Okay so yesterday I got this idea in my head, right? Wanted to do some photo stuff focusing specifically on plus size black models. Felt like there wasn’t enough visibility out there, honestly. Didn’t see much locally anyway.
First Thing Was Finding People
Searched online for local groups or platforms where models hang out, specifically looking for plus size talent. Posted a call saying exactly what I wanted: beautiful black women, size 16 and up, for a creative shoot. Honestly, wasn’t sure who’d bite.
Got a bunch of replies! Some really amazing folks reached out. Felt good. But yeah, had to go through each profile properly. Looked at their portfolios, their vibe. Wanted genuine people, comfortable in their skin. Messaged a few back, had quick calls. Needed to explain the vision clearly, you know? Make sure they felt good about it too.
- Messaged like 20 potentials.
- Had 8 decent chats.
- Finally picked 3 fantastic women. Felt like hitting gold!
Setting Up The Shoot Day
Scouted a cool, kinda funky urban spot downtown for the backdrop. Grabbed my gear – simple setup really, couple of decent lights, a reflector, my trusty camera. Met the models early that morning. Chilled for a bit first, grabbed coffee, just talked nonsense. Important to make everyone relax, break the ice. Hate those stiff, awkward shoots.
Once rolling, focused completely on making them shine. Told them to move naturally, laugh, own the space. Didn’t want stiff poses. Gave directions like “Give me that queen energy!” or “Work that fabulous skirt!” Sometimes you gotta shout silly stuff to get the real smiles. Lighting was tricky with some shadows, had to adjust the reflector constantly. My arm got tired! But the models? Absolute pros. They brought such life and confidence. Felt electric.
Seeing The Results
Got home exhausted but buzzing. Uploaded the shots to my computer. Started looking through them. And wow. Just… wow.
The pictures came out incredible. The light catching their skin just right, the textures in their clothes, the pure joy radiating off them. Each woman looked powerful, graceful, stunning. Exactly what I hoped for, but way better in reality.
Spent hours picking the best shots. Edited lightly – bumped the contrast a smidge maybe, cleaned up a stray hair, but honestly? Didn’t need much. Their beauty was already front and center.
Why This Hit Different
Done plenty of shoots before, sure. But this? Felt heavier. More important somehow. Seeing these women, who looked like people you might actually know, absolutely commanding the frame… it wasn’t just about taking pictures. It felt like showing something true. Like pushing back a little against those tiny little picture-boxes magazines always shove at us. Maybe changed how I see things too. Definitely reminded me that real beauty don’t come in just one flavor. Gonna be doing more of this kind of work for sure.
