Hi! I’m Lindley.
I’m a photographer, body liberation activist, writer, cat mom and houseplant collector. I’m into unicorns, the color teal and sour gummy candy. How about you?
Photography sets my soul on fire because through my work, people who don’t see bodies like theirs represented anywhere else get to reclaim their self image. It’s pretty amazing stuff.
“Between mild dysphoria and chronic depression, I have never thought of myself as attractive. Lindley helped see myself as someone else would, capturing both the moments of spontaneity and perfect posing that I never see from inside my own head.
She understands lighting, she understands posture, and these are traits a smartphone selfie cannot take into consideration the way a professional photographer can.
The window she will open into your aesthetic world will leave you second-guessing every unpleasant thought you’ve ever had about your own appearance.” – SW, Seattle
– SW, Seattle, WA
My Story
I used to think that I was too fat* to be a professional photographer. I thought that no one would hire a fat photographer, that they’d laugh at the very thought. I never saw fat photographers, and I never saw fat people being beautifully and respectfully photographed. From the safety of my corporate job, I watched people in thin bodies make other thin people’s dream images come true.
In 2014, my corporate job turned toxic, and I knew that I could make a difference elsewhere. I took the leap and trusted that fat folks would want a fellow fat person as their photographer, someone who understood both what it’s like to live in a similar body and how those bodies look and move.
I launched Sweet Amaranth (now Body Liberation Photography) and began photographing people in all sorts of larger and marginalized bodies. In 2015, I started Representation Matters (now Body Liberation Stock), a stock image website focused on depicting larger bodies as well.
But much of my work at that time was still caught in the paradigm of “acceptable” bodies. Many of the poses and techniques I was taught while I was learning to photograph people are meant to minimize physical bodies and force them into meeting our current cultural beauty standards.
As I’ve grown in my own body acceptance and become a strong advocate for body liberation and fat liberation, I’m no longer willing to dance around trying to fit my clients and models into a mold that doesn’t serve them. These days, I focus on capturing bodies as they exist in this moment — your joy, your light, your darkness, your story — without worrying about or catering to “flattering” or “attractive.”
No retouching. No hiding. No shame.
We’re going beyond beauty to liberation. Please join me. xo
*Like many other fat folks, I’ve reclaimed the word “fat” as a neutral descriptor for large bodies, just like you might describe a person as “tall” or “brunette.”
My Framework
I have the privileges of being a cisgender, straight white person. I live in the United States and, though I have a background of many generations of rural poverty, I currently have some financial privilege and a small safety net. I’m married and have a college education. Due to my safety net, I can pursue my small business full time.
Though I live with physical and mental chronic illnesses, I can pass for able-bodied. My very fat body appears slightly smaller than it is.
And finally, though I am oppressed for my body size, I am nowhere near the largest possible human body size. All of these factors make me more likely to be heard, hired, given opportunities and find open doors than someone without these privileges. It’s important that I keep this in mind every day and continue to find ways to center and give opportunities to people with fewer privileges than mine.
I live and work on land belonging historically to the Duwamish, Muckleshoot and Coast Salish peoples. I support the Duwamish tribal council monthly and you can, too.
I Believe
I believe that…
folks who live in large bodies are just as valuable, beautiful, and worthy of being photographed as people in smaller bodies.
folks who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, polyamorous and every other wonderful variation of humanity should have access to nonbiased, supportive, beautiful photography.
trans women are women. trans men are men. period.
black lives matter.
there are no rules when it comes to photography. ANY person of ANY identity in ANY body deserves to feel beautiful, sensual and sexy without shame or fear.
anyone with a body is inherently beautiful, and that capturing that beauty in my work is a sacred trust.
you, too, are worthy of being photographed in exactly the skin you’re in today.
each curve and roll and angle of your body is beautiful and worthy of being celebrated.
people in large and very large bodies have aspects of their bodies that are not only beautiful, but uniquely so.
anyone from a marginalized or oppressed community deserves a safe, nonjudgmental place to be vulnerable and explore what beauty means to them.
FAQ
“So I’ve been blessed to meet a wonderful gal and amazing photographer who took this collection of pix. Thank you Lindley!!” – Ms. C, Seattle, WA
Hi there! I’m Lindley, pronounced LIN-lee. I’m a professional photographer who specializes in working with people of all ethnicities and genders, particularly folks who live in large bodies. I’m a cisgender, fat white woman who uses she/her pronouns.
As a healthy body image and size acceptance advocate, I’m passionate about helping plus-size people develop a healthy body image and see how beautiful they are right this moment, without guilt or shame or endless dieting.
I run a portrait and boudoir studio outside Seattle, Washington in the United States’ Pacific Northwest; create stock photos focused on diversity and body liberation; and run the Body Love Shop, a central resource for body-positive and fat-positive goods, products and artwork.
Where are you located?
My photography radius includes most of the Pacific Northwest, including Portland, Vancouver, Port Angeles, and Spokane. If you’d like to see me and my camera up close and personal and live elsewhere, I’m happy to travel.
I also do sessions when I’m traveling — keep an eye on the blog for the next opportunity!
Why do you primarily work with people who don’t have “mainstream” bodies?
The average American woman wears a size 14-18, but when you look at magazines and websites and Instagram, how many larger people do you see? People of every size are beautiful, and larger (or curvy, or zaftig, or plus-size, or big, or full figured, or fat) people deserve to be confident and celebrated for their inherent beauty just as much as thinner people.
How did you feel when you saw the finished images? “It look my breath away. For once, I did not look at it critically and tear myself down. I actually saw a little of what you see through your camera lens.” – Ms. G, Maple Valley, WA
What kinds of photography sessions do you offer?
I offer body-safe portrait, boudoir and small business visuals sessions. I also sell diverse stock images and fat-positive fine art prints.
How does a session with you work? What’s the process?
You’ll get all the details before your session, but here’s the short version:
- We chat briefly on the phone to determine the best kind of session for you.
- You schedule your session.
- You receive guidance in your email that walks you through what to bring, wear and expect at the session.
- I guide you through your session in a safe and fun environment.
- We meet for a reveal session where you see yourself in a whole new light.
How much do you charge for a portrait, boudoir, or small business branding session? What are your rates?
Session prices range from $599 to $2,600.
How much do you charge for products?
Please see the Investments page.
Do you offer payment plans?
Sure do! Please see the Payment Plans page.
Do you offer a referral program?
Sure do! Please see the Referral Program page.
Do you have a studio?
I most often work with clients at my home outside Seattle, WA. Alcove House is a beautiful, private space — many of the photos you see here were taken there. I also photograph on location and in other lovely places around the United States.
Do you offer themed sessions?
Absolutely! Your imagination is the limit.
“Because of Lindley’s upbeat vibe, I was able to relax, smile and feel like I had a great session.” – Ms. M, Bothell, WA
How long is a session?
Body-positive portrait, boudoir and business visuals sessions start at 60 minutes, and you can increase that time to 90 minutes (or, for business sessions, up to two hours).
What about hair and makeup?
For photo sessions with me, you may choose to have professional hair and makeup done, do it yourself or go makeup-free.
If you do want your hair and makeup done, I recommend that you have it done by a professional. This is such a special occasion, and it’s a lot more fun to be the center of attention and relax before your session than to frantically run around doing your own hair and makeup the morning of your session. You can arrange your own makeup or easily add professional hair and makeup when you reserve your session. I’m happy to guide you!
No matter what kind of session you’re booking, consider how you want to see yourself in images. Is a made-up look something you enjoy on yourself? Are you envisioning a highly-styled, dramatic look for your session? Then you’ll want makeup and hair done.
If you never wear makeup, feel like it would change how you appear more than you’re comfortable with, or want to explore how your body appears with a completely natural appearance, then feel free to skip it. Just be aware that I will not be retouching you, so your natural skin will show in all its lovely textures.
What should I wear for a boudoir or portrait session?
The sky is the limit! Seriously. I’ve had clients come in for boudoir sessions with everything from incredibly intricate outfits with corsets and garters and stockings, to a pretty bra and jeans. For portraits, any clothing that makes you feel amazing works. For business sessions, you’ll want to pick something that goes along with your branding and the look and feel you want to present for your business.
In general: If it makes you feel great, it’s a good choice. Fuck flattering.
Should I bring a change of clothes? Can I wear more than one outfit?
Yes! The number of outfits we’ll be able to take advantage of depends on the length of your session, but you’re welcome to bring a few options. We’ll also be discussing clothing options beforehand — I’ll guide you through choosing a great outfit.
I hear you have some loaner accessories?
I am SUCH a magpie, so I’m always picking up new things to add to my studio collection of accessories, jewelry, props, tiaras (YES INDEED) and some limited wardrobe and costume items. Ask me about them when you book your session.
Do you offer a client wardrobe?
Though I have lots of jewelry and accessories available for clients to wear, I don’t keep a studio wardrobe because I’m committed to inclusion and it would be very difficult to source and store enough fabulous lingerie and clothing so that every single body I photograph would have great options. If you’re having trouble finding the right outfit for your session, let me know and I’ll help you source one.
“This event was me reclaiming the right to have my picture taken.” – Ms. M, Tualatin, OR
Do you work with people of color, non-binary people, transgender people and other members of the LGBTQIAP+ community?
I’m honored to serve as a safe place (as much as possible as a cisgender white woman — I’m always learning, growing, and happy to receive feedback for improvement) and a respectful way for folks from all these communities to view themselves and their bodies.
How do I know my photos will be flattering and make me look good?
My training in portraiture has included many hours of training specifically on posing and lighting larger and curvier bodies. I’m a fat woman myself, so I’m also familiar with how a plus-size body feels from the inside. Here are lots of examples of previous work I’ve done, so you can see my style and the types of poses I use.
But also, think about this: When we say “flattering” we usually mean “as thin as possible.” As you’ll see on the rest of my site, I’m not into minimizing bodies through posing or lighting or retouching. I will guide you in posing so that we can capture the aesthetic you want (particularly for boudoir), but your body will remain whole and in its unique shape and a representation of the housing of your unique soul.
But I don’t feel beautiful.
Take a look at the sessions here on the site. With very few exceptions, these folks are just like you: in other words, they’re not models and (beyond some inspiration from Tyra) have no modeling experience. You and your body are worthy, just as they are.
One of the reasons I’ll ask you to fill out a short questionnaire when you book is so that I can get to know you as a person before your session. I’ll get a sense of your personality and appearance, and use that to plan a session specifically for you.
I’ve never done any modeling. I don’t even like being in front of the camera. How will I know what to do?
At your session, I’ll give you a quick posing lesson and then guide you through each pose. My sessions are planned specifically so that you have time to relax and enjoy your session.
I have major fat rolls, stretch marks and/or self-harm scars. Are you going to be weird about that?
All of those things are part of your story, and there’s nothing more shameful to them than having eyes or ears. I won’t remove any of those things in Photoshop, but if you’re truly uncomfortable having them as part of your visual story, we’ll minimize them a bit through posing.
Being in front of the camera makes me nervous. What if I’m too scared to have my picture taken?
My sessions are built around making you feel comfortable, safe and worthy. That means you’re supported from the moment your session is scheduled:
- I’m available by email (and, for business sessions, by phone) to support you in the days leading up to your session. Ask me anything!
- When you arrive for the session, we’ll spend a few minutes chatting so you can get used to me and my camera with no pressure. I’ll also have supplies on hand like makeup blotting paper, a comb and tissues.
- My makeup artist is a woman, which helps calm many folks and reassure them there’s no “audience.”
“Lindley gets it. She is super comfortable to work with and will help you to look your best and capture the real you.” – Ms. C, Renton, WA
Is there an age limit on “flattering” or appropriate boudoir sessions?
Absolutely not! Read more about that here >
What do I need to know about nude photos? Am I going to be pressured to do them?
At every boudoir session, I give clients the option to do implied nudes if they want. That’s where you look like you’re nude, but there’s actually a sheet or fabric or ostrich feathers or a prop covering your private bits.
(Often, clients are also wearing a bra or panties underneath, too, but you can’t see it from the angle of the photo.)
Occasionally, I do have a client request full-on nudes, which I’m happy to do, and I always do those from a fine art nude perspective.
The upshot is that, while you’ll always have the option to do implied or full nudes, and I will ask during your session if you want to do those, there is absolutely no obligation or pressure to do so. “No” is a complete sentence and a perfectly acceptable answer at any time in my studio.
Is it normal for a boudoir photographer to touch a client at all?
It comes down to what you’re comfortable with, but in general, yes — read more about touching here >
What kind of privacy options do I have for my photos?
Clients always get to choose what kind of privacy they’d like for their images, from public use (always anonymous unless you specifically ask to be tagged) all the way to “completely private and no one ever sees them but me (Lindley) and you (the client).”
When you book your session and fill out your pre-session forms, you’ll be able to check the box for the privacy level you want. Easy peasy.
I’m going to be half dressed for my boudoir session, and you’ll be all clothed and pointing a camera at me. That’s super intimidating. How do I know you even understand what it feels like to be vulnerable?
That is a great question, and I’m glad you asked. Since my sessions are pretty laid back, and I’m kind of a doofus in person, people find it pretty hard to be nervous around me. That said, I’ve been known to strip down to my own undies while shooting to even out the vulnerability situation, and I photograph boudoir parties with a super sexy cage dress on.
My session is coming up and I just can’t seem to relax!
Check out some ways to destress before your session >
If you were to recommend me to your best friend, what would you say? “Lindley is fabulous at finding the beauty in all of her subjects. She’s skilled, thorough and efficient. The photos are beautiful!” – Ms. A, Portland, OR
How much retouching do you do? What if I have a giant zit?
Short answer: I do little to no body retouching, depending on the type of session. I’ll remove some acne and minimize temporary traits like nervous flushes (did you know lots of folks’ ears turn red when they’re nervous?), but I will not erase wrinkles or other “blemishes” or give you china-doll skin.
I do, however, make global edits — changes to the entire photo or parts of the image to adjust color balance, lighting, shadows, and other non-body aspects.
For headshots and certain professional portraits, I may also choose to do light skin smoothing, since these types of images affect your professional reputation.
Can you make me look thinner?
No.
I do not digitally alter the framework of your body. Instead, I’ll get a sense of your personality and use that to plan poses specifically for you.
Take a look at the sessions here on the site. Each person has had light posing guidance but is otherwise present in their entirely natural forms.
What are you going to do about my problem areas?
I say this with a great deal of awareness that lots of people won’t agree with me, but screw problem areas. There’s no such thing. The fact that there are areas on every body that won’t meet impossible standards of mainstream beauty ideals does not make them a problem. Here’s a thing I wrote on underarms >
Three words to describe your session: “intimate, me, detailed” – Ms. K, Snohomish, WA
Do I get to keep all my photos?
I know the most annoying answer in the world is “It depends,” but really, it depends. You’ll be able to buy some or all of your high-resolution digital photos (also called digital prints) after the session, and some may be included with your session as well. More here >
What if I don’t want to buy stuff? I just want my digital photos.
Your session will include both digital photos and print products. Digital photo files are difficult to take care of over long periods of time, so they’re not considered archival quality, where professionally-printed photographs will last for many decades. More here >
What resolution will my digital prints be in?
You’ll receive high-resolution images, which in general are around 4,000 by 6,000 pixels (slightly smaller if I’ve done any cropping). That’s more than enough resolution to print up to 40″ wide.
How long will you keep my photos? Do they ever get deleted?
Photos are kept for five years after your session; after that time the files are purged (for sanity, cost, and server space reasons) and cannot be purchased.
Do I have to buy prints through you or can I use my preferred service online?
You can do whichever you prefer! I’m of course happy to order as many prints from your images as you like at your reveal session.
If you’d prefer a DIY approach, your best bet is to purchase the digital files from your session. Remind me when you get your files and I’ll give you a list of sites that I recommend for high-quality printing.
What if I decide I want more prints or an album later?
I’m happy to order prints, albums, or art products for you any time for up to five years after your session.
Code of Conduct & Ethics
Photographer Code of Conduct
It’s incredibly important to me that you feel safe, comfortable and happy whenever you work with me. Here’s how I respect your bodily autonomy during our sessions:
- Ask before touching you the first time
- Check in with you occasionally about your experience and comfort
- Give you space if you exhibit unusual nervousness or jitteriness
- Explain what I’m doing occasionally
- Respect any requests you might have for space or a break
As a body-positive photographer, I:
» View human bodies — all of them — with honesty, joy and compassion» Seek out a wide range of people who aren’t trained models for my portfolio images
» Don’t talk about “problem areas” or “flaws”
» Don’t strive to make bodies look smaller or larger than they actually are
» Don’t digitally remove permanent aspects of people’s bodies like fat rolls or wrinkles
» Honor the body that each person has in this moment, in all its beauty and uniqueness
» Strive to capture a wide range of body types, shapes, sizes, colors and orientations in my portfolio work, both to increase the representation of people in underrepresented bodies and to make clients in any conceivable body feel safe working with me
» Use poses that are reasonably comfortable for each person’s body shape and size, rather than slavishly imitating only poses that very thin people use
» Feature a full range of client and portfolio images on my website and in my social media, not just “aspirational” bodies
Client/Attendee Code of Conduct
Client and event attendees must respect commonsense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Touching without permission will not be tolerated.
The use of alcohol, marijuana, and illegal drugs IS NOT permitted on the photographer’s premises. The client understands that consumption of any such substances prior to and/or during the session may negatively impact the results of the images. If any such substances are consumed during the course of the session the photographer may cease work and retain all deposits.
The client will be responsible for the behavior of client during portraiture session. The photographer reserves the right to terminate the portraiture session without notice if the photographer deems the client’s behavior to be unruly or unsafe. In such instances, the photographer reserves the right to retain the full session fee and collect the minimum order as damages. The client will reimburse the photographer or her agents for any loss/damage caused to property or equipment.
Body Liberation Photos reserves the right to revoke, without refund, the admission of any attendee not in compliance with this policy and show them out. Anyone violating the code of conduct for an event or a session may also forfeit the high-resolution photos that may be part of the admission fee if that person is asked to leave before their photos are taken.
Anyone finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate Lindley so that she can handle the issue immediately.
I see you. I hear you. I believe you.
Makeup Artist Code of Conduct
This is the agreement that I typically ask makeup artists to sign before working with any of my clients:
The clients you’re working with today may be shy or particularly vulnerable. Please respect their bodily autonomy and:
- Ask before touching them the first time
- Give them space if they exhibit unusual nervousness or jitteriness
- Explain what you’re doing occasionally
- Respect any request they might have for space or a break
You must respect commonsense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Touching without permission will not be tolerated.
I expect clients to hold themselves to a high standard of behavior as well. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel your safety is at risk or a client exhibits unacceptable behavior, please find me so I can take steps immediately.
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