Substantial Beauty

February Shooting Dates

2012-02-02T22:54:00.002-05:00

Hello my friends! This winter we'll be more active than last, which will hopefully give us lots of momentum going into the busy spring/summer seasons.

We have some upcoming shooting dates available here in CT : February 11th, 18th, and 25th. Please email photo@substantialbeauty.com if you are available and interested in shooting on any of those dates.

Happy Holidays

2011-11-26T16:43:00.005-05:00

Hello, and Happy Holidays to all of you!

We hear from a lot of women who are looking to launch a modeling career. And that's fine, but, of course, has little to do with what this project is all about. You see, actually, no "modeling" takes place in a Substantial Beauty shoot -- posing, yes, but not "modeling". Our shoots can be difficult, frustrating, exhausting, real work, but it's not "modeling". It is not "modeling" because it is real -- real people expressing themselves with their real bodies and real words, not promoting any product or concept. I should stop referring to these women as models at all. For, although many of them have done some wonderful "modeling" before and after this project, what takes place in front of my lens is another thing entirely...

For all of you have contacted us from far away locations, we may be doing some traveling in 2012. Travel plans will be announced here, so subscribe to this blog to receive the latest info.

Thank You

2011-08-03T22:30:00.003-04:00

I want to thank everyone who has expressed an interest in becoming a part of the project - Thank you ladies!

But, I also need to remind everyone that right now our travel budget is very limited, as in zero :-). So, for now we are shooting locally in the New England / New York region.

Once again, thank you to all the Substantial Beauties, and all the people out there supporting the project.

Still Going Strong

2010-05-05T17:51:00.002-04:00

Hello friends,

It's been awhile, but yes we're still here! This should be a busy summer, with several shoots scheduled all over New England.

So many of you have expressed interest in joining the project, and we will make every effort to work with as many of you as possible (local shoots a priority for now, and other locations when time and budget allows).

Meanwhile, I would like to add another gallery featuring your pictures (optional) and your reflections on the meaning of Substantial Beauty. Email subimssions to webmaster@substantialbeauty.com .

Look forward to hearing from you!

So, you wanna be a model?

2009-06-16T00:00:00.003-04:00

Each week, we hear from several people who are interested (or at least think they are interested) in modeling for Substantial Beauty. Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who has expressed interest in the project, and also to talk a bit about the project and the models we are looking for.

First, I should point out that our models are not paid, although they are compensated with prints. Everyone involved with this project is committed to it's mission, and that committment has carried us a long way so far. When I hear from someone who is looking for a paying gig or a gateway into the fashion industry, I explain to them that this is not the project for them.

We are located in Connecticut, so it is easiest and fastest to arrange shoots with people in the Northeast. Of course, travel is always an option, so don't get discouraged just because you are not in this area. We would still like to hear from you. Where there's a will, there's a way!

Modeling experience is not required.

Full nudity is not required, but some degree of nudity is appropriate for most of what we do. If you have major hangups about nudity, this probably is not the project for you.

Your thoughts on size and size acceptance are a crucial part of this project. Each models contributes a personal statement - a bio, anecdote, poem, etc.

There is no mimimum or maximum size for models. From petite to super-size, If you support the mission statement of this project and want to participate, You will be given due consideration.

We like classy, thoughtful, creative and compassionate people. If your profile page is full of vulgar language and violent images, this project is probably not your you.

Okay, that's all for now.

Look forward to hearing from you!

An Interview

2009-05-03T16:10:00.001-04:00

A while ago, I was interviewed by the folks over at www.ThikAndLuscious.com. I though I'd share that conversation with you :

When did you start the site?

The project and the website ( http://www.substantialbeauty.com )were launched in 2003

What inspired you to start it?

As an artist, I've always been inspired by the beauty of the human form, particularly the female form. All my life I have seen beauty in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and my work has always reflected that. Over the years I realized how under-represented non-white, non-skinny women are in fine art photography. I was so impressed with Laurie Toby Edison's work in "Women En Large", but I didn't see too many other photographers exploring the beauty of the larger woman, so I decided to take some of the work I was already doing and start a project that would be about the beauty of the larger woman. And, along with the images, I wanted to include their own thoughts and feelings about being larger women.

The photography is amazing, how long have you been a photographer and other than BBWs what other subjects do you enjoy photographing

I've been working professionally for about 15 years. I was a full-time fashion/portrait photographer for a while, and for the last several years I've been a part-time writer/photographer and working on my own art photography projects as time allows.

Your photos appear to be all "natural" do you do any digital editing after you take the picture?

I shoot with black&white film. The pictures you see on the website have been scanned from negatives with a minimum of retouching - I'm not a big Photoshop guy. I do have a digital camera, and I'm sure I will be shooting more digital and less film now that I feel the technology can deliver sufficient quality.

How do you choose models? Is there a size or weight requirement. Can someone be too small or too big?

The project is for larger womean, and I am beeing intentionally vague about what a "larger woman" is because I don't feel that it is for me to decide. The women decide for themselves, and I don't second-guess that. Once a women expresses interest in the project - by contacting us from the website or at webmaster@substantialbeauty.com - then I have to decide if she has the right look and attitude for the project. For this project we definitely want people who care about size acceptance and have something interesting to say.

I am sure you're gotten feedback on the site is there any one comment that stands out.

We hear from so many people who really like the site, but what really inspires me is the women who write in and tell me how the site has inspired them, helped them to see the beauty in themselves. For an artist, it doesn't get any better than that.

Do you have any plans for future photos, anything different you would like to try?

Right now, I'm inspired by natural beauties in a natural setting - we did some outdoor shoots last fall, so look for that to resume in the coming weeks. I also have some interesting lighting ideas that will be explored in the studio. Don't be surprised if we even add some color and digital work to the mix. You know, so many of our best ideas have come from the women themselves, so I know we'll never run out of good ideas.

Some might say a naked bbw is a naked bbw and this is porn. How do you answer that? Is this different than porn? If it is, how so?

I don't bother with the art vs. erotic art vs. porn debates - It's a meaningless argument to me.

What are some of your favorite Size acceptance websites?

Wow, there are so many out there now, so many interesting things going on. I suggest people just google "Size Acceptance" and artist such as Leonard Nimoy, Laurie Toby Edison, the Adipositivity Project, and your site, of course. It's been a pleasure, thank you.

Size Diversity

2008-12-28T22:23:00.003-05:00

From our friends at NAAFA:

NAAFA Introduces Size Diversity Toolkit

Introducing the NAAFA™ Size Diversity Toolkit

For Immediate Release
December 26, 2008

Oakland, CA - NAAFA is pleased to introduce the NAAFA™ Size Diversity Toolkit. With this toolkit, NAAFA is bringing a new case for diversity and inclusion to the front door of corporate America. Diversity and Inclusion have become a business imperative for companies who want to stay and thrive in business today and in the future. No company can afford to have employees that are not fully engaged and innovative in the workplace. Size diversity needs to be added to the equation.

The Toolkit provides a paradigm shift on behaviors towards employees of size which can enhance the workplace and leverage wellness programs so that all employees independent of size can benefit, creating long lasting effects. In December, NAAFA began mailing these toolkits to strategically positioned officers of America's Fortune 500 companies as well as some key learning institutions.

NAAFA's Size Diversity Toolkit has been written and compiled by some of the country's leading experts on size diversity. The toolkit provides important information to human resource professionals that will supplement existing diversity education programs.

The toolkit contains the following :

• Industry Leading Commentary
• Business Case For Size Diversity
• Real World Examples of Size Prejudice And Discrimination
• Business Scenarios With Discussion Questions
• Glossary And Resources List
• The newly released Book , Health At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight by Dr. Linda Bacon, PhD, a professor, author and one of the leading researchers on the Health At Every Size perspective.

Founded in 1969, NAAFA is a non-profit human rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for fat people. NAAFA works to eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment through public education, advocacy, and member support. NAAFA Is Turning 40!!! Join us for our National Convention July 31- August 3, 2009 at The Dulles Airport Marriot.

On the web: http://www.naafa.org

For more information contact:
Peggy Howell, Public Relations Director
National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA)
e-mail: naafa_pr@yahoo.com phone: (707)246-6116