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Posted on January 4, 2015
Bree :: Fabulous & Full-Figured!
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I’m kicking off 2015 with a brand new installment of my “Fabulous & Full-Figured!” series. In this webisode, we catch up with Ms. Bree Brown! Bree is certainly the personification of what this project is all about. I just love her style and demeanor. She had no problem letting her true personality shine once my camera began clicking and my lights began flashing! Our photo shoot began at AD Barnes Park in Kendall, a suburb in southern Miami-Dade county. Then, we headed a few miles west and wrapped up at the Florida International University campus grounds. Afterwards, as usual, I sat down with Bree to collect her thoughts regarding what it’s like to be a full-figured woman in today’s society. Let visitors save your web pages as PDF and set many options for the layout! Use PDFmyURL!
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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 to embrace me! Embrace my curves, educate myself fashionably, and to continue to be the confident woman that I am.
What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful woman should look like? For so long, society has looked down on full-figured women by dictating on how one should look. I’m here to prove society wrong! Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And it’s not just 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 constantly remind 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 I have 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-figured woman while dating. I haven’t had any difficulties in the dating game. Although I can be a bit “picky” when it comes to choosing a mate. I don’t want a slim man, that’s not my type. I’m a big girl! I need a man who can handle all of me! Not just physically, but mentally as well. I can be a tough one at times! It’s in 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 will not only see a full-figured chick, but you will see someone who embraces beauty, someone who loves everything about herself, someone who “owns” the room when she walks in it, someone who is fearfully and wonderfully made, someone who loves to be a blessing to others, and someone who is full of life and laughter. I am “Miss Bree,” LOVE ME OR LET ME BE!!!!!
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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!
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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’ll drive to them 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
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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 at Bayside – a tourist attraction complete with shops, restaurants and live music, nestled in the center of Downtown Miami. She required little direction from me as she gracefully transitioned in 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 the questions which have remained constant thus far throughout this series. Here is what Ashley had to say…
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 in your skin that no one can take away. As a full-figured woman, I still shine, maybe even brighter than 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 woman 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 to the point where women would cause themselves to be sickly, leading to anorexia, to fit in with the crowd. It wasn’t until full-figured women started gaining a love for themselves, realizing who 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? Definitely. As I said before, we were not socially accepted initially. However, I was not always considered “plus-sized”. I had my days when I was well-proportioned. Small stomach, sculpted arms, 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 continuously complimented on my face, my vibrant smile, on how statuesque I was and how long and beautiful my legs were. This was the birth of my nickname, “Stallion.” Stallion loved everything about herself. She was boastful, she was vibrant, she was sexy, she was “all that and a bag of chips” as they would say. She fell in love with every aspect of herself. There was nothing anyone could say to break her spirits. This alter-ego ultimately assisted with accepting who the new me was 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 the mirror, 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-figured woman while dating. I haven’t had any difficulties with dating. In fact, its been fun. Considering I don’t like my men too slim, I attract just what I like, and then some. I’m tall and a bit on the chunky side. Believe it or not, I attract those of my kind and even those of the total opposite. Its weird, but its fun. In my eyes, 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? 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 body has, words are just that – words. Although we were all created equally, society has managed to categorize everyone based on their characteristics anyway. At least the world knows, I’m not missing any meals. (Ashley then began to laugh out loud)
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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’ll drive to them 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 on Kim. This beautiful mother of two embodies everything that is fabulous! I’m not kidding. There is this unmistakable confidence which exudes from Kim’s pores, it seems. Once I was set-up and ready to begin shooting, Kim snapped right into character! It was amazing to see. Our photo shoot took place at the Matheson Hammocks Park, in Coral Gables. This is one of my favorites places to shoot. We got lucky on this evening because the sky took on this purplish, pinkish hue right 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 of who I am right now. Today, I am intelligent, beautiful, joyful, full-figured and blessed! All of these components create who I like to call “Kimmi.”
What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful woman should look like? When I look at magazines and images on TV, I wonder who are the small-minded people sitting in a room somewhere deciding what combined features result in the perfect, beautiful woman? I can find beauty in the most unexpected places. The sun rising in the morning or the sight of a full moon on the darkest night. The amazing view of a peacock strutting his jeweltoned 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 restrictions upon women and their many shapes and colors? The Definition of Beauty: The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or 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 high spiritual 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 head and huge feet. My mother and my aunt Carolyn never made me feel as if I needed to hide in a corner dressed in black. I did not spend hours thinking to myself “lose weight, and only then can I have a happy life.” I ran, I jumped, I played, I joined clubs, made great friends, and I have successfully dated while in this body.
Describe some of the difficulties, if any, you have experienced as a full-figured woman while dating. Contrary to what many in society believe, at my size, I don’t have a problem meeting or dating men. The problems I have experienced dating mirror the problems women who are half my size have 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 be single. 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 have a 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 and presence. 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 these terms as long as they are said with love and respect. I am fat, plus-sized, full-figured, voluptuous and a curvy girl. I’d hope that you would want to call me “Kimmi,” I’m guaranteed to answer with a smile.
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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’ll drive 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!
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I’m kicking off a personal project called “Fabulous and Full-Figured!” In this project, I’m going to be photographing several full-figured women in various South Florida locations. This first 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 is simple… With society seemingly dictating what the standard for beauty is, I wanted to show another slice of the population which is just as beautiful, in my opinion. I got a chance to sit down with Okeima after our photo shoot and discuss her thoughts on this matter. Here’s what she 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 about being confident in who you are and knowing that you are wonderfully made by God. It’s also about having the ability to hold your head up high and make your presence known when you enter a room.
What are your thoughts on what society projects as what a beautiful woman should look like? Beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. You should not allow society to dictate how you perceive 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 [Charles Ingraham 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 created me, I can say it has been a progression because the more I aged, the more comfortable I became with myself.
Describe some of the difficulties, if any, you’ve experienced as a full-figured woman while dating. While dating, I have encountered a few men who believe that because you are full-figured that you automatically suffer from low self-esteem and insecurities due to your weight. This is a complete 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 your getting more….More love, More fashion, More fabulousness…….MORE ME!!!!!!
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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’ll drive to them 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 hand Posted on October 30, 2014
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Here is one of the 3 different sets of “strangers” I used last night at Bayside in Downtown Miami to help hold my light stand. My normal assistant wasn’t available, so in exchange for their services, i emailed them this photo free on the spot. (Thanks to the Wi-Fi capabilities of the Canon 6D) They’re vacationing here from Virginia for the weekend.
Camera: Canon 6D Lens: Canon 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 Key Biscayne. I set up the shot, hit the timer, and ran into position. Not bad, in my opinion. Camera : Canon 6D Lens: 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
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Each of these rings are from wedding ceremonies in the last 12 months which I have been privileged to witness, let alone photograph. Each set comes equipped with it’s own love story. An intricate plot which ultimately led to the exchange of vows in front of family and friends. My wedding photography venture has been one heck of a ride! Challenges and difficulties have been all encompassing. But with each new day, and each new set of wedding rings before my camera lens, comes a new love story which I become so eager to tell through photographs. I am thankful and 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
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