Recently we received a question about photographing overeweight people. It was a fantastic question that deserves an answer and makes a great post. Thanks Tim for the great question.
I thought it would make a good question for “Tuesday’s Technical Tips” as well as an “Ask The Peterson’s” Piece. Hope it helps you guys and thanks for reading! Here’s the question:
“Hi Tommy and Holly. Love your shots on photoSIG and I’m enjoying the new blog. I have a question for you both. I’ve volunteered myself to do a Wedding Engagement shoot possibly this weekend. This is the first time I’m extending my photography skills….novice…. to friends. I already told them this would be a FUN thing to do and that I’m still learning Photography. I’m also not charging them. My question is…..any secrets to photographing large people? Yes, they are over weight. As in about 60 to 80 lbs over weight each. They want to do an evening shoot in the park. I know it will be about 100 this weekend which means they will be sweating. I’m trying to talk them into a morning shoot. I can send a picture of them if needed but didn’t think you’d need one. I’ll be shooting with my new Canon 70-200 IS and a 50mm. Can’t wait!! Thanks for your help and great job on the blog……..Tim Hartson”
Thanks Tim and Karen for your great question! Thanks for the nice words as well. The morning idea is a good one, but if they insist on evening, work fast and know what you’re gonna do before you get there. Also keep them in the car (air conditioning) as long as you can and have them come out when you are set up and ready to start shooting. If you are friends, then it shouldn’t be that hard for them to warm up to you. Also, as far as posing larger people, stick to the basics of shooting slightly down on them and turn them at an angle slightly. Usually women are more self conscience than men. So something we do is use the man to hide the woman by having her pose behind him hugging him and leaning out a bit, but make sure the guy is still at an angle and put his thumb in his pocket so the arm helps draw attention away from his midsection.
Also consider crop in closer. Avoid full length shots where all of them is showing. Try to cut out the weight by cropping in closer but not too close. You don’ want to fill the frame with round faces. Also pose them leaning forward at their waists somewhat. It will help camouflage their real weight and have them put their chins out ever so slightly to thin out the double chins.
Just some things that help us a little. Hope that helps!
I hope that helps you readers as well! If you have any questions that you would like Holly and I to answer, please send them to piecesofthepicture@gmail.com
