Isn’t it exhilarating when your Instagram feed is filled with high-fashion photographs that radiate style, confidence, and sheer artistic brilliance? We totally agree! However, let’s face it—navigating through the world of fashion photography can sometimes resemble a game of “Where’s Waldo?” especially regarding body diversity. The traditional fashion industry has been largely dominated by a narrow beauty standard, but fortunately, a group of innovative photographers is revolutionizing this landscape—one breathtaking image at a time.
Introducing the plus size fashion photographers you absolutely need to discover. These remarkable creatives are dedicated to capturing plus-sized bodies in all their magnificence, producing editorials, campaigns, and portraits that honor curves instead of hiding them. While iconic figures like Substantia Jones, Stanley Debas, Luke Jones, Rick Jones, and Velvet D’Amour have forged the path, a new wave of talented individuals is stepping forward, camera in hand, to reshape the narrative.
The Significance of Plus Size Fashion Photographers in Modern Media
Photography transcends merely capturing a pretty image—it’s about storytelling, representation, and enhancing visibility. For far too long, plus size fashion has been relegated to an afterthought in mainstream media, allowing little space for genuine, stylish, and empowered representations of plus bodies. However, these dedicated plus size fashion photographers are here to change that.
By consistently featuring plus models, these talented artists are not only challenging beauty norms but also demonstrating that plus size fashion deserves a rightful place in the high-fashion realm, on magazine covers, and within major advertising campaigns. They create an environment where plus-size individuals can envision themselves as glamorous, edgy, powerful, and everything in between.
Let’s be honest—seeing an exquisite, well-lit editorial image of a plus-size model showcasing a designer outfit makes you want to elevate your own personal style, right? Representation fosters confidence, and these exceptional plus size fashion photographers are leading the way in making that a reality.
10 Trailblazing Plus Size Fashion Photographers to Follow and Admire
In this piece, we spotlight some of the most captivating plus size fashion photographers who are redefining the industry landscape, capturing curves with artistry, and ensuring that body diversity is not merely a fleeting trend—it’s the future. Many among them identify as plus size themselves, and they all share a mission to place plus bodies at the forefront of their artistic efforts.
1. Rochelle Brock: Capturing Glamour and Grit
Based in New York City, Rochelle Brock has seen her remarkable work showcased in prominent publications like PAPER Magazine, VICE, and NYLON, among others. Her photography merges glamour with grit, creating a profound connection between the viewer and the subjects she captures, emphasizing the beauty of plus size fashion.
When discussing the significance of representing diverse bodies in her work, Brock expressed, “I constantly photograph a variety of women who inspire me. I love highlighting their beauty and stories. They reflect my own experiences, and I want to see more of that in the art world!”
Brock is currently enrolled in a year-long creative practices program at the International Center of Photography, so keep an eye out for her new projects in 2019!
2. Suma Jane Dark: Crafting Cinematic Imagery
Suma Jane Dark is a queer femme photographer hailing from Portland, Oregon, but her passion for capturing plus size fashion has taken her across the USA and Mexico.
Reflecting on her journey into photography, Suma remarked, “Growing up, I spent countless hours immersed in fashion magazines like Vogue,” she recalled. “Fast forward a few years, and my work now focuses on creating high-fashion images that celebrate all body types.”
While Suma’s artistic style has evolved over time, they describe their current aesthetic as “creating cinematic, intimate images inspired by fever dreams, high fashion, lonely highways, and femme fire.”
We are eagerly anticipating the stunning work Suma will unveil in 2019!
3. Anastasia Garcia: Challenging Beauty Norms
I first discovered the incredible talent of Anastasia Garcia when I came across the captivating images she created for CHROMAT’s “Pool Rules” campaign.
Describing the campaign, Garcia articulated, “Being at the pool can provoke anxiety for many individuals. My team, along with Chromat, aimed to produce imagery that transforms that narrative. Let’s reclaim the pool, while looking fabulous. No food shaming, no body policing, and intolerance will NOT be tolerated.”
When discussing the importance of portraying diverse bodies in fashion photography and art, Garcia shared a revelation: “The brain processes an image 60,000 times faster than words.”
She elaborated, saying, “People, especially the youth, turn to media images to comprehend culture, which influences how they perceive their own place within it.”
Garcia was also featured in the documentary titled Straight/Curve, which is available for streaming on Amazon.
4. Nick Holliday: Blending Personal and Professional Photography
Operating out of Los Angeles, Nick Holliday skillfully combines snapshots of his family life with his professional photography career on social media.
His stunning images of his wife, Tess Holliday, have garnered features in Vogue, yet his artistic vision extends well beyond her.
He frequently photographs a variety of diverse models, contributing to both editorial projects and artistic photography—such as his notable photoshoot with Megan Kimberling.
5. Nikki Gomez: From Model to Photographer
Nikki Gomez’s journey into photography began when she was a model herself. She first worked for various plus size brands, which eventually led her to pick up a camera and create compelling visuals.
“The company I was working for needed promotional materials on a $0 budget, so my friend, who is also a plus size model, and I took turns photographing each other in the clothing.
I instantly fell in love with photography and quickly began self-teaching myself everything I could. Just a few months later, I secured Wilhelmina Models as a regular client.”
When it comes to showcasing diverse bodies in her work, Gomez shared:
As a young woman, I felt a connection to other curvy women. The more I spotted bodies similar to mine in magazines and advertisements, the more confident I became in my own skin.
When I launched my photography career, I committed myself to producing beautiful images of curvy women for the world. The more of those images that circulate, the more girls like me will feel represented and beautiful too.”
6. Lydia Hudgens: The Go-To Photographer for Plus Size Brands
Lydia, also based in New York, has collaborated with numerous plus size brands, including Premme, Simply Be, Eloquii, and Swimsuits for All.
With her impeccable eye for composition, color, and style, Lydia has quickly established herself as a go-to photographer for many bloggers and influencers in the plus size fashion realm.
Known for her ability to create stunning visuals, she was recently the featured photographer for the “NYFW Street Style Gallery Dedicated to Plus-Size Women”, as highlighted by InStyle!
7. Jose Pagan: Celebrating Real Bodies
Jose Pagan stands as a pivotal figure in plus size fashion photography, having collaborated with Skorch Mag, FabUPlus, Plus Model Magazine, and numerous fashion brands.
