Posted on January 4, 2015

Bree :: Fabulous & Full-Figured!

HOME ABOUT PORTRAIT PORTFOLIO WEDDING PORTFOLIO PRIVATE GALLERIES CONTACT BLOG

Search …

Archives

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

I’m kicking off 2015 with a brand new installment of my “Fabulous & Full-Figured!” series. Inthis webisode, we catch up with Ms. Bree Brown! Bree is certainly the personification of whatthis project is all about. I just love her style and demeanor. She had no problem letting her truepersonality shine once my camera began clicking and my lights began flashing! Our photo shootbegan at AD Barnes Park in Kendall, a suburb in southern Miami-Dade county. Then, weheaded a few miles west and wrapped up at the Florida International University campusgrounds.

Afterwards, as usual, I sat down with Bree to collect her thoughts regarding what it’s like to bea full-figured woman in today’s society.

January 2015December 2014November 2014October 2014September 2014August 2014July 2014June 2014October 2013August 2013July 2013June 2013May 2013April 2013March 2013February 2013January 2013November 2012October 2012September 2012July 2012March 2012February 2012January 2012December 2011October 2011

Meta

RegisterLog in

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

What does it mean to you to be Fabulous & Full-Figured?

That question really speaks for itself. Being full-figured and fabulous to me simply means toembrace me! Embrace my curves, educate myself fashionably, and to continue to be theconfident woman that I am.

What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful womanshould look like?

For so long, society has looked down on full-figured women by dictating on how one shouldlook. I’m here to prove society wrong! Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And it’s notjust about the outer appearances that makes someone beautiful. Beauty comes from within.

Was becoming comfortable in your body a progression?

Growing up, my sisters and I were “heavier” than our peers, so my mom would constantlyremind us that we had to “keep ourselves up.” She would always say “you are a reflection of me”when you leave this house! If you knew my mom, you would understand. I know this is why Ihave become so comfortable with embracing myself. I love, and will always love, the pieces of me.

Describe some of the difficulties, if any, you’ve experienced as a full-figuredwoman while dating.

I haven’t had any difficulties in the dating game. Although I can be a bit “picky” when it comes tochoosing a mate. I don’t want a slim man, that’s not my type. I’m a big girl! I need a man whocan handle all of me! Not just physically, but mentally as well. I can be a tough one at times! It’sin my bloodline.

Speaking of the term “plus-size” or “full-figured: Do you take any issue with it?

I have no issues with the term plus-size or full-figured. Just know that when you see me, you willnot only see a full-figured chick, but you will see someone who embraces beauty, someone wholoves everything about herself, someone who “owns” the room when she walks in it, someonewho is fearfully and wonderfully made, someone who loves to be a blessing to others, andsomeone who is full of life and laughter. I am “Miss Bree,” LOVE ME OR LET ME BE!!!!!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

If you or someone you know is Fabulous & Full-Figured, and lives in the South Florida area, andwould be willing to be part of this project please email me {charles@cingraham.com} I’ll drive tothem and they’ll get images from the shoot.

Posted in Portraits | Tagged ad barnes park, bree f&ff, Dade, fiu, Florida, florida international university, Miami, Photo Shoot,

Photographer, Photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Posted on December 6, 2014

Ashley :: Fabulous & Full-Figured!

I’m happy to present installment number three of my personal project series “Fabulous &Full-Figured!” Today, we’re zeroing in on Ashley. And let me tell you, she did not disappoint! Ashley, or as she likes to be referred to, “Stallion,” took total command of the photo shoot atBayside – a tourist attraction complete with shops, restaurants and live music, nestled in thecenter of Downtown Miami. She required little direction from me as she gracefully transitionedin and out of poses. It was no surprise that a small audience began to form at different points of

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

the photo shoot. Routinely, after the shoot, I sat down with Ashley and interviewed her with thequestions which have remained constant thus far throughout this series. Here is what Ashleyhad to say…

What does it mean to you to be fabulous and full-figured?What does it mean to you to be fabulous and full-figured?

Being fabulous and full-figured means just that. It simply means having a level of confidence inyour skin that no one can take away. As a full-figured woman, I still shine, maybe even brighterthan most. I embrace who I am, without any doubts in my mind that I am beyond beautiful.

What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful womanWhat are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful womanshould look like?should look like?

In all honesty, society has accepted “pleasantly plump” a lot more than years before. Prior to the“big-girl” epidemic, beautiful and gorgeous was depicted to be literally, skin and bones. It was tothe point where women would cause themselves to be sickly, leading to anorexia, to fit in withthe crowd. It wasn’t until full-figured women started gaining a love for themselves, realizingwho they are, and it wasn’t much they could do to change. That’s when we began to be accepted. Our curves and extras only makes it more of a sight to see.

Was becoming comfortable in your body a progression?Was becoming comfortable in your body a progression?

Definitely. As I said before, we were not socially accepted initially. However, I was not alwaysconsidered “plus-sized”. I had my days when I was well-proportioned. Small stomach, sculptedarms, legs and thighs – typical “cutie.” Then, I went away to school, and gained more than the“freshman 15”, which was when my insecurities began to overwhelm my confidence levels. Although I began to feel a bit low at times about my weight gain, I was continuouslycomplimented on my face, my vibrant smile, on how statuesque I was and how long andbeautiful my legs were. This was the birth of my nickname, “Stallion.” Stallion loved everythingabout herself. She was boastful, she was vibrant, she was sexy, she was “all that and a bag ofchips” as they would say. She fell in love with every aspect of herself. There was nothing anyonecould say to break her spirits. This alter-ego ultimately assisted with accepting who the new mewas with the new weight gain. After the birth of my daughter, Skyye, there was more weight gain. At first, I must admit, it was super depressing. But a friend of mine reminded me of who“Stallion” was and what she stood for. I instantly bounced back to reality, looked at myself in themirror, smiled, and said “baby girl, you STILL look amazing”. Compared to some of the things I’ve

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

seen, I have no shame in my game!

Describe some of the difficulties, if any, you have experienced as a full-figuredDescribe some of the difficulties, if any, you have experienced as a full-figuredwoman while dating.woman while dating.

I haven’t had any difficulties with dating. In fact, its been fun. Considering I don’t like my mentoo slim, I attract just what I like, and then some. I’m tall and a bit on the chunky side. Believe itor not, I attract those of my kind and even those of the total opposite. Its weird, but its fun. In myeyes, I am huge, but in their eyes, I’m well-built. Good in my book!

Speaking of the term “plus size” or “full-figured”. Do you take any issue with it?Speaking of the term “plus size” or “full-figured”. Do you take any issue with it?

I see nothing wrong with the terminology whatsoever. To me, its just like calling someone “slim”or “skinny.” No big difference. Once I learned to embrace every roll, dent and curve my bodyhas, words are just that – words. Although we were all created equally, society has managed tocategorize everyone based on their characteristics anyway. At least the world knows, I’m notmissing any meals. (Ashley then began to laugh out loud)

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

If you or someone you know is Fabulous & Full-Figured, and lives in the South Florida area, andwould be willing to be part of this project please email me {charles@cingraham.com} I’ll drive tothem and they’ll get images from the shoot.

Posted in Portraits | Tagged ashley, Bayside, Brickell, Dade, Fabulous&Full-Figured, Florida, Miami, Miami Beach, Photo Shoot,

photo studio, Photographer, Photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Posted on November 20, 2014

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Kim :: Fabulous & Full-Figured!

I’m back with the second installment of “Fabulous & Full-Figured!” This week’s feature is onKim. This beautiful mother of two embodies everything that is fabulous! I’m not kidding. Thereis this unmistakable confidence which exudes from Kim’s pores, it seems. Once I was set-up andready to begin shooting, Kim snapped right into character! It was amazing to see. Our photoshoot took place at the Matheson Hammocks Park, in Coral Gables. This is one of my favoritesplaces to shoot. We got lucky on this evening because the sky took on this purplish, pinkish hueright after sunset. Kim was a rock star! I had a really awesome time photographing her. Afterwards, I sat down and interviewed Kim with the themed questions which will remain

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

constant throughout this series. Here are Kim’s responses….

What does it mean to you to be fabulous and full-figured?

Being fabulous and full-figured is a confidence that comes from within. It’s an acceptance ofwho I am right now. Today, I am intelligent, beautiful, joyful, full-figured and blessed! All ofthese components create who I like to call “Kimmi.”

What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful womanshould look like?

When I look at magazines and images on TV, I wonder who are the small-minded peoplesitting in a room somewhere deciding what combined features result in the perfect, beautifulwoman? I can find beauty in the most unexpected places. The sun rising in the morning or thesight of a full moon on the darkest night. The amazing view of a peacock strutting his jewel-toned feathers, or the flight of a crow, with it’s jet black wings reflecting pleasing, iridescent hues. If beauty is found and accepted so easily in nature, why would we place so many restrictionsupon women and their many shapes and colors?

The Definition of Beauty: The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasureor deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (Shape,color,sound,etc), a meaning design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which highspiritual qualities are manifested). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Was becoming comfortable in your body a progression?

No, I have been big from birth! I was always taller than most of my peers, and I had a large headand huge feet. My mother and my aunt Carolyn never made me feel as if I needed to hide in acorner dressed in black. I did not spend hours thinking to myself “lose weight, and only then canI have a happy life.” I ran, I jumped, I played, I joined clubs, made great friends, and I havesuccessfully dated while in this body.

Describe some of the difficulties, if any, you have experienced as a full-figuredwoman while dating.

Contrary to what many in society believe, at my size, I don’t have a problem meeting or datingmen. The problems I have experienced dating mirror the problems women who are half my sizehave encountered while dating. All single women meet men who are losers, cheaters and are

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

just not compatible. “Full-figured” does not automatically mean low self-esteem or destined to besingle.

I’ve always believed that men place women into three categories…

1) The fit-girl – He is attracted to women that are thin.2) The thick girl/big girl – He is attracted to a woman with curves and lovely lumps. He may havea specific preference; “No, she’s too big” or “No, she’s way too small.” 3) The “Wow! There-is-just-something-about-her” girl – He is attracted to a woman’s energy andpresence. Size just doesn’t matter to this type of guy. And this is my favorite type of guy!

I’ve been married, divorced, in love, and in lust! All while in this “full-figured” body.

Speaking of the term “plus size” or “full-figured”. Do you take any issue with it?

There are so many terms now for fat women like me. I don’t take issue with any of theseterms as long as they are said with love and respect. I am fat, plus-sized, full-figured, voluptuousand a curvy girl. I’d hope that you would want to call me “Kimmi,” I’m guaranteed to answerwith a smile.

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

If you or someone you know is Fabulous & Full-Figured, and lives in the South Florida area,and would be willing to be part of this project please email me {charles@cingraham.com} I’lldrive to them and they’ll get images from the shoot.

Posted in Portraits | Tagged coral gables, Dade, fabulous, Florida, full figured, Matheson Hammock Park, Miami, Photo Shoot,

photo studio, Photographer, Photography, portrait | 1 Comment

Posted on November 12, 2014

Okeima :: Fabulous & Full-Figured!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

I’m kicking off a personal project called “Fabulous and Full-Figured!” In this project, I’mgoing to be photographing several full-figured women in various South Florida locations. Thisfirst installment of the project is of Okeima. The photo shoot took place at the “Ingraham Park”(total coincidence) in Coral Gables, Florida. The reason I was inspired to do a project like this issimple… With society seemingly dictating what the standard for beauty is, I wanted to showanother slice of the population which is just as beautiful, in my opinion. I got a chance to sitdown with Okeima after our photo shoot and discuss her thoughts on this matter. Here’s whatshe had to say…

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

What does it mean to you to be fabulous and Full-Figured?

Being a fabulous and full-figured woman is not only a state of mind, but it’s a lifestyle. It’s aboutbeing confident in who you are and knowing that you are wonderfully made by God. It’s alsoabout having the ability to hold your head up high and make your presence known when youenter a room.

What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful womanshould look like?

Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. You should not allow society to dictate how youperceive yourself. Mainstream society doesn’t, for the most part, view full figured women as“hot”. That can be damaging if you’re not confident in who you are. I commend you [CharlesIngraham photography] for giving “us” a voice and taking a walk down this road less traveled.

Was becoming comfortable in your body a progression?

Although it was instilled in me as a child to love myself and be happy with the way God createdme, I can say it has been a progression because the more I aged, the more comfortable I becamewith myself.

Describe some of the difficulties, if any, you’ve experienced as a full-figuredwoman while dating.

While dating, I have encountered a few men who believe that because you are full-figured thatyou automatically suffer from low self-esteem and insecurities due to your weight. This is acomplete misconception that has to be addressed in the beginning of the relationship.

Speaking of the term “plus-size” or “full-figured: Do you take any issue with it?

I don’t have an issue with either term: “plus-size” or “full figured”. Both titles let you know yourgetting more….More love, More fashion, More fabulousness…….MORE ME!!!!!!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

If you or someone you know is Fabulous & Full-Figured, and lives in the South Florida area, andwould be willing to be part of this project please email me {charles@cingraham.com} I’ll drive tothem and they’ll get images from the shoot.

Posted in Portraits | Tagged coral gables, Dade, Fabulous&Full-Figured, Florida, Miami, okeima, Photo Shoot, photo studio,

Photographer, Photography, portrait | 1 Comment

A helping handPosted on October 30, 2014

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Here is one of the 3 different sets of “strangers” I used last night at Bayside in Downtown Miamito help hold my light stand. My normal assistant wasn’t available, so in exchange for theirservices, i emailed them this photo free on the spot. (Thanks to the Wi-Fi capabilities of theCanon 6D) They’re vacationing here from Virginia for the weekend.

Camera: Canon 6DCanon 6D

Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM LensCanon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

Posted in Portraits | Tagged Bayside, Dade, Family, Florida, Miami, Miami Beach, Photo Shoot, photo studio, Photographer,

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Photography, portrait | Leave a comment

Posted on October 30, 2014

Here’s a photo of my wife and I before a night out on the town. This image was taken on KeyBiscayne. I set up the shot, hit the timer, and ran into position. Not bad, in my opinion.

Camera : Canon 6DCanon 6D

Lens: Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Posted in Portraits | Tagged Brickell, coral gables, Dade, Family, Florida, key biscayne, Miami, Photo Shoot, photo studio,

Photographer, Photography, portrait, South Beach | Leave a comment

Posted on September 21, 2014

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!

Each of these rings are from wedding ceremonies in the last 12 months which I have beenprivileged to witness, let alone photograph. Each set comes equipped with it’s own love story. Anintricate plot which ultimately led to the exchange of vows in front of family and friends. Mywedding photography venture has been one heck of a ride! Challenges and difficulties have beenall encompassing. But with each new day, and each new set of wedding rings before my cameralens, comes a new love story which I become so eager to tell through photographs. I am thankfuland humbled for the opportunity to do so.

Posted in Weddings | Tagged Banquet Hall, Broward, coral gables, Dade, Davie, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Miami

Beach, Photo Shoot, photo studio, Photographer, Photography, portrait, South Beach, Wedding | Leave a comment

Follow

Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!