus boudoir session!

1. Love the Body You Have Today

Don't wait to drop 10, 20 or even 50 pounds for your boudoir session. Loving your body right now is the first step in taking care of yourself. Love your body just the way it is. Love all the curves, all the edges, and know that even your imperfections are beautiful.

2. Dress for Success

Boudoir photography is all about the pose, the light and the right outfit. I do not change you, I help you pick the right garments to flatter your body. News flash: it is not a babydoll. The right garment for plus boudoir is usually a bodysuit. It gives a long line and lets you flaunt your sexy curves.

Want more info? Book a call with me, and I will point you in the right direction. From your chin down to your toes, I'll point you in the right direction to elongate and accentuate your curves in the right places. I am happy to consult to make sure you know what to wear for your boudoir shoot.

3. Forgive Your Flaws

Stretch marks? We all have them. And it’s ok if you don't like them. I am on the journey too. I have them and truth be told, I hate them, but they are there. I have spent a ton of money on creams that claim they will help them fade. None of them worked. So, while I hate them, I accept them as part of me. I choose to embrace and highlight the features of myself that I love.

A wonderful habit to begin is to start complimenting yourself more. Every morning, compliment your body on a part of it you love. Say it out loud. You can start loving yourself more one piece at a time.

4. Unleash Your Sensational Self

It is a powerful experience to let go and shine as the goddess you are. It is my job as a boudoir photographer to show you your Sensational Self though the magic and art of light. You might not see her in the mirror, but I promise you that I can catch her in my camera.

5. Let go of fear

I see so many different women. We are all so unique and all need to be celebrated. You don’t need to drop any weight or drop a few hundred dollars on a skincare regimen. The only thing you need to drop is the blanket of fear that you are not worthy of feeling sensational.

You are worthy.

You are sexy.

You are amazing. Just the way you are.

Don’t let that voice inside your head tell you otherwise. In a sensational plus-sized boudoir session, you will get in touch with that sexy, sultry, sensuous inner goddess that is hiding inside. Don’t be afraid to unleash her. The most confident thing you can put on is self-confidence, and wear it with pride.

Are you ready to meet the sensational inner goddess that lives inside you? Let’s set up a call and talk more about your own plus-sized boudoir session!

And thank you to our sensational hair and makeup artists: Kat St John, Kelsey Hayes, Jessica Rockwell, Quincee Camille — you guys rock!

Ms. C

There are times in our lives when we give so much of ourselves to others that we forget who we are. It is not as if we want to stop giving to those around us, but we need to take time to appreciate how far we have come. Life can be trying, and the heartache can wear on our souls. We can end up feeling like we lose ourselves in the everyday shuffle. The monotony of the day to day can slowly erode our self-confidence and our self-worth.

That’s why I love what I do as a boudoir photographer—I help remind women of their inner beauty. Boudoir shoots help us to remember who we are, and to remember the power we have inside. That was the case for the beautiful and empathic Ms. C, who met up with me here at the 1020 Studio in downtown Seattle.

Old Hollywood Curvy Boudoir Photography

Ms. C is a very nurturing human. Being empathetic is part of who she is. Clearly, in her occupation as a MA in Oncology, she experiences people going through the hardest time of their life. Cancer affects the lives of patients and the lives of their families so deeply. When you are an empath, you absorb that pain. You internalize part of that hardship. After a long day of work, she goes home and cares for her two beautiful children. Being a mom fills Ms. C’s heart to the brim and fuels her soul.

There are no days off when you are a parent—especially when they are little. When tragedy hits during this time of life, it really takes a toll. On you, on your family, on every part of your life. Ms. C is a gorgeous woman with a tender sweet soul.

I was so happy that Ms. C came to the studio for a boudoir session. She was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour. She channeled her inner Marilyn Monroe! Ms. C was simply gorgeous at every angle and with every curve. The outfits and the colors that she chose were so flattering to her stunning complexion.

“We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” – Marilyn Monroe

Ms. C, thank you for sharing your light with others. You twinkle so brightly and for this boudoir session, you brought real, curvy Hollywood glamour. It was such a pleasure to be your photographer!

Hair and Makeup: Kat St. John

Photographer: Molly Blair

Ms. M

When I first started talking to Ms. M about a boudoir photography session, she was feeling tapped out. She confessed to me that she felt like she had lost some of her allure after being married and having her son. Ms. M shared that she felt like she’d lost a part of herself, and she wanted to see if she still had it.

“It’s all about how you feel on the inside about yourself,” I told her.

I was so excited when she booked her session. She’s exactly the woman who needs a boudoir session. Boudoir photography is all about body positivity, it’s meant to be a gift to yourself more than to anyone else. It should be an uplifting moment where you can rediscover your own inner beauty. Not only that, but it’s a wonderful way to pamper yourself! Ms. M’s husband was 100% on board with her joining me for this empowering experience, which I was so happy to hear. I want to give all the partners out there who encourage their women to take part in body positivity sessions like this one a big round of applause!

Plus-Sized Boudoir Session

I met up with Ms. M at 1020 Studio for her empowering plus-sized boudoir photography session. After some pampering with hair and makeup artist Kelsey Rae Hayes, it was time for us to get to work. Ms. M was absolutely stunning. And what’s more, as the session continued, I could see the confidence in her eyes. I could see how she felt more comfortable in her own skin. She found that allure she’d misplaced and it had been there all along.

I always encourage my clients to bring some items that have personal meaning, so I especially loved the images where she was wearing her husband’s shirt. In each of these images, Ms. M’s inner beauty shines through. Real women have curves, and Ms. M looked amazing at every angle, in all the different outfits she brought.

Probably the best moment of her entire session was actually the day she came to pick up her album. Ms. M said that she felt so much more confidence. I could see it in her face. I am so glad that she has a reminder that she has not lost her allure… it was only tucked away, waiting to be rediscovered.

Ms. R

As a boudoir photographer, it is important to me to showcase all women in beautiful photography sessions. Women come in all shapes and sizes. I wanted a confident woman who broke our social norms. I know there are women out there who want to have a boudoir session but they do not see other women outside of a size 6 showing off their skin. When I met the gorgeous Ms. R… I knew she was perfect.

Body Positive Boudoir Photography | Embrace the Woman You Are

Ms. R is so happy with the skin she is in. I knew she would shine as a body positive model. She is bold inside with a heart of gold. She is beautiful and radiant and her beauty and strength were shown in photo after photo. This boudoir session was more than just taking photos, it was about celebrating her body, her curves, her beauty and who she was.

Every day, embrace the woman you are, love the skin you are in, and truly care for yourself by providing positive, loving words to yourself. We all have aspects of ourselves we want to improve. Maybe it’s your hair. Maybe you don’t like your nose. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a better version of you! But every day you should hop out of bed with the intention of caring for yourself.

The key ingredient to being the best version of yourself is to love yourself the way you are now. When you love someone unconditionally, you love them just the way they are. Why are you not loving yourself unconditionally? Think, for a moment, about the conversations that you have with yourself. Would you be friends with someone who talked to you the way you talk to yourself? Be gentle with yourself. Choose to speak to yourself kindly. Honor your curves. All bodies are beautiful no matter how big or how small.

Boudoir shoots are so much about trust. You have to be ready to let go of your inhibitions and trust that I am going to see you in the eyes of an artist. As your boudoir photographer, I am going to shed the best light on your body. But with all that said, things do happen. We have wardrobe malfunctions! That’s okay! The best thing to do is laugh it off. You have to realize that whatever bloopers happen during your photo shoot, it has probably happened before.

I believe confidence exudes beauty. Find out what makes you feel like a million buck and do that until you start feeling like a rock star. And, of course, speaking of rock stars, thank you to Ms. R for her fierce, real beauty and for being such an inspiration to curvy girls everywhere.