When I heard that the iconic Tess Holliday would be hosting a posing workshop and photoshoot, I knew I had to do it. It was the right time for me because I had almost finished reading the book and knew I needed to update my branding photos.
I’m a strong believer in the power of pose and fashion to lift you out of a slump and into a more confident version of yourself.
Join us as we discuss the inspiration, outfits, and final looks for a confident photoshoot with supermodel Tess Holliday.
Preparation (aka shopping)
I had to choose two outfits for the shoot. As a former celebrity, boutique and wedding stylist, I know that I need to find an outfit that fits me and have a variety of looks so I can change the photo later on if I don’t like it. I knew that.
I wanted to go for a more dramatic or editorial look. I wanted the first look to be ethereal and flowing, and the second look to be more fitted. As for the hair and makeup, I didn’t know until I got my costume ready.
The day before the shoot, I took a long drive from Phoenix to Los Angeles and stayed at the lovely Hotel Proper. I brought some backup options and knew I was in good hands. I booked a styling session in Plus His Bath and also noticed a few things at Proud His Mary, which was conveniently located on my way to an appointment.
I was here less than 48 hours before the shoot and not a single detail of the outfit was locked down. Spoiler alert: Everything will be fine.
First stop to get ready for Tess Holiday Posing Class? Proud Mary Fashion
I’ve been taking advantage of online sales for years, but this was my first time coming to this hidden gem, and walking inside felt like a warm embrace straight out of a 90’s living room. Soft girls are not only welcomed, we are on the front lines.
I immediately felt like the main character.
From the meticulously selected vintage items to the handcrafted accessories and home decor, I was in heaven. And there it was.
pink…. Huge buttons, stripes… I knew I had to include that in the shoot.This work was part of that Proud Mary A house label designed by founder Jessica, it was perfect. I found a few other items in the closet, gave Jessica a big hug, and headed down the street to my next destination.
Next stop: Plus Bus
When I arrived at the beautiful Plus Bath Boutique Highland Park showroom, I was welcomed and introduced to my stylist. I sent them a little information in preparation for the shoot, and Kasia led me to a fitting room where she stocked me with items she thought would fit my theme. I’ll just say this. She understood the mission.
Now, as a former stylist with clients like Brooke Hogan, Kate Hudson, and the late Dr. Donda West, I knew how to make people feel seen…but this is my life. It was the first time I allowed myself Adjust your style. It was the first time in my life that I had purchased something IRL that fit perfectly, felt like it was made just for me, and had so many luxury options.
One of the first dresses Cassia picked out for me was this deep pink slip dress from Baacal. When I tried it on, I burst into tears. That’s how I felt. It also goes perfectly with my Proud Mary button shirt dress, so I had at least one on lockdown.
After wearing a few more clothes and adding a few more to my closet for later, I accessorized and was ready to go.
When I was looking for a second, more fantastical piece, I asked if there was anything that had a Selkie vibe that might work. Just then, Jen Wilder brings in something that just came in in a trade and hasn’t been processed yet. It was perfect.
My inspiration mood board:
Back at the hotel, I laid out and finalized the earrings and shoes for my look and checked social media for inspiration. Tess messaged me a link to her hair and makeup artist, so I read it and came up with some inspiration shots for the shoot.This is Pinterest boards I created!
Look One: Vintage Fever Dream
Inspiration
I was inspired by Natalie’s Poses and anxious feelings kimberly gordonPosted by. It had the energy of a real protagonist, which was exactly what I was looking for.
The shot:
Look 2: It’s a movement, a moment
Inspiration:
This look is inspired by Barbie and is just pink, pink, lavender, pink. When creating this costume, I focused on classic Barbie maximalism, aka. barbie core. The mix of textures is the best part of this piece, and the dress’s deadstock silk, light, airy button-up, and velvet-wrapped hoops all tell a story.
The shot:
Look 3: Quiet, curvy, confident
Inspiration:
This look is more toned down, as if you’ve peeled back the layers, giving you a calm, gentle, and sexy look. I was inspired by this gorgeous photo I found through Bree Kish Makeup Artist. This photo shows her wearing just a different shade of the same Bakal slip dress.
The shot:
We’re here to boost your confidence:
With a workshop and a team of experts, I was confident I would get at least one photo I liked. I thought that would give me confidence… the end result. To be honest, the moment I finally clicked “book” on the shoot, I felt a boost of confidence as I watched the limited slots disappear. I think part of it was being able to see myself as worthy of the experience. I’m not a model, but I can do this. I was investing in myself, to have fun, to learn.
I felt more confident through each step of the process. Every part of the plan, the playlist I chose for the drive to Los Angeles. I’m working on a mood board on Pinterest. A body positive shopping experience at Proud Mary and Plus Bus. Through the process, I slowly built up my confidence. And my photography experience was the culmination of everything I had done up until that point, and I couldn’t have imagined anything better.
Not only was I spoiled by Tess and her team from start to finish, but I was also able to meet other like-minded women in a truly uplifting environment. We laughed and shared stories. We sang along to the music. I learned new poses that will help me improve my selfie game.
If you find yourself hiding in the background during family photos or refusing to have your picture taken, it’s time to plan your own photoshoot. I used to try to hide in photos too (yes, I still find myself hiding sometimes.) Even if you do packaged photo shoots like I do, you should set a photo timer. Even if you’re doing a DIY shoot, nothing beats great photos. To boost your confidence today.
Try out some of the poses in my shoot and see if anything works. If you’re not there yet, TCF has a great community that showcases all kinds of bodies and inspiration. Just in case, you can start creating a mood board based on your day’s inspiration.
We hope this feature inspires your next DIY or professional shoot. The team Tess assembled for this event was extraordinary. Thank you Amber, Autumn, Jessica, Kasia, Jen, and Julianie for making my vision a reality.
A special thank you to Tess Holliday for creating this opportunity for me to be in front of the camera. Your posing expertise (and your fortitude with the leaf blower) helped me get the best shots. I am forever grateful for your contributions to the plus size community.
Photography credits:
Posing: Tess Holliday
hair: amber rose
compensate: autumn beauty
Stylist: Kasiaat plus bus
photographer: juliani casado
Clothes 1:
dress: selkie
shoes: Camper Cobora
Earrings: Plus Bus pink ribbon
Costume 2+3:
slip dress: Bakal
Striped button down dress: Proud Mary
Shoes: Plus Bus vintage
Earrings: Plus Bus velvet hoops
https://thecurvyfashionista.com/confidence-photoshoot-tess-holliday/
