I read a couple statements today by photographers who will not show plus-size clients in their portfolio because they don’t want to attract plus-size clients. And I have to give my two cents on this, because well, it’s what I do.

As photographers, we meet people where they are. We photograph skin with all its beautiful shades; we photograph people in love; we photograph those beginning their journey in life, and those, like the elderly couple with all their glorious wrinkles, who are just finishing it.

We photograph PEOPLE. And people, well, they aren’t perfect. They have acne and rolls and cellulite and imperfections. And they come to us to help them look how they feel they look on their very best day.

Now, you can target the models. It’s your business, so that’s up to you. And more power to you if that’s your choice. If you fill your portfolio with only families and high school seniors and individuals who look like they could step off the pages of a magazine, then I know you sure wouldn’t photograph me, with my big nose, my wide hips, one eye smaller than the other and my crooked smile. And I would probably pass out during the session, anyway, from having to hold in my stomach the entire time. You’d end up Tweeting about it. It would just be a mess.

As for me, I like the acne, the rolls, the cellulite, the imperfections. I love that. I really do.  It’s real…it’s part of being human. Are models and those who look like them easier to photograph? Sure. You don’t have to worry quite as much about adding weight by posing them incorrectly or being kind to a double chin or lighting them incorrectly so their face appears broader.

It’s like photographing kittens…no matter what you get, it’s a kitten, so it’s gonna be cute.

But those are the things that are awesome...working with people where they are, at any size. At any shape. At any age. And making them LOOK GOOD. And more importantly, FEEL GOOD.

See, I don’t want to attract just those with perfect skin and perfect waistlines. I want to attract people who love good portrait photography and value it, be they size 2 or 22.

I photograph PEOPLE…not dress sizes.

P.S. I have had to cut my caffeine intake down to a cup and a half of coffee a day, which means my filter is very weak right now. If you’re offended by the following post, please take it up with my doctor. It’s all her fault

About the Author

Missy Mwac is a photographer/eater of bacon/drinker of vodka and a guide through the murky waters of professional photography. You can follow her social media links here: Facebook, Tumblr. This article was originally published here and shared with permission. Lead photo by A m o r e Caterina.