Sexy Curves: Plus-Size Boudoir Photography Techniques

About the Author

Tammy Warnock started her photography career over twenty-five years ago, working for her high school yearbook. In 1988, she began working for other studios. After honing her skills, she opened her own studio, True Blue Photography/True Blue Intimates. In 2010, she moved to her Los Almitos, CA, boutique studio where she photographs mostly families, weddings, and pets and specializes in intimate portraiture. She is also the author of Photographing Families: Use Natural Light, Flash, Posing, and More to Create Professional Images (Amherst Media, 2014).

Copyright 2015 by Tammy Warnock

All rights reserved.

All photographs by the author unless otherwise noted.

Published by:

Amherst Media, Inc., P.O. Box 586, Buffalo, N.Y. 14226, Fax: 716-874-4508

www.AmherstMedia.com

Publisher: Craig Alesse

Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins

Editors: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt, Harvey Goldstein, Beth Alesse

Associate Publisher: Kate Neaverth

Editorial Assistance from: Carey A. Miller, Sally Jarzab, John S. Loder

Business Manager: Adam Richards

Warehouse and Fulfillment Manager: Roger Singo

ISBN-13: 978-1-60895-920-4

Library of Congress Control Number: 20015934353

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher.

Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the authors experience and opinions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.

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Contents

T wenty-five years ago, when I started doing boudoir photography, I was very conscious of both how beautiful women are and how self-conscious and self-critical we can be of our own bodies. In fact, I dont recall ever truly loving a photo of myself, regardless of my weight and figure. Sadly, Im not alone.

The first boudoir session taken of me as a twenty-year-old new mother definitely didnt yield my favorite images. The photos were executed well; it was simply my view of myself that was the problem. However, that shoot helped motivate me to perfect my art and make sure that no woman I photographed would ever look at her images and feel sad or disappointed. There is beauty in every woman and neither our self-worth nor the measure of our beauty should be defined by a number on a scale or the digits on a clothing tag. As photographers, its our job to minimize any perceived flaws and showcase each subjects true beauty.

Over the years, as I did more and more boudoir sessions and worked toward better posing for women of all shapes and sizes, I also made friends with other photographers around the country. Quickly, I became aware that many of them only showcased images of their thinnest, prettiest clients. After attending a few conventions and frequenting photographer forums, I realized that many photographers had difficulty when photographing a plus-size client in her underwear. This is part of what inspired me to start writing how-to books and teaching other photographers how little adjustments can make for better imagesstraight out of the camera, with little or no retouching required for the final image. (After all, like most photographers, I want to spend my time shooting, not sitting at my computer.)

My photographic career has been an amazing journey of working toward better self-esteem for myself and for every woman who does a session with me. Its my goal to show women who have never loved a photo of themselves just how beautiful they really are. For reference, all of the clients featured in this book wear a size 14 or larger.

Special thanks to Ali Robles for doing the hair and makeup for all but a small handful of the women featured in this book.

T hese images were taken in a hotel. In the images to the right and on the facing page, I used the sun coming through the windows to create a naturally high-key look.

Exposure

I exposed for the subject, intentionally blowing out the window behind her. This prevented the parking lot, which was clearly visible otherwise, from becoming a distraction in the photo. I also shot at f/2.0 in order to help minimize the clutter and make the room look like it was being used, not merely rented for the shoot.

The sun pouring in had the added effect of sculpting her body. Against a bright background, these light tones on her body soften its outline and slim the lines of her form.

Shooting and Finishing

These images were taken with a Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon 85mm f/1.2L lens. I shot at f/2 and ISO 500 at shutter speeds from to second. The images of her standing in the window were treated with Dina Douglass Colorpoptonica action for a little extra punch.