I always wanted to model but I never could push myself to give it a try. All I needed was a safe space. Enter: Project Curve Appeal
For years, I wanted to model. I used to keep a picture a group of Lane Bryant models on my refrigerator. They were a source of motivation as well as a source of pride being a plus size woman. I just never found the time or the effort or the confidence to pursue it. It had become a dream deferred, honestly. So, when a friend of mine on Facebook sent me an invitation for a group shoot for a women's empowerment group, Project Curve Appeal, I piqued my interest. She and I had talked about it and planned to go together. Unfortunately, closer to the day, something came up and she, as well as another friend, couldn’t make it. But because I had already paid for a shirt and had enlisted my supportive boyfriend to come along with me, I kept my plans to attend the big shoot.
Why hadn't I started?
I just never found the time or the effort or the confidence to pursue it. It had become a dream deferred, honestly.
The days leading up to the shoot were interesting. The week before, I was in prep mode. I went and got my hair done (wash and set), I got lashes, I got my nails done and I bought some new makeup not really knowing what to do with it. The most I wear on a day-to-day basis is eyeliner, mascara, and gloss. Here I am with an almost $40 bottle of M·A·C foundation not really knowing what to do with it. The night before, I practiced applying makeup. Under the bathroom lights, my makeup was wonderful. That would be my first lesson: if it looks good in your bathroom, it's probably not enough for photos. That night I got plenty of rest because we were going to get up really early for me start prepping and head out for this shoot. The next morning, my boyfriend was super supportive giving his opinions when requested and I'm providing suggestions along the way. I felt beautiful and ready!
The meeting point was at a hotel. When we pulled up, I already knew I was out of my league. I saw some girls… beautiful girls… full-figured, curvy, beautiful girls… hair laid and faces beat (I love and hate this term). Honestly, I wanted to go home because as much prep as I had, clearly, I wasn't ready. My boyfriend wasn't letting that happen. Things got a little intense between us because of the self-doubt that was creeping into my attitude. After a stern pep-talk from bae, I went inside to checked-in, pickup my shirt and continue to be in awe of the beauty and the preparation the other girls.
I met a couple of girls while there who were very nice and helpful and had a lot of tips for me to make the best of this shoot. After some conversation, some snacks, and some shared beauty secrets, I was feeling a lot more comfortable about being there.
After we were greeted and given instructions on how the shoot would work, we headed over to a nearby park take pictures. I may be exaggerating a bit but by my recollection, it was the HOTTEST day of the summer. But that was not going to stop this big group shoot.
After heading over to the park, we were lined up on a grassy hill where we were spaced out to take pictures. Of course, we're all in heels so we were sinking into the ground, making it hard to navigate to our assigned spots on the hill. There were murmurs of complaints, but I didn't care. I was just happy to be out there. While pictures were being taken, a drone flew overhead capturing the scene from above. Later, we moved over to a set of stairs and were placed individually. Everyone's makeup was running and there were mad dashes between shots to dab sweat and refresh makeup. Our last shoot at the park was on a bridge with more drone shots. By the time we wrapped it up we had been at the park over 4 hours!!
After wrapping up at the park, we headed back to the hotel and there was an opportunity to do an additional shoot in the pool. I declined to participate in that one (you know, that wash and set was fresh!) but I stayed and watched the other girls get their shots.
We all were given the opportunity to take individual shots with the Curve Appeal shirts as well. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and really made me think that this is and then I would want to give a try. Of course, I would be making more improvements, but the kindness of the girls and the quality of the photos was encouragement for me to pursue this beyond a promotional shoot.
Photo Credits:
Group Pictures: Nayati Baker of Kushions Photography Studio
Individual Pictures: Richard Whitley of REW Media Production Inc.