Posing Guide

For Curvy Women

Introduction
Women, regardless of their shape and size, can
look incredible in front of the camera. Since any
female — whether she’s gracefully slim or beautifully
curvy — will find flaws in her body, it’s your job as a
photographer to show her that she can look fantastic
without the use of Photoshop. This can be achieved
through encouragement, mutual understanding, and
the right kind of poses.
We all have our best and worst angles. Even today’s
top models have sides they prefer to keep hidden
during their shoots. While professionals may be fully
aware of their best sides, your clients are not. Using
the posing guides below, you’ll be able to give your
curvy models clear instructions that will help them
feel as gorgeous as they really are. This will result
in comfortable photoshoots, happy models, and
outstanding pictures. Who doesn’t dream of that?!

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Before The Shoot
Pre-photoshoot
meetings work
wonders. In addition
to understanding your
Pre-photoshoot
model better, you’ll meetings work wonders.
give her a chance to
understand your creative vision. Tell her what you
have in mind, be it a specific theme or a concept
you’re excited about. Don’t forget to ask for
feedback. This will let her know that you value her
opinion.
In addition to talking about photography, be
curious about your model’s interests. What are
her favourite hobbies? What gives her the most
confidence? This information will encourage your
model to trust you, and it will provide you with
helpful ideas to boost her confidence.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 During The Shoot
Great conversations don’t have to stop during
the shoot. Something that I always tell my models
(even professional
ones!) is this: “The first
few shots won’t look
“The first few shots won’t look super
super great, but that’s great, but that’s completely natural.”
completely natural.”
Make sure to encourage your client as often as
possible. If a pose doesn’t look good, offer a better
alternative. Some poses can only be shown,
not described, so help your model by trying out
poses yourself! Your confidence in your model
will get rid of any insecurities she may have. Most
importantly, watch out for natural poses in-
between shots, as they may become your model’s
most flattering shots.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Pose With A
Purpose
Poses are as unique as their models. A certain
pose may work wonderfully for one individual,
but not that well for another. Don’t be afraid of
encouraging your model to try all of the poses
in this guide. A relaxed model will shine in your
photographs, so experiment fearlessly to find the
ideal looks for her.

Poses are as unique as their models.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 The Best Clothes
To Wear
Curvy women should embrace their
wardrobes as enthusiastically as a top
A belt, blazer, or wrap dress will gently
model. Instead of concealing their true highlight your model’s waistline, giving her
curves with baggy clothes, turtlenecks,
and extremely tight outfits, encourage body more shape.
them to wear clothes that will show
off their curves. A belt, blazer, or wrap dress will
gently highlight your model’s waistline, giving her
body more shape. One your model sees how
good she looks in flattering clothes, she’ll feel less
intimidated by the idea of posing.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Invite A Friend
If this happens to be your client’s very
first photoshoot, she might feel
overwhelmed. Encourage her to bring
someone she loves to the shoot, be it Your model will be more likely
a family member or a friend. Being in
the company of loved ones is a great to laugh and have a good time…
cure for insecurities. Your model will be
more likely to laugh and have a good time in the
presence of her friends. These genuine feelings
will result in authentic photographs. Additionally,
this offer may earn you a loyal new client!

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Highlight Your
Model’s Best
Features
Anything close to your lens will appear bigger,
and anything further away will look smaller. This
is a trick portrait photographers often use: focus
on your model’s slimmest body parts by bringing
them close (but not too close!) to the camera. For
instance, if your model feels most comfortable
with her side to the camera, focus on her face, hair,
and front shoulder.

Focus on your model’s

slimmest body parts
by bringing them close.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Drop The Shoulder
If your model faces the camera sideways and
relaxes the shoulder closest to your camera,
she’ll look very flattering. Tension in the neck and
shoulders creates a double chin on any face, so
make sure your model is as relaxed as possible in
those areas.

This is one of the most

Hand On Hip flattering poses out there!
This is one of the most flattering poses out there!
A hand-on-hip pose will create space between
your model’s arm and her body. It’ll also make her
feel confident - since this pose takes up space, it
speaks of dominance, independence, and awe-
inspiring self-confidence! Make sure your model
isn’t tightly holding her hip - her hand should look
casual and relaxed.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Pleasant Thoughts
As your model tries out these poses, ask her
to recall memories she’s proud to have. This
could be a fun event, a beautiful moment from
her childhood, an
achievement, etc.
This could be a fun event! When did she feel really
beautiful? When was
she proud of her skills, her background, and her
circumstances? These memories will replace any
negative ones, giving you both a chance to happily
and bravely experiment with various concepts.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Attract more light to
your client’s face.
Slightly
Above Eye Level
Photographing at eye level may result in double
chins and unflattering light. To highlight your
model’s eyes without making her feel conscious
about her neck, shoot slightly above eye level.
In addition to avoiding accidental double chins,
this will attract more light to your client’s face.
Completely facing the sky will result in even light
patterns and clearer skin tones.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 The Leg Cross
For full body shots, ask your model to put one leg
in front of the other. This will make her entire body
look slimmer, show off her hips, and slim down her
legs. A pose like this will look particularly flattering
when combined with a
belt or a wrap dress.
Show off her hips.

Leg Up, Leg Out

This pose will give your model good posture,
create an air of elegance, and give her lots of room
to comfortably balance her body. Ask her to put
one leg in front of the other. That front leg should
then be slightly bent and lifted. The back leg
should remain in a normal standing position.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Give Her Lots
Of Space
Giving your model space will make her feel less
awkward. If there’s a distance between you and
your client, she’ll have more room to experiment
and change poses.
Being in her own
bubble of creativity She’ll have
will help you to take
relaxed portraits.
more room to
experiment and
change poses.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Passionately
Encourage
I always let my clients know that every model I’ve
worked with has felt a little bit awkward at first,
regardless of her
modelling experience.
Every time I say this, — she’s perfect as she is.
I notice a significant
increase in the model’s confidence. The tension
disappears because the model realizes that
nothing but authenticity makes her beautiful -
she’s perfect as she is. Thus, letting your client
know that others have felt the same way will make
her feel less incompetent.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Spontaneous
Moments
Spontaneous portraits are often the most
cherished ones. If you had a pre-shoot meeting
with your client, chances are that she’s already
comfortable in your presence. To strengthen
mutual trust, talk freely! Make jokes, be yourself,
and just have fun. Just because this is a job
doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy friendly moments
with your client. It’s during these spontaneous
moments of laughter and smiles that you’ll be able
to photograph your
Spontaneous portraits are model’s natural beauty.

often the most cherished ones.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women
 Move To A Calm
Location
If you have access to a peaceful location, make
the most of it. A lack of strangers and distractions
will relax your client. No matter how confident
an individual is, posing in front of strangers is
going to make them feel awkward. Create a safe
environment for your model by offering beautiful
and calm shooting locations.

Background
Distractions
Objects like cars and poles may prove to be
distracting elements in your photograph. You don’t
want your client to have
a tree sticking out of her
head. If something is in the Try experimenting with camera angles first.
way, don’t immediately
ask your client to change her pose or move
elsewhere. Try experimenting with camera angles
first. A seemingly insignificant camera move can
easily get rid of distractions.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Use Details
To Create
Foregrounds
A DSLR camera, combined with a portrait lens,
creates flattering bokeh details. Soft depth of field
doesn’t have to soften your backgrounds only
- blur can be cleverly used to enhance items in
front of your model. For instance, to highlight your
subject’s eyes, cover the perimeter of your lens
with flowers and make sure the eyes are located
at the center of your lens. If there
are distractions you want to hide,
use this technique generously. — blur can be cleverly used to
enhance items in front of your model.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Genuine Smiles
A smile looks good on anyone. Instead of telling
your client what to do, give her a reason to smile.
Inauthentic expressions result in awkward-
looking photographs.

Give her a reason to smile. Instead, give your

model a compliment
and photograph her
reaction to it. If she brought a friend, let them
interact together as you photograph their
friendship. These genuine photographs will make
your client smile for years to come.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Don’t Stick To
One Pose
Your model may find a favourite pose and use it
in all of her shots. This will result in similar-looking
photos. Encourage your client to try out different
poses - let her know that there are many more that
will enhance your photos. If she
looks uncertain, try out different
Encourage her to experiment poses with her. Avoid simple
without the fear of being judged. descriptions. This will make her
feel more confident (especially
if you happen to strike a funny
pose!) and encourage her to experiment without
the fear of being judged.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Avoid Direct Light
Unless you’re just photographing a face, direct
light won’t flatter your client’s features. For full
body shots, use light coming from
one direction. Half of your model’s
body will be highlighted, while
the other will be concealed by
Use light coming from one direction.
shadows. This will give her body
shape, highlight flattering curves, and create a
generally appealing composition.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Straighten Up
Hunched shoulders are rarely a good idea.
They’ll make your model look tired and point out
unflattering body parts (even the slimmest models’
bodies have rolls if they lean forward.) Encourage
your client to find a balance between tension and
complete relaxation. Slightly relaxed shoulders
will indicate comfort. A straight back will give out
an air of confidence.

Hands Down
This pose isn’t about standing still like a soldier.
One shoulder should be casually lower than the
other. Put weight on one leg to highlight the curve
of the opposite hip. This is an elegant pose that
will make any curvy girl look incredible. It will also
make anyone feel confident.
Try it out yourself!
It will make anyone feel confident.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 The results will look
Gentle Hand mysterious, elegant, and gentle.
On Face
You’re probably familiar with fashion photographs
in which the model is holding her face thoughtfully.
While this pose won’t work in a non-photography
related situation, it will look very appealing in
photographs. Ask your model to put her hand
on her face without pressing too hard. This will
look like she’s fixing a stray hair or thinking deeply
about something. The results will look mysterious,
elegant, and gentle.

Hand Behind Head

Just like any other hand pose, this one should be
gentle. Your client’s arm should be faced away
from her body. This will give her entire arm more
shape. It will also highlight the space between her
body and arm.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Favourite Things
If your client has brought
something with her, be it an
instrument or a pet, let her Take as many photos as possible!
interact with it. During these
distracting moments, your model will forget that
the camera is even there. When this happens, take
as many photos as possible! Including your client’s
favourite things in your photographs will allow her
personality to shine through. If she’s a musician,
take photos of her playing the guitar. If she’s a
mum, take photos of her playing with her family.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 These effects are great when it
comes to macro photography.
Avoid Distortions
A telephoto lens - such as the Sigma 70 to 200
f/2.8 - will create enough distance between
you and your model to avoid discomfort. With a
telephoto lens, you’ll be able to zoom in and avoid
distortions that are so often associated with
closeups. Though these effects are great when it
comes to macro photography and other genres,
it’s not the portrait photographer’s best friend. To
avoid making your model look wider, do one of
three things:
• Take photos from a respectable distance
• Make sure her face isn’t close to any edges
• Use a telephoto lens.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 The most important factor Don’t Hide
in any shoot is Confidence…
The Body
While using foregrounds to highlight certain
features is helpful and creative, don’t strive to
always hide your client’s body parts. Any model is
beautiful, regardless of her size, so make sure you
don’t give yours the wrong idea. If your model gets
the impression that you’re avoiding full body shots,
you’ll both feel uncomfortable. The most important
factor in any shoot is CONFIDENCE, so embrace
it fully, no matter who you’re photographing.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Inspire
Your client shouldn’t feel alone. There are an
abundance of curvy women in the modeling
industry now. Thanks to this progress, plus size
girls are no longer left out of fashion. Share your
favourite curvy models with your client. Letting
her know that she’s not alone will boost her
confidence and make her feel like the model that
she truly is.
Here are a few talented models you can research:
- Ashley Graham
- Naomi Shimada
- Liris Crosse Share your favourite
- Olivia Campbell
- Bishamber Das
curvy models with
your client.

Get Inspired
In addition to encouraging your model, give your
own creativity a boost! Here are a few outstanding
photographers who gracefully photograph the
beauty of curvy women:
- Sue Bryce
- Michelle Alexandra
- Lindsay Adler

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Don’t Sit Square
If your model is sitting on a chair, avoid taking
photos of direct sitting poses. These will make her
look wider and conceal her curves. Instead, ask
her to gently sit on her side with her shoulder to
the camera. This will give her legs and hips more
shape.

Make her entire body look slimmer.

Crossed Legs
When sitting on the floor or on a chair, have your
client cross her legs. Like the standing leg cross
pose, this will make her entire body look slimmer.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Attitude Is Key
As you try out all of these
poses, don’t stick to
serious facial expressions
Revealing every side of
all the time. Pulling faces
will result in unique shots
your model’s personality.
that will stand out in
your set. Revealing every side of your model’s
personality will give you more interesting photos to
work with. Before you know it, you’ll be discovering
unique poses of your own!

Try Out Different

Expressions
Since a certain expression may not look
flattering on every individual, spend a few
minutes experimenting with various looks and
expressions. This will help you capture all kinds
of looks. After all, photos in which your client
always looks directly at the camera can become
uninteresting. On sunny days, have your model
look at something in the distance. This will help
you avoid taking photos in which nothing but
squinting is happening!

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Don’t crop at your model’s joints.
Cropping
Don’t crop at your model’s joints. Fingers, elbows,
knees, etc., should all be kept in the shot. For full
body shots, you can crop knees, waists, and the
top of the head. These cropping rules will come in
handy during the editing process. Just because an
image has a distracting element doesn’t mean you
should throw it away. Give every photo a chance!
If a closeup looks too wide, zoom in by cropping
the top of the head. You can even work with angles
and rotation to create unique results.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Deep Breaths
If your client looks tense, ask her to take a few
deep breaths. Doing this with her will relax both of
you. The most important thing this exercise will do
is relax any tense facial muscles. This will give you
lots of room to take portraits that look very natural.

Don’t Photograph
Insecurities
Ask your model what her insecurities are. These
may not even be related to her size. Many people
are self conscious about their hands, ears, feet,
etc., and this is worth respecting. Once you’re
aware of these insecurities, avoid highlighting
them in your photographs.
If your model doesn’t like her nose, don’t take
photographs of her profile. Avoid taking photos in
which her nose sticks out - make sure it’s always
aligned with her face.
If your model is self conscious about her ears,
either hide them with her hair or avoid back light.
Light coming from behind your model will make
her ears glow.

Avoid Bulging
Pockets
If your model’s outfit includes pockets, make sure
there’s nothing bulky sticking out. A cellphone or
car keys sticking out of pockets look unflattering
in any photo. Additionally, make sure
the pockets themselves aren’t sticking
A neat outfit = amazing photos! out! A neat outfit = amazing photos,
regardless of the model’s shape or size.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Makeup & Hair
Makeup and hair are often the ultimate confidence
boosters. If you have/are a professional makeup
artist, offer a pre-shoot makeup session to your
client. Even a natural makeup look will make your
client feel ready to conquer your shoot!
Accessories like hats, scarves, bracelets, earrings,
etc., will enhance your client’s overall look. Bonus
points given to those who wear their favourite
accessories. Encourage your client to wear
details that make her feel confident, beautiful,
and photogenic. These will serve as small yet
significant
confidence
boosters
Even a natural makeup
throughout look will make your
your shoot.
client feel ready to
conquer your shoot!

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Move, Move, Move!
Even if a pose is flattering, always standing still
won’t give fill your portfolio with the creativity it
deserves. Photograph your model as she walks,
talks, and interacts with her surroundings. A
little motion blur can add something special to
your shot, so be fearless when it comes to new
shooting techniques.

A little motion blur can add

something special to your shot.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Personality-
Enhancing Location
Your client’s personality should match her
surroundings. If you photograph a bubbly model in
a dark room, the results won’t look as appealing as
they would if you photographed the same model
in a bright room filled with cheerful decorations.
Keep colors, backgrounds, and
Your client’s personality should objects in mind as you get to
know your client’s personality.
match her surroundings.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Keep It Unique
Never settle for one pose, look, location, or
camera settings. Bravely experiment as you go.
Take photos of your client with or without certain
accessories. Once you’re happy with a set of
photos, move to another location. Make your
photos look like they were taken on different days.
Your client will thank you for this unique variety of
memories.
Bravely experiment
as you go.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 Conclusion
Though this guide specifically focuses on curvy
women, don’t let the label limit your flow of ideas.
Portrait photography is all about making your
client feel as confident as they really are. No
matter how insecure an individual may be, they
have the potential to be photogenic. It’s your job
to show them that. Your skills, posing knowledge,
and artistic confidence will help you take the best
possible photos of women who are gorgeous both
inside and out.
Most importantly, don’t photograph the size. Don’t
photograph the shape.

Photograph the exquisite

woman within.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 10 Tips for 1. Before the shoot, meet up with your
client. This is a great opportunity to make a
new friend and simply talk about life. Once
Photographing Shy your client knows that you’re not an ultra
intimidating artist who constantly expects

Clients perfection, she’ll feel more relaxed in your

presence.
If your client is shy, here are ways you can make 2. Inspire her. As mentioned in the guide, give
her feel more comfortable. her a list of curvy models to research. To make
this experience even better, create a mood
board filled with photos of curvy models you
like. Don’t give her the idea that she has to
look like those models. Instead, use the mood
board as a source of inspiration, something
that will let her know that people of all shapes
and sizes are accepted in the modelling
industry.
3. Be confident. The more secure you are
as a creative individual, the easier it’ll be for
your client to trust you. It’s easy to feel safe in
the presence of someone who knows what
they’re doing. To strengthen this trust, don’t
use hesitant phrases like “I guess” or “I’m not
sure.” Confidently share your ideas.
4. Prepare beforehand. Make sure your
equipment is ready before your shoot. If you
have to spend a few minutes figuring out
where to place your lighting equipment, your
client will feel out of place. Avoid this by being
completely prepared.
5. Be the model. Show your client what to
do. This will make it easier to understand
instructions.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

 10 Tips for 6. Don’t be bossy. It’s easy to point, instruct,
and command as a photographer. These
actions can intimidate some people. Instead
Photographing Shy of constantly telling your client what to do, ask
her what she wants. Where does she want

Clients to go next? Which pose in this guide really

stands out to her? Listening to her feedback
will make her feel valued and appreciated as
If your client is shy, here are ways you can make an artist, too.
her feel more comfortable.
7. Don’t get too close. If you have a telephoto
lens, you’ll be able to take great photos without
invading your client’s space. If you have a
wider lens that requires getting closer, start by
taking full body shots. These can be cropped
later. Once your client feels more comfortable
with you, she’ll be more willing to get closer to
the lens.
8. Be patient. It’s a given that rolling eyes is
unacceptable, but there are subtler ways
in which you could discourage your client.
Staying silent for too long will give your model
the idea that she’s doing something wrong.
Sighing will make you look bored. Avoid these
things by complimenting your client, asking
for feedback, and showing her your favourite
photographs.
9. Avoid bossy words. “Should” and “could,”
when used in instructions, can give out the
wrong impression. To avoid making your
client feel belittled, don’t criticize her. If a pose
doesn’t look right, try another one or offer
a better alternative. Be optimistic. Don’t be
afraid of looking silly, either. A lack of tension
will make your client feel very comfortable.
10. Have company. If possible, have your client
bring a friend or a pet. Having close family
members nearby will make her feel happier,
more positive, and more relaxed in general.

Posing Guide For Curvy Women

Have fun.