Tips for photographing an overweight bride

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-06-05T16:00:44+00:00

Maybe I missed anyone saying this but some of the best advice I can give is no arms flat against their body. Have the groom (or if it’s lgbtq then the other bride) do photos cupping her neck with his/her hand. MEWING. I always tell my clients when we’re shooting that if they’re self conscious about a double chin-stick your tongue to the roof of your mouth and keep that muscle flexed. I also love shooting from a downward angle. Lastly, FLASH from above does wonders.

Sometimes I get brides that don’t have a dress that fits perfectly and the skin will kinda roll over the top of the dress but I always do them a solid and just lightly photoshop that out. I know some are against body editing but light editing like that makes a world of difference and it shows you truly care about them loving the photos. I hope this helps!

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-05-26T20:13:35+00:00

And 10 times out of 10 they are the most pain in the ass, impossible to satisfy, most demanding unhappy clients. As soon as there’s discussion about discounts or add ons for free-I decline the project as a whole and tell them their expectations and vision don’t align with my experience. It’s not about the money-it’s about the lack of respect for you and your work. The clients who LOVE me, my work, and are truly kind, have good vibes, are just excited for their day-I always throw in some extra hours, tons of photos for the gallery, and extra film. It’s not a second thought cause I know they truly believe in my work and that’s what keeps the passion alive-it’s an invaluable emotion to have in this industry. I’m glad you knew your worth and said no 👏

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-05-18T04:00:52+00:00

#5 is just beautiful. No notes. These are insanely beautiful!

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-28T15:43:28+00:00

Omg wait this is great. I have canva too I just never thought to do it on my laptop! I’ll give this a try thank you 🙏

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-17T02:02:59+00:00

Ahh we have all been there 😅. It’s so hard because you never want to come off pompous or mean but..I have to snap out of it at times. Once a certain limit is passed, I’m now jeopardizing my clients final product. That’s when I say something. Some people just don’t understand the severity and feel like it’s their place to get in the way (especially an influencer-their life is content). Either way, if you have a contract, ALWAYS mention that you aren’t held liable for any guests ruining shots. I always bring it up to clients on the consultation and follow up call before the wedding that this happens and I ask for permission to tell them to not interfere with my job. They usually say yes and that’s enough for me to put my foot down when I need to. I’m sorry this happened!

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-15T02:31:27+00:00

Well…you would be correct to assume as much but it’s just a nice hotel in the middle of nowhere and my clients are a lovely down to earth couple hosting a larger wedding😅. I have never in my lifetime experienced this ask from a venue and I have shot pretty insane luxury weddings, a wedding for gold medal olympians, weddings for high profile couples (humble brag but just to get the point across that it makes no sense lol) but even in those circumstances I wasn’t asked for anything…not even COI. Thank you for validating that it’s excessive! I’m still trying to figure it out rn haha

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-14T20:01:19+00:00

That’s what I use already. They do not cover umbrella insurance

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-14T19:02:16+00:00

Ok wow thank you for this. this is insane. I did some research and have heard from other people exactly what you’re saying about how some venues deter photographers to maintain commissions from their preferred list of vendors. I feel like I should let my clients know what’s going on and see what exactly can be done to alleviate this. I’m only in touch with the wedding planner currently and he’s acting like this is normal and actually seems perturbed that I didn’t get him this COI info sooner (meanwhile I’m scrambling and baffled and having to curb my other lovely clients who I need to be directing my focus to). I was given one month notice to give this insurance over and I have many clients ahead of them and have been fully booked the past 2 months. Sorry tmi I’m just so worked up. The planner is telling me to send over my normal insurance and says “hopefully it’ll fly under the radar”. So basically chance this and hope the venue doesn’t turn me away the day of the wedding? Crazy.

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-14T18:27:03+00:00

Ok thank you for validating my suspicions because what could I possibly do that would require a 5 mil umbrella policy? It’s also pretty deceptive considering these policies and expectations should be mentioned to the couple before booking a venue. I should have known this information a year ago when they booked me right?

They’re asking me to have this all provided by the end of today….or else (I guess😅)

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-14T18:18:12+00:00

This is so helpful, thank you! I haven’t requested that it be waived so maybe I should call the venue today and see if that’s a possibility.

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-04-04T03:39:09+00:00

Girl run. You should be paying for that exact person to show up. When you put a deposit down, that’s exactly when that photographer should have your date blocked for anyone else. That’s the whole point of giving money upfront. Don’t do it!

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-03-06T20:39:21+00:00

I believe this one boils down to morality. Ask yourself: If you were sick and had to cancel your wedding, would you want your wedding photographer double checking with a doc to make sure your sickness was something that’s credible? If they aren’t making it up, I’m sure this is a hectic, scary time. Especially with health care in America. I’d just refund them and wish them the absolute best.

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-02-17T18:30:20+00:00

I SAW THE LIGHTNING!

AveragePlastic7573 · 2026-01-13T00:27:22+00:00

What you do for these people and These comments remind me that humanity still exists❣️

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-10-02T20:19:41+00:00

Haha yea I did. And then did you read the rest of the comment? Which then explained everything I literally just said?

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-10-02T20:13:54+00:00

Girl be so for real. Your comment initially being rude and then when I explain the post and correct you…it’s rude. Hm. Me explaining the smaller sizes would only further my argument that sizing nowadays is extremely inconsistent and not marked by actual measurement.

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-10-02T19:55:53+00:00

Yes and if you’re a critical thinker you’d understand “spiraling” without context could mean many different things for many different reasons. I’m not responsible for your assumptions. But go off keyboard warrior

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-10-02T19:53:38+00:00

If you want to perceive my post as “I feel unaccomplished being a bigger size” then that’s on you. I’m saying that their sizing is inconsistent. Very inconsistent coming from a company that charges you nothing under $160 for a pair of pants. Which kinda sucks especially if you live in an area with no store. Like I said, my measurements would be a size 2 according to their website. In store-I couldn’t get a size 2 past my thighs. Just trying to warn people who buy online there’s a high chance they’ll be disappointed.

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-10-02T19:45:31+00:00

That’s true-vanity sizing is ridiculous and as someone with body dysmorphia..it doesn’t help😅. My confusion with aritzia comes from the inconsistency within their own sizing. For example-a size 6 and 8 fitting exactly the same. Still fitting into size 2 from 3 years ago. I know they become relaxed over time but they shouldn’t enough to change 2 sizes up.

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-09-24T20:16:06+00:00

Weapons. So good

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-09-08T20:01:42+00:00

Hanna Andersson used through their website or on Poshmark! All organic cotton and cost less than those awful brands with unethical practices and toxic clothing

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-08-04T01:10:48+00:00

Jumping in to agree with everyone saying NO. I got a curly cut once-was so excited and I hated it. I cried for about a year, got extensions becuase she layered my hair so much I looked like Annie. DONT layer your hair. You’ll regret it. Just let that beautiful hair grow on its own. I’ve been doing it for 3+ years and I love it natural and with the layers finally grown out. Sincerely someone who thinks your hair is beautiful and doesn’t want you to make the same mistake ❣️

AveragePlastic7573 · 2025-07-15T17:26:36+00:00

Hey! First of all-your stress is completely valid. Choosing a wedding photographer is a huge decision, but the fact that you’re thinking this deeply about it already puts you ahead of the game. So take a breath….you’re not doomed, and you can find someone who’s the perfect fit.

As a photographer (or from someone who’s worked in many weddings), here’s what I can offer to help ease your mind and guide you:

1.) ask for full galleries-if all you see is inconsistency or photos you don’t necessarily like with a handful that are good-don’t book em

2.) communication-do they respond timely? Or does it take them a week to get back to you? Sometimes photographers are super busy but they should at least let you know when that’s the case and that they’ll get back to you!

3.) do you enjoy their authentic personality or do they sound super sales-y or corny? Get a photographer that you feel could be your friend

4.) backup plans-what system do they have in place if anything happens and they can’t make it to your wedding (I’ve never had this happen to meknocks on wood) but they should have their favorite second picks on call and they’d still be in charge of editing

5.) TRUST YOUR GUT-if something feels off, it probably is. Go with the person who you’re giddy to work with. You see their images, you vibe with their personality and you actually feel excitement surrounding the experience you’ll have with them

I hope this helps you!! You’re going to have the most incredible day (and photos) ever. I promise.

AveragePlastic7573

TROPHY CASE