by Reena Daruwalla, guest writer for Nancy Hayssen.com

As being plus size model is a particular area of modeling and has certain requirements, so is plus size photography which also requires specific skills and talents. Certainly there are a lot of very talented photographers who specialize in photographing plus size models and to excellent effect!

Michel Arnaud the legendary French fashion photographer who is also well known for his plus sized model photography, is supposed to have defined the MODE look and who is known to represent the ideal living presentation of full-figured feminine beauty.

Born in Iran and raised in Germany, Max Abadian studied at Dawson’s Institute of Photography. A prestigious fashion and advertising photographer he is known for creating the daring and unforgettable AE campaigns featuring Natalie Laughlin, Yanderis, and Jordan, shot Mia Tyler for MXM and for Flare magazine. Of him, the famous plus size model Barbara Brickner has said “was at the forefront of shooting Plus with dignity and sexiness all at the same time” and “probably in the top three most talented photographers I have ever worked with.”

Nadine Raphael is another photographer well known for her beautiful and sensual portrayal of plus sized figures. In her opinion the plus sized fashion industry has come a long way in the past 10 years, but not long enough. “We woman are very aware since birth and our first friends that we come in all shapes and sizes. Our bodies are different even if we wear the same size clothing!! I believe that many fashion designers have cocooned themselves into their own world and haven’t stepped often enough into the real one. I don’t understand the hesitation in the ready to wear clothing market. Why do they have plus size stores? Why is there a distinction? Why can’t women’s clothing stores carry all the sizing we need as women. I don’t care if you are a size 2 or 22, we girls all go bathing suit shopping. And I don’t know any women that doesn’t fret in front of that badly lit florescent bulbed mirror. Fashion styling for women should be consistent. We women are fashion minded and sexy no matter what our curves are. I vote for fashion equality and it’s up to us to demand it!” This sensitivity also shows up in her pictures.

Stanley Debas is another fashion photographer who has worked closely with some of the top full figured or plus sized models, who he refers to as ‘Goddesses”!