Need to know the best angle to shoot heavy people

[Stina3246]

I have been approached by a women who is fairly heavy who wants me to do a photo shoot with her. She has a very sweet face and a great smile. I need to know what the most flattering poses for her will be. It will be an outdoor shoot with a huge variety of scenes to choose from. It would be GREAT if some of you could post photos of shoots of heavy people you've done. Also, she is dark skinnned so I could use a little help to keep from making her shiny. I will be using my Nikon speedlight 600 flash but it will be daytime, hopefully early morning or just around sunset.
Thanks for any help you can give.

[OsmosisStudios]

Have her lay on the ground (grass? a picnic blanket?) and lie down in front of her. Have her look at you in that position. You could also try from above.

A telephoto lens would work best, as a wide angle will simply exaggerate her size.

[dbevisjr]

My wife and I are heavy people. I can tell you that taking a photo of a larger person that he or she will approve of is a difficult experience. What she wears can make a considerable difference. I am very interested in further replies to this thread.

[dbevisjr]

Just an idea... If you have a heavier friend you might experiment with a few shots before the day of your shoot. When I have taken pics of big people it seems that obliques are more flattering, especially for women.

[LeeR]

Generally speaking shooting from slightly above them would be best. Most of us put on weight toward the bottom of our faces and none on the top of our head. If the subject has to look up at you slightly it will force them to tilt their head back, elongating their necks and reducing the double chin effect. You might also have them turn their body slightly away from you for the same reason; it stretches and slims the neck. Some photographers have their subject put a fist under their chin for the same reason, but it is hard to do this in a way that looks natural. You might also take the picture next to something even bigger; the thinking being that if you shoot someone next to the Grand Canyon viewers are not likely to be impressed with the size of the person.