We recently sat down with our gal Molly Grunewald to chat about her recent photoshoot and blog post on female empowerment and boudoir.
This beautifully captured piece of content rang very true to us here at Unscripted. We back Molly 100% in changing the photography industry for the better and plan to continue to represent women of all different shapes, sizes, ages, colors, and sexualities.
Read on to check out our Q&A and if you're interested in reading her blog post (we highly recommend this!) you can find it here.
What inspired you to write your recent blog post on Woman Empowerment and Boudoir?
As a woman myself, something needed to be said. As a woman photographer, something needed to change. There is this stigma we all grew up believing and I want to do my part on helping women heal from this. I, myself, have had my fair share of self body image issues that in hindsight…controlled me. No one should have to live like that, no matter what type of body you live in. We need to normalize normal bodies in the photography industry, and the world we live in. So this shoot was designed to bring women together and remind us they as we may look different, a lot of us are far from different and we come from a lot of the same struggles. We are more powerful when we are together and that’s what inspired this project.
What are your top tips on posing woman of all sizes, colour, age and sexuality?
Before you even have your camera in your hands, remind your “model” that it’s okay to laugh and feel awkward. Those few minutes of nervous laughter are normal and it’s ok! Moving on, along with any shoot, real connection is the game changer. It’s your job as the photographer to make sure your clients are comfortable. The key is to make your clients feel like they’re friends with you—not just a client! She didn’t book a shoot with you just for the photos, but the experience as well. Communication is super important because it is our responsibility to help our clients feel comfy in their own skin. Consider asking her “what is your favorite thing about yourself?”, “What’s your ‘good side’?”, and “Is their anything you’re uncomfortable with?” Keep this conversation lighthearted and positive. Lastly, put on some Lizzo and dance. I know it seems silly, but I am for real. This will really loosen up your client and make her more relaxed. Once a model is more relaxed, it’s easier to pose her.
Once she is feeling more comfortable, use these 4 tips to ensure she looks and FEELS her best:
1. Light - Whether you’re working with someone tall, short, thinner, or thicker, my biggest rule of thumb is LIGHT. Find the best light to avoid those unflattering shadows.
2. Eye level - Another key tip for photographing women of all sizes, is keeping your camera at eye level. Everyone has a double chin if you take a photo from the wrong, low angle.
3. Create dimension - A flat subject typically appears heavier. Create more dimension and a dynamic shape in your photos by having your model angle her body and sit into her back hip.
4. Use prespective - Capture curvy beauty from above. Direct her to arch her back and lean her chest and face nearer the camera. This will highlight the face rather than the mid-section. Typically whatever is closest to the camera looks larger.
How do you ensure you constantly attract a diverse range of female clients?
No matter what your size, shape, sexuality, or color is, you want to feel like you belong. It is important as a photographer to highlight EVERY body in our portfolios to show inclusivity. To test this on yourself, go to your website or Instagram page, and honestly ask yourself “If I was ______, would I feel accepted here?” People should land on your pages and see themselves represented. It is our job to love, accept, and represent them.
What can photographers do to promote body positivity through their work?
Body positivity is more than just body size, and it affects males as well. Not all people with negative self-image are overweight; they may be underweight, disabled, have alopecia, or vitiligo…the list goes on. Body positivity and normalizing normal bodies through our work should be a priority. Through photography and digital media, showcasing unique beauty and providing an inclusive place for people to feel comfortable and supported is so important.
What were your key takings from this photoshoot and is there any additional advice you would like to offer other photographers?
"Confidence is a never ending journey” Jonelle said and we need to make it more of a priority to tend to that. Our jobs as photographers is so much more than taking pretty photos. Our job is to help people feel accepted and supported. This project reminded me of that and I hope it does the same for you.
We’re truely inspired by Molly and her powerful work and hope that her initiative to create change in the photography industry inspires others to do the same. As a photographers, there is so much we can do to support body positivity. We count ourselves lucky to work within an industry that can create and act on change. For more inspirational stories check out Molly’s blog post in the link below.
lead your photography
sessions with confidence.
FAQ's
How can photography be more inclusive of women of diverse backgrounds?
What are some tips for capturing the beauty of women of all sizes and shapes?
How can photographers avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or biases in their work?
What steps can photographers take to ensure equal representation of women in their portfolios?