Tag Archive: plus-sized

One Size Does Not Fit All

This shoot was a fun study in making it work!

A self-described “plus-sized lingerie boutique” sent us a few fun things to photograph. So we booked a model represented by a “plus-sized agency.”

But when our lovely model showed up for the shoot, she was smaller than me! Hahaa! My first reaction was to think Oh my goodness she’s not big enough. But I caught myself super quick and thought Who the heck is to say who is plus size, minus size, regular size, right size. She’s perfect.

So I hustled. I found this mannequin in a back closet of the studio, grabbed it and had some fun.

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I also gave her my #realisbeautiful t-shirt. She is unretouched in all of these pictures.

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The lingerie boutique and the model agency both have different ideas on what plus-sized is. We will, of course, have to book someone who actually fits the clothing we want to photograph.

In the meantime, I hope you find this story and pics inspirational.

When life surprises you, make meaningful photographs!

Love, Christa

ps. we just had a couple seats open up for our upcoming live workshop! Click here for more details and snag your spot.

A Curvy Conversation

Welcome to a new blog series that focuses on having a healthy relationship with your body, being comfortable in your own skin, and enjoying your body and life.

Exactly the way they are.

I’d love for you to join me and begin to shift away from a place of criticism, doubt, and dislike to a place of positive focus, celebration and excitement.

I’m thrilled to kick off this body-and-life-lovin’ with Katherine Roll, a beautiful curvaceous woman and model that I photographed recently, who had never done a boudoir photography shoot before.

During our shoot, Katherine was so confident and comfortable with her body, that afterwards I interviewed her to share the inspiration!

CHRISTA: Describe your body in 5 words…
KATHERINE: Beautiful, classic, feminine, hourglass, voluptuous

How do you feel about your body?
My body and I have been through a lot together. I have been a size 10, a size 20, and every size in between. I feel that there are parts that I can work on in order to make it a healthier body, such as working out regularly, sticking to a healthy diet, and steering clear of bad habits. I feel that my body has boosted my career in ways that I never would have expected. Being a size 18 plus-size model, I have had obstacles along the way, but have grown to appreciate, maintain, and love my curves.

What do you love about your body?
I love being able to inspire women to be comfortable in their own skin, no matter what shape or size they may be. I believe that my curves are powerful and can change people’s perception of the plus-sized woman and standard plus-size model. I believe I carry my size-18 self well. I dress appropriately and because I believe in myself, I exude confidence in every direction.

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How did you feel about being naked in front of the camera? (Those pics not shown here.)
As you know, I had never done an implied nude shoot before, and was surprisingly comfortable being nude in front of the camera. You and your team made me feel comfortable, beautiful and at ease, and you gave me great direction to get the perfect shots.

How did you feel after seeing the photos we created?
I feel that they are sexy, sensual, and beautiful, without being provocative, inappropriate or too revealing. I love the way you captured the light so perfectly. I had never had a boudoir shoot before, and loved seeing my body in a sexy flattering way.

What’s your go-to item to wear to feel smoking hot?
I personally love extremely high heels. High heels give the ultimate confidence boost. Once you find a great pair of high heels that are a perfect fit, you automatically stand up straighter, appear slimmer, and exude confidence.

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What’s your best tip for feeling gorgeous?
Knowing what fits. Feeling confident is one thing – but looking the part is another. Too often I see plus-sized women wearing clothing that is not the correct size for them – whether it be too large or too small. Trying on multiple sizes in the same dress or pants can show you what is truly comfortable and what looks the best. A great fitting bra can also give you the support you need to feel 10x better than you did before!

How do you feel about the term “plus-sized”?
I am content with being called ‘plus-sized.’ I find that the ‘plus’ or ‘+’ means ‘in addition to’ and therefore, simply defines my size as additional sexiness added to the straight sized woman.

What’s the best compliment you ever received?
The best compliment I have ever received came from a young girl. She has been following my career since day one, and told me how she was inspired by me to love her curves, accept her body at the size it is, and even pursue modeling. She often messages me with new exciting things happening in her career, and I love knowing that my body and confidence helped get her there.

Thank you, Katherine, for the honesty and inspiration!

(Don’t you just love her point of view on “plus-sized” meaning “additional sexiness!” Now THAT is positive focus.)

Stay tuned for more of Katherine, different body types, lots of inspiration, resources and body-loving on the blog.

Here’s to lovin’ up your bod and life even more today 🙂

xoxo, Christa

ps. this series will be an ongoing open conversation. I’m really excited to hear your thoughts!
What is one thing you love about your body? Lets start there. Leave me a comment below.