Once I heard that the Iconic Tess Holliday was internet hosting a posing workshop and picture shoot I knew I needed to do it. It was simply the proper time for me, since I used to be virtually completed with my guide and I knew I wanted to refresh my branding photographs.
I’m a agency believer of the ability of posing and vogue to drag us out of our droop and right into a extra assured model of ourselves.
Come together with me as I contact on the inspiration, outfits, and the ultimate seems to be from my confidence inspiring picture shoot with supermodel Tess Holliday.
Preparation (aka Buying)
For the shoot we would have liked to pick 2 outfits. As a former movie star, boutique, and wedding ceremony stylist, I knew that I wanted to search out outfits that felt like me, and to have a spread of seems to be to alter up footage simply in case I ended up not liking one after.
I knew I needed to go for extra of a dramatic or editorial look and needed the primary look to be ethereal and flowy, and the second to be extra type becoming. So far as hair and make-up, I wasn’t positive till after I obtained my outfits on lock.
The day earlier than the shoot I made the lengthy drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles to remain on the pretty Resort Correct. I introduced some again up choices with me, however knew I used to be in good arms. I scheduled a styling session on the Plus Bus, and likewise had my eye on a number of issues from Proud Mary which was conveniently situated en path to my appointment.
Right here I used to be, lower than 48 hours till my shoot and never a single element of my outfit had been locked down. Spoiler alert: all of it works out.
First Cease to Put together for my Tess Holliday Posing Class? Proud Mary Trend
I had been purchasing their on-line gross sales for years, however it was my first time coming into this hidden gem and strolling in felt like a heat hug from a really 90’s front room. Smooth women should not solely welcome, however we’re entrance and middle.
I instantly felt like a essential character.
From the meticulously curated classic, to the handmade equipment, to the house decor finds – I used to be in heaven. And there it was.
Pink…. big buttons… stripes… I knew it needed to be included in my shoot. This piece was a part of the Proud Mary home label designed by founder Jessica and it was good. I snagged a number of different items for my closet, gave Jessica an enormous hug, and headed down the road to my subsequent cease.
Subsequent Cease: The Plus Bus
Once I arrived on the lovely Plus Bus Boutique’s Highland Park showroom I used to be welcomed in and launched to my stylist. I had despatched them a bit info in preparation for my shoot and Cassia led me to the becoming room the place she had pulled gadgets she thought would match my theme. I’ll simply say this: She understood the task.
Now as a former stylist, with shoppers akin to Brooke Hogan, Kate Hudson, and the late Dr. Donda West I knew the right way to make an individual really feel seen… however this was the primary time in my total life that I had allowed myself to be styled. This was the primary time in my life that I used to be purchasing IRL with so many luxurious choices that simply match and felt prefer it was made for me.
One of many first clothes Cassia had picked for me was this deep pink slip gown by Baacal. I put it on and was dropped at tears. It simply felt so me. It could additionally pair completely with my Proud Mary button shirtdress and I had no less than one outfit locked down.
After a number of extra outfits, and once more including some for my closet for later, we had been accessorized and able to go.
As we scoured for a second extra ethereal piece I requested if possibly that they had one thing with Selkie vibes that might work. Simply then Jen Wilder introduced over one which had simply are available on commerce and hadn’t been processed but. It was good.
My Inspiration Temper Board:
Again on the lodge I used to be laying out and finalizing earrings and sneakers for my seems to be and checking social media for some inspiration. Tess had messaged me the hyperlinks to the hair and make-up artists for me to peruse and I got here up with a number of inspiration photographs for the shoot. Right here’s the Pinterest board I created!
Look One: Classic Fever Dream
The Inspiration
I used to be impressed by Natalie’s pose and the angsty emotions from Kimberley Gordon’s posts. There was actual essential character power which was precisely what I used to be going for.
The Shot:
Look Two: It’s a Motion and a Second
The Inspiration:
This look was impressed by Barbie and simply pink on pink on lavender on pink. When creating this outfit I centered on traditional Barbie Maximalism aka Barbiecore. Mixing textures was the most effective a part of this, the deadstock silk of the gown, the sunshine ethereal button up, and velvet wrapped hoops all advised a narrative.
The Shot:
Look Three: Quiet, Curvy, Assured
The Inspiration:
This look is extra toned down, like peeling layers again, and it simply feels calm, serene, and horny. I used to be impressed by this attractive picture I discovered via the make-up artist of Bree Kish who simply slays in a unique shade of the identical Baacal slipdress.
The Shot:
Confidence Enhance right here we come:
With the workshop and knowledgeable group, I used to be fairly positive I’d get no less than one picture that I appreciated and I assumed that’s what would construct my confidence… the ultimate end result. Reality be advised I felt a lift to my confidence from the second I lastly clicked “Ebook” on the shoot once I noticed the restricted slots disappearing. I feel a part of it was that I began seeing myself of worthy of the expertise. I’m not a mannequin, however I may do that. For enjoyable, for studying, I used to be investing in myself.
I felt extra assured via every step of the method. Each a part of the planning, the playlist I selected for my drive out to Los Angeles. Engaged on my Pinterest temper board. The physique constructive purchasing expertise I had at Proud Mary and the Plus Bus. I had been slowly build up my confidence all through the method. And the picture shoot expertise was a end result of all the things as much as that time and I couldn’t think about a greater shoot.
Not solely was I pampered from begin to end by Tess and her group, I obtained to satisfy different like minded ladies in a very uplifting surroundings. We laughed and shared tales. We sang alongside to the music. I realized new poses that helped me up my selfie recreation.
In case you have been hiding within the again throughout household photographs or opting out of being photographed, do your self a favor and plan a photograph shoot with simply you. I used to attempt to conceal in photographs too (and sure, typically I nonetheless discover myself hiding.) Whether or not you do a packaged picture shoot like I did, or arrange your picture timer and do a DIY shoot, there’s nothing like an amazing picture of you, as you’re right this moment, to increase your confidence.
I problem you to attempt a few of the poses from my shoot to see if any be just right for you. When you aren’t fairly there but, there’s an amazing neighborhood right here at TCF to showcase every kind of our bodies and inspiration. Possibly simply begin constructing a temper board with inspiration for in the future, simply in case.
I hope this function gives some inspiration on your subsequent DIY or skilled shoot. The group that Tess put collectively for this occasion was extraordinary. Thanks Amber, Autumn, Jessica, Cassia, Jen, and Julianny for bringing my imaginative and prescient to life!
A particular due to Tess Holliday for creating this chance for me to get in entrance of the digicam. Your posing experience (and fortitude with a leaf blower) helped me get the most effective photographs and I’m perpetually grateful on your contributions to the plus dimension neighborhood.
Shoot Credit:
Posing: Tess Holliday
Hair: Amber Rose
Make-up: Magnificence by Autumn
Stylist: Cassia at Plus Bus
Photographer: Julianny Casado
Outfit 1:
Gown: Selkie
Sneakers: Camper Koborah
Earrings: Pink Bows from Plus Bus
Outfits 2 + 3:
Slip Gown: BAACAL
Striped Button Down Gown: Proud Mary
Sneakers: Classic from Plus Bus
Earrings: Velvet hoops from Plus Bus