Can I Do a Boudoir Session  If I Am Plus Size? 

Here is the short answer to Can I Do a Boudoir Session  If I Am Plus Size!? “heck yesssssssss!!!!” 

The longer answer is yes you absolutely, without a doubt, should have a boudoir experience if you are plus size, fat, curvy — however, you want to describe yourself. 

Hi there, my name is Andrea and I am a fellow super plus size, curvy, fat girl who has had two boudoir sessions so far and plans to do many more! We need to see women of all sizes, shapes, flexibility, etc, in this type of artwork because baby, you deserve it.

I can already hear the BUTS… but I am not photogenic, but I am not flexible enough to do the poses, but I am way bigger than other women who do these sessions, but where would I find lingerie to fit me, I have no one to give these images to, but but but…

I remember having all of those same thoughts and worries myself and they are very rational thoughts. So let’s talk through these thoughts and maybe you will realize that yes a session is just right for you! 

Challenge That Inner Critic 

“I am not photogenic” First off says who!?!? Is it the media that is telling you that you have to look a certain way or act a certain way in order to be photogenic? If this is the case, then I challenge you to start following some new people on social media. Try and diversify your social media. 

Or, maybe you might think you are not photogenic because you never have had a picture of yourself that you loved. Maybe, the only images you ever have had are selfies or are taken by people who are not professionals who don’t understand posing, lighting, and angles and how those are so important to creating the images that you will fall in love with. 

“I am not flexible enough”  Can I just say… this was probably one of my biggest worries, I am not lying. I am so not flexible and I have back issues and a painful knee soooo needless to say I wasn’t sure if I could physically do a boudoir session.

What I ended up doing was really communicating with my photographer and letting her know that I had these concerns and asked if they be able to work around it.  Both photographers were amazing and totally understanding.  

They let me know that if any of the poses hurt that I should drop out of it right away and just let them know that it was painful so they could tweak the pose so it wouldn’t hurt.  The sessions were totally customizable to me and what my flexibility was.  Yes, I was sore the next day but it was totally worth it! 

“I am way bigger than other women”  This is where it pays to do research and speak to photographers.  I always tell women that they should be looking at the photographer’s portfolio and social media to see if they see people that are similar in shape and size to you!

If they don’t have any in their folio, ask the photographer if they have images of plus-size women and tell them about your concern. They might have images that they can only share in person or individually. 

It is okay to chat with different photographers. I picked the photographer that I clicked with and showed images that really spoke to me, I didn’t base it on cost only. Make sure you love the images you see on their website and social media. 

“Where would I find lingerie?”  I know I am saying this a lot but definitely chat with your photographer about this.  Most of them have wardrobe suggestions and what they like to photograph as far as colors, styles, etc. Some photographers even have client closets that you can borrow from.  

If you are planning on using something from the client’s closet, make sure to chat with your photographer about your size. I am a size 28 or 30 and weigh around 355 lbs. We all know how frustrating sizing can be, and if you are not plus size, you might trust the sizing when it says it is 4xl but that can be anywhere from a size 18-28 so it might not fit the way it should. 

In terms of brands, I recommend Torrid, Lane Bryant, and Hips and Curves because I feel as if these pieces will fit more true to size. Also, chat with your photographer about bringing in clothing that might not be lingerie such as a sweater, a t-shirt, or a leather jacket! Whatever makes you feel best!

“I have no one to give the images to.” This is an easy one…you can give them to yourself!!! You don’t need anyone to give them to at all. Sometimes, we just need to give ourselves permission to love ourselves! 

“But, what would I do with so many images?” Well, to be honest, my favorite thing is that I have the digital files downloaded right onto my phone and when I am working, or out and about and I feel a bit down, I pull them up and remind myself of what a badass I am. 

I frequently look at the physical album too, to remind myself that yes I can do brave things! Plus, the album really shows me different emotions that I normally don’t get to see in myself so it shows me how truly beautiful I am in all states.  

Finally, my wall art is hanging in my personal bathroom and it is an image that doesn’t show my face, so people do not realize that it is me and it is my little secret! It is also such a fun game to see if people realize it or not! 

Boudoir Is Truly For All sizes, Shapes And Bodies! 

I hope you can see how powerful boudoir can be and how impactful it is for everyone! 

If you have worries, speak up to your photographer and ask questions. Do the research and once you find your photographer, trust them and follow their instructions! 

It’s ok to be nervous! Share this with your photographer because every person is nervous. Walk into the session with an open mind and willingness to learn more about your body and yourself.   If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me, your fellow curvy girl at Andrea Baue Photography. 

Thank you Andrea for this incredible guest post!

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