Pus Size Supermodeling - Part 2: Setting the Scene

Before we get into the story, here's some background on this whole photo shoot thing – it’ll help make the rest of the story a little more clear.

I was contacted by The Client through my blog email address. She told me the concept of her website explained that she was going to launch a plus size section.  She wanted me to model the plus size looks for the site. It sounded like an interesting idea, and I love it when retailers decide to be inclusive of plus sizes. 


Because the website is a startup, models were to be paid with the photos that were taken. I’m assuming that the other women who participated in the shoot are actual, legit models trying to build a book that can be used to get other (paying) jobs. It’s a pretty common practice, trading services like this.

For me, it was about an experience. I’ve never done anything like this before – on this scale, anyway. And I’m a complete sucker for startup businesses, especially those owned by women…and throw in a someone with a desire to serve the plus size market in for good measure? Of course I’m in!

The website was to sell pieces sourced from existing name brands; and a local Minnesota designer was also creating a line of plus size dresses that would  be sold there. So, additional players in this dream sequence include: The Stylist, The Designer and The Photographer. (I know…aren’t the names catchy?)

I’ll tell you right now why I'm not using anyone's real name in this story. Because that’s all this is – my story. My feelings – positive and negative – about an experience that I took part in. Don’t get the wrong idea…there is nothing sordid or super negative about what happened. At all.

All of the people I met and worked with were absolutely fantastic. They’re passionate people who are working hard to produce something meaningful. I’m thrilled to have been able to take part in the event.  So I don’t want any of my own emotions or feelings to be associated with any particular person – the client, the stylist, the designer.

The real point of sharing this experience with you guys is two fold:

1. If you're reading this blog, you probably love (or at least really like!) fashion.  And for someone who loves fashion, getting to go behind the scenes of a photo shoot is pretty freaking cool.
2. As a consumer of fashion media - magazines, celebrity style, online content, etc - I learned a lot about what it's like to create the images that influence us (what to wear, how to look, how to behave).  I also learned a lot about my own insecurities during this experience...insecurities that I didn't realize were there. 

So with ALL of that…let’s get on with the good stuff! Next up – The Fitting