Plus-Size Images.
In the fashion business, a model who wears size 10, 12, 14, and up is termed
a plus-size model. The highest-paid plus-size models are normally sizes 12,
14, or 16. When working with plus-size models, there are two ways to ap-
proach the session. The first approach is to use every technique in the book
to visually slim the model. This could include exaggerated posing and spe-
cialized lighting—usually high-contrast lighting from the side to leave a por-
tion of the body in shadow. Reducing the separationbetween the subject and
the background can also produce a slimming effect.
These exaggerated techniques are normally used only when photograph-
ing portfolio images for a model who is concerned about her appearance, or
when a client books a particular model because they see something special in
her but still want to reduce her size visually.
The second approach is used when a plus-size model is booked by the
client as a plus-size model—perhaps to advertise plus-size clothing or to ap-
pealtocustomerswithmoreaveragebuilds thanthetypicalfashionmodel.In
this case, the model should be photographed using the same lighting and
posing methods as you would use with any other model. No special tech-
94 LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MODEL PORTFOLIOS
6-13. 6-14.Many agencies are expand-
ing the use of “real people” as models
in their advertisements.