The Whole Messy Process
Okay, so the big idea popped into my head weeks ago: why not actually cast real plus-size models for this shoot I was dreaming up? Sounds straightforward, right? Way harder than it looked.
First thing first: finding them. Not like regular model agencies around here have a big section for that. Started digging online, deep into social media tags, niche communities, anywhere people might actually showcase bodies like that. Took days. Felt like searching for a specific grain of sand on the beach. Followed hundreds, slid into DMs with my idea. Mostly crickets. Some “maybe”s that went nowhere. Got frustrating real quick.
Then came the outreach. Finally hit a bit of luck. Found a few local-ish women who were actually modeling independently or just super confident in front of the camera. Started setting up calls. Had to be real clear about what I wanted – it wasn’t just “be curvy”, it was about a specific vibe for my concept. Some weren’t comfortable with the theme; totally get it. Others just ghosted after the first chat. You start wondering if this is even gonna happen.
Callbacks & Chaos. Got maybe three potentials who seemed genuinely interested and got the vision. Tried organizing an informal “casting”. What a circus. One got sick, another had a scheduling nightmare with her day job, the third just flaked last minute. Back to square one almost. Felt like quitting. Seriously.
Scrambling & Stumbling Forward. Pinged back one contact I thought was a long shot. Turns out she knew someone who knew someone. Got introduced to a woman – let’s call her Chloe – who wasn’t actively modeling but had done some stuff years ago and was totally game to try again. Had a video call. Sparks flew! She got it, her energy was perfect. Talked clothes, vibe, all of it. Actually booked her right then. Relief mixed with sheer terror that it might still fall apart.
The Shoot Day Drama. You think it’s smooth sailing now? Ha! Chloe shows up – amazing presence. But the wardrobe? My carefully planned sizes? Way off base. Some things didn’t fit right, some looked completely different on her frame than on the hanger. Had to ditch half my looks on the spot. Went into pure panic mode. Rummaged through everything else I had, made her try on stuff while I desperately pinned and tucked. My poor assistant was running around like crazy. We ended up using stuff I never planned for, improvising poses based on what actually worked on her body right then. It was messy, sweaty, slightly chaotic.
The Unexpected Win. The magic? Chloe was a total pro. All the sizing stress? She rolled with it. Owned every awkward pinned-together look. Her confidence in her skin – that’s what actually made the images sing. The photos we pulled off? Raw, real, and honestly, better than my super planned-out vision because it had life.
So, what did I actually learn?
- Scouting is a GRIND: Forget easy lists. Be prepared for deep dives, dead ends, and needing serious networking luck.
- Flexibility isn’t optional, it’s essential: Your perfect “look book” plan? Toss it out the window the minute your model arrives. Be ready to adapt everything – styling, posing, lighting.
- It’s WAY more than just size: Finding someone who fits the clothes is step one. Finding someone who owns their body and brings the personality you need? That’s the jackpot.
- Listen to THEM: They know their bodies best. What they feel comfortable in, how they move – lean into that. My best shots came from Chloe showing me how she felt fierce.
Bottom line? Was it harder than grabbing a sample-size model off an agency board? Hell yes. Was it messier and more stressful? Absolutely. But seeing the final photos, seeing that representation actually happen because I pushed through the hassle? Worth every single headache and pin-pricked finger. Makes you wonder why more people don’t just bite the bullet and do it. Just gotta be ready for the ride.
