Traditionally, portraiture photography was reserved for the elite class. We just have to think of classic oil paintings; most of them depict royalty and other prominent figures. However, in the 19th century with the invention of daguerreotype, portraiture became more accessible for everyone in the form of portrait photography.
Today, this type of photography is all about telling a story, and with the advent of social media, it became even more demanded – who doesn’t want a good photoshoot of themselves to post online and show off a little? And speaking of posting online, portraits are also popular among content creators who make a living off selling photos of themselves.
Even though close-up portraits are the first thing that come to mind when we think of portrait photography, the truth is that full-body photography is very much a part of it, so in this guide we will focus on this type of portrait photography.
How BBW are inspiring photographers
Every body type is in trend now. The camera loves skinny bodies as much as it loves curvy ones too, and in recent years, a growing number of photographers have found plenty of inspiration in curvy and plus-size models. The Big Beautiful Women movement has helped break down the harmful beauty standards that existed around body size. It pushed for a more inclusive representation of women and their bodies, where we can see and celebrate every size in front of the camera.
Therefore, portrait photography is for everyone, BBW, petite, skinny, young and old. Every body type is worth admiring and photographing.
Tips and tricks for portrait photography
Choose the right lens and focal length
Keep in mind that depending on the lens you choose, the body might appear distorted. So to avoid this and maintain subject compression, opt for a lens between 50 and 85 mm; they’re generally more flattering for full-body shots. In case you’re going for a specific effect like for example elongated limbs or exaggerated features, then you can use wide-angle lenses.
Think about posing
You must guide your model through the different poses you want them to strike. Favor natural stances over overly staged looks, such as leaning against a wall, walking, or sitting. With BBW or curvier models, focus on poses that highlight confidence and flow (trying to “hide” anything is not an option).
Mind the background
If you’re taking photos of the whole body, that means that there will be more context in your frame, so make sure that there’s no clutter or disarray around. Backgrounds should always stay clean or complimentary. If you’re in an urban setting or natural landscape, then the backdrop might work well.
Pro tip: Use depth of field to blur the background slightly, keeping the focus on your subject.
Lighting is everything
You probably know that lighting can make or break the shot. But how to achieve the best lighting conditions for your photos?
- Always go for natural light if possible (especially early morning or golden hour), as it is soft and flattering.
- If you want to add dimension and highlight curves in a beautiful way, side lighting is key.
- Backlighting is good for creating a glowing outline.
- If you’re in a studio setting, using softboxes or large diffusers can be a great idea to evenly light the body.
Communicate and connect
It doesn’t matter whether you’re photographing a professional model or a first-timer: connection is crucial. Talk to your subject, encourage them, show them the photos throughout the session and overall just try to connect with them. That will make them feel more comfortable which in turn will result in better poses, expressions, and photos. It’s also all about making the experience enjoyable for both of you.
Wardrobe and styling also matter
Clothing has the power to either enhance or distract, especially in full-body portraits, so encourage your model to wear outfits that allow movement and reflect their personality. In the case of curvier bodies, well-fitted clothes that define shape can create beautiful lines on camera.
Then you can play with textures, layers, and flowing fabrics to create a sense of motion in the image. If you’re styling the shoot yourself, bring accessories that can help tailor the look on the spot.