How to Look Good in Photos for Plus Size Moms

Photos are a great way to capture this special time in your life. However, as a plus-size mom, you may be concerned about how you will look in your photos. As someone who had been frustrated with their body for many years, I have been nervous about my photo shoots from time to time. However, considering the investment of time and money, it’s vital to feel confident and beautiful. Plus, these are memories to cherish! So whether you feel confident on the average or not, you can do a few things to make sure you look great! To help, I’ve put together a few tips on How to Look Good in Family Photos for Plus Size Moms. (plus a bonus checklist here)

What to Wear in Family Photos for Plus-Size Moms

Wear something comfortable and flattering. In fact, you might want to wear several different outfits. This is important for you or the person who is deciding on the outfits for the shoot. Depending on the type of photo shoot, sometimes it involves a few different wardrobe changes. This is especially important if it includes kids and babies who may make a mess of their shirt before the photos even start from a spill, snotty sneeze or spit up. Some photographers have a wardrobe and props to use; be sure to discuss what size your family members are and what kinds of things you would like to do at your photoshoot. I brought three outfits for my photo shoot and tried an additional 5-6 from the photographer’s stock for my maternity shoot and did 3 different outfits for our newborn shoot. I tried on my personal outfits ahead of time to ensure they fit well and were clean/in good repair. 

Heads up: Not all photographers have a changing station. Be prepared to ask for some privacy or take off your clothes in front of your photographer. Be sure to add a note to your checklist.

How to Pose for Family Photos

A good photographer will be trained in this art, but just in case, I have three tips:

1. Pop the front leg forward with a bent knee on your toes/ball of your foot. This pose does take some balance, but the popped leg will create a beautiful line in the front of your body. 

2. Go ahead and do the traditional poses. Sit in front of the family with your kids around you. Stand in the back with your hand on a shoulder. Try not to “hide” your body behind others. Depending on how you face, rest the rear hand on the top of your ribs rather than a hip. It may feel cliche, but this is a confident pose!

3. Tilt your head and look at the photographer as if you’re proud of them (like when your kiddo shows you something they accomplished). There aren’t really any “wrong poses”, but looking down often shows less of your face and creates a double chin look. You don’t need to strain; just a gentle tilt and follow your photographer’s guidance on this!

Don’t be Afraid to do Something Different! 

Consider suggestions your photographer might have, or feel free to gather inspiration you have seen in other photos. Go ahead and create a Pinterest Album of photos you’d love to replicate or elements you’d like to bring in (sunshine rays, glow, shade effect etc). Looking good in photos isn’t just about the aesthetics of nice hair and outfits; it’s the joy and expression in everyone’s faces! Go ahead and consider fun and creative ideas too! I once saw a family who had a scheduled outdoor shoot, but it poured rain! Guess what they did?? They played in the rain, made fun memories, and documented the experience. I’ve also seen families dress in white and have epic mud fights. Jot down your ideas about this in your checklist.

What to Expect From Your Photo Shoot

Expect your photographer to work with you to create a custom photo shoot that captures who you are, who you are as a couple, and as parents, and the special relationships with your children. I have been a part of immediate and extended photoshoots so think about different combinations of, children, pets, or other important people in your life. Be open with your photographer about your priorities for the style, themes, or different things you want to try. I’ve included these in the checklist.

Accessories for Photos

Have you picked a special outfit? A favourite instrument or piece of art? Is there a family heirloom that you want to use? Bring any items you want to be used during the photos that have sentimental value. You can write them in your checklist too.

Here are a few ideas:

• Special outfits

• Name/monogram

• Heirlooms, blankets or props

• Decor

Tips to Feel Comfortable and Confident in Your Photos

You should expect to feel comfortable and relaxed during your photo shoot. If you aren’t, those feelings might come across in your photos. Your photographer will help put you at ease and guide you through the process. Expect beautiful, natural images that will capture your personality and attitude. Photos celebrate the amazing thing your body is creating: growing a human, growing your family, and showing the person you are and who you are becoming. It may help to think about the beautiful photos you will put in your kids’ memory books, send gifts to loved ones, share online, or display prints in your home. 

Photos should be a joyful way to celebrate your body and growing family. However, for plus-size moms, it can be hard to feel confident and find ways to be comfortable in front of a camera if you struggle with body confidence. Make it a priority to find a photographer who understands how to make you look your best. I hope this post gave you some valuable tips on looking good in photos, regardless of the size or shape of your body. 

Are you struggling to go for photos because you don’t like the way your body looks? Book a free strategy call and let’s talk about it.