Engagement Pictures...for the non-skinny.

I think your BEAUTIFUL! You both take a wonderful picture! Black is always a slimming color, or wear something that hugs you in all the right places. What we did is I sat up on the side of a bridge and put him next to me. I havent even been able to try on dresses due to my "feeling fat". Your pictures will turn out beautiful.

Thanks for the support =] i am going to do more research with photographers. i have been having the "feeling fat" feelings too. its like as soon as you get a ring, the need to diet is like immediate lol

Just tell your photographer your feelings. I think you'll do just fine and your photos will turn out beautiful. Pick an outfit that you feel most comfortable in. Good Luck!!!

Carly...you are so pretty. I can understand your concern. A professional will know how to use the most flattering poses & angles for any body type. All the shots don't have to be closeups.

Solid colors work better for any body type...patterns can be distracting & you want the viewer's eye drawn to your beautiful face, not the pattern on your clothes. Three-quarter sleeves are also flattering to any body type. Wear what you feel fantastic in...it will show in your photos.

When meeting with photographers tell them about your concerns...ask them if they can show you examples of your concerns. This should help. Let him/her know what you think your best features are. I'm sure your photos will turn out beautifully!

Thank you Tionna and Stephanie for your advice...I just want everything to turn out as perfectly as possible. =]

Hmm. I wouldn't say that it takes more talent to photograph women who are fuller or plus size. You need to look for photographs that show different angles and possibly styles in a photographer's portfolio. It sounds more like you're uncomfortable with your body type. You might want to start with a full length mirror and practice poses that you think really flatter your curves. Your photographer will be able to help with this as well. Skinny and non-skinny women alike really gotta learn to be comfortable with whatever shape we have, or settle on changing it. Either way, you have to learn to love the shape you have. JIMO.

Well, I dont really know if it takes more talent either lol but you dont see lots of photographers toting around pics of bigger girls in their portfolios!

LOl when fh and I take pictures He know to hug me right on my love handles so they don't show on the pix, lol. You have a beautiful face you can do 1000 face shots n look amazing.

I have the same problem, I'm the same size too. Most photographers should be able to find the perfect poses for you. I'm having my pictures taken this coming weekend. I had some pictures taken back in March on the beach by my fiance's sister-in-law and they came out great, some I didn't like the pose but a lot of them made me look smaller than I was which is great too! I just noticed we are getting married only 14 days apart too! When are your pictures being taken?

Girlie, you are beautiful and you, too, take great pictures!

I am right there with you in terms of size! But color block dresses are in right now and they are SUPER flattering!! It's a great way to trick the eye!

Do the "skinny arm"! Put one hand on your hip so your arm is at a 90 degree angle, with your elbow away from your body. Instantly solves the problem of "fat arms" and shows off where your waist is.

Also, draw attention to your better features- you have pretty eyes- play them up! Got cute feet or legs? Wear some bright pink heels!

Thanks for the post! I'm the same size as you and have been worried about our pics. We are taking them next month after I'm off the crutches! Hope I can find a cute outfit. What are you all wearing??

I have been thinking about wearing this black n white leopard print cardigan i got from old navy with a pink cami underneath and black pants or capris...with some fun black or pink shoes. Then maybe some with just a black 3/4 length shirts and jeans. my FH will prob wear black plaid cuz its his favorite.

I am also glad to know I am not the only one feeling a little worried about it. Makes me feel like I am not alone. Also @Clare I will def try the skinny arm trick lol!!!!

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice!

@Kristen D. I am hoping to get them done within the next month so I can have pretty fall pictures!

I wish every photographer could read this post. I don't understand why their portfolios don't have a variety of sizes and shapes of people; mine certainly does!

You've got killer eyes, and I bet a bunch of other killer things we can't see in your little avatar; your photos will be great. Try on a bunch of chic, black clothes and cool jewelry and great boots and enjoy being yourself; it'll show in those photos.

Oh, and go for the seriously gorgeous shoes too!

@Celia I agree! Everything I have looked at has basically been of skinny people...there is a whole market out there of non-skinny people lol!

I WOULD like to point out that just because they do a closeup, doesn't mean they're trying to avoid making you look fat! i LOVE closeups because I find peoples' faces to be the most beautiful that they have.

I don't look at people's portfolio's much, but I'm terribly sad that that is the case, with lots of skinny and no large girls.

Another issue I have had, though, is larger girls being very self conscious, and I've had some ask me personally to not put any of their photos in my portfolio because they are self-conscious. I respect their wishes, and thankfully i do have some pictures to show beyond those of my plus sized models, but it's just something to think about!

For me, my best friend in the world is a very large girl, and I think she's beautiful, and I love taking pictures of her and her daughter. I hope you can find a photographer that makes you happy!!

Thank you! I am not really self conscious...I just want to find a photographer that will shoot flattering pictures. At the end of the day, as long as my FH thinks I am beautiful that is all that really matters! =]

Oh yes, I was just saying maybe that is a reason there is a lack of larger girls in portfolios? Maybe they were self conscious and asked that they were not in there. Just hoping to give some photographers the benefit of the doubt! lol! And of course I'd contact them and ask if they have any examples of plus-sizes that maybe they just didn't post for various reasons. can't hurt?

Yea that is a good idea. and i never thought of it being because ppl didnt want to be in their portfolio, so thank you so for the insight!

Lots of good suggestions here! And just to reiterate......you are beautiful! Be relaxed at your photo shoot and enjoy it! Don't worry about not looking how you "think" you are supposed to look, just be yourself. Nothing and nobody is perfect. It doesn't matter what size you are, you can still be beautiful! You will see many plus size brides on my website. Look under weddings. www.designzbydebra.com