Sequins and Bellies

By Derek Palmer

This photoshoot was a lot of fun, but also an exercise in asserting my own self worth and desirability. This was a group shoot which means there were many models and many photographers. As usual, it was a struggle as all of the other models were not only very very thin, but very young as well. This photoshoot had a theme of metallics so I wore my sequined skirt by ASOS and I felt amazing... that is, until I was wandering around watching the photographers fawn over every other model. 

It's an inevitability of being a plus size model and a plus size woman in a thin obsessed world. No one wants to pay me much attention. 

Despite that, i got some great photos that I absolutely love from Derek Palmer and Rob Miracle (special thanks to Constance Medrano for makeup and Sarah Robertson as event organizer). I especially love the photos by Derek Palmer who wasn't afraid to photograph me and my belly in all of our spectacular glory. 

 By Rob Miracle 

A lot of photographers who did end up shooting me shied away from anything below my ribs, but Derek not only shot me, full body, but decided to keep those photos while editing. I'll admit that, when I first saw the last photo in this set (see below) that I was a little taken aback and felt badly about myself for about two seconds. 

I'm happy to say though, that I soon decided I was absolutely thrilled with the photos and posted them in every fat loving group I could think of. 

By Rob Miracle

Fat Acceptance makes me feel like I'm a part of a community (with the exception of the occasional vegan hating... if you're fat and vegan I suggest joining HAES Vegans on facebook). I"m so glad and proud to be entering 2016 with five years of fat acceptance experience and I'm so grateful to all of the people who love and support me. 

By Derek Palmer

I hope you enjoy these photos, especially the belly photos. Rocking the VBO and loving all of you. 

This is my last set of the year, so much love to everyone at the end of 2015 and I'm hoping that 2016 brings you wonderful times, good food, and lots and lots of body love. 

Wood Nymph

Who knew wood nymphs came in plus size? (Hint: I did!). Thanks to the wonderful ICU Photography for this set. It was really fun putting the costume together (by which I mean burning my fingers while hot gluing things to other things).

Spring Pastels

Shoot Organizer: Sarah Robertson

photo by Quaint Designs

photo by Derek Palmer

photo by ICUPhotography

photo by ICUPhotography

photo by Wade Alexander

Sea Witch

I want to preface this photo post by saying that I, with the help of a great friend, sewed the tentacles for this dress myself (it's extremely unfortunate that I only received one photo of the entire dress). I had a lot of fun making it and learned a lot! So enjoy!

Huge shout out to my amazing makeup artist: Beautiful Reflektions (Charlotte, NC)

Color

A splash of color in a winter wonderland

Photos by Calvin S.

Sweetheart

Vintage and bows

Happy New Year!

I wanted to share with you my New Year's Eve dress. It's a Cherry Velvet dress obtained through Gwynnie Bee (which is the bee's knees). I hope every single one of you has a better year that the one we just left behind (whether that year was crap or wonderful) and I wish you all progress in your body acceptance journey.

Zombie Attack

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, it really is. I love the parties and having half a dozen different costumes, and I especially love face paint. I still get face paint done when I go to a festival which offers it. I was thrilled to work with a great Makeup Artist, Torrie Stories Makeup. I worked with a couple of other models as well as several photographers including: Blue Gray Photography , Shannyn Dare Photography, and Shabaka5 Photography, The resulting photos sent chills up my spine- a pretty zombie intent on consuming your flesh. Mmmm, flesh. Enjoy... and watch your back.

Flutter

I had the best time with my friend Sarah Robertson and The Triad Photo Workshop at this "formal with a twist" photoshoot. Photographer credits are given under each image. The makeup is by Torrie Stories Makeup.  I really appreciate the photo workshops put together by this specific group. They're fun, casual, and always always unique and interesting! 

Photo by Brandon Minton

Photo by Brandon Minton

Photo by Charlie Jordan

Photo by CL Reeves Photography

Photo by Maria Sollecito-Olon

Photo by Maria Sollecito-Olon