Photographer | Creative Visionary | Confidence Curator
welcome to Curvy Boss SpotlightSo, we applaud the plus-size professionals who are daring to forge their own lane. Twice a month, we highlight curvaceous CEOs, consultants, creators, educators, and innovators who are redefining leadership beyond the runway and influencer worlds, like today’s Jillian Fennig.
This series was born from one powerful truth: you can’t be invisible. Representation goes beyond fashion campaigns and social feeds. It exists in offices, studios, conference rooms, and any other influential space.
Last time we introduced Charice Chambersfractional CFO and implementation coach behind it financial fancyhelping entrepreneurs turn passion into profit. Today, we meet the creative powerhouses behind the camera who capture the beauty, confidence, and brilliance of curvaceous women through their art.
This week, we spotlight someone who is no stranger to curvaceous fashionista family. Gillian Fennig is not only a dynamic photographer who captures the bold and beautiful, but also a West Coast contributor. Whether diving into cryotherapy for the first time, weed yoga, or another unforgettable LA experience, Jillian brings her signature combination of fun, curiosity, and creativity to everything she does. Her fearless perspective commands attention and One thing you should know.
Meet the curvaceous creative who gets behind the camera and helps women find their brilliance through the lens, turning vulnerability into visual celebration.
Introducing Gillian Fennig, a photographer who turns empowerment into art.
for Gillian Fennigphotography is more than just a profession, it’s a form of liberation. Her job is to help women, especially plus-size women, see themselves as art.
“I started my photography journey because I wanted to help women feel comfortable and sexy in their bodies,” she says. “There is no greater feeling than accepting your weakness and turning it into something to be admired.”
From boudoir-style sessions that celebrate self-love to creative shoots bursting with color and imagination, Gillian’s photography turns hesitation into empowerment. Her mission is simple. It’s about helping women always recognize their beauty.
Behind the Lens: A Day in the Creative World of Gillian
No two days are the same for Gillian. That’s what she likes.
Her favorite part of her job is brainstorming wild, daring ideas and bringing them to life. She made a dress out of playing cards for a shoot in front of a Las Vegas billboard and used bright Holi powder that looked like a living rainbow for her desert session.
“If you have an idea you want to turn into a shoot, we’re happy to brainstorm ways to make it happen,” she says.
Her creative spark continues to inspire her. Every shoot, every location, every model brings a new story to tell, and she captures that magic.
Advocacy and community power
Like many plus-size professionals, Jillian Fennig has faced prejudice within the industry. “Many of us are still judged as incompetent or lazy because of our bodies,” she says.
But when the door didn’t open, her community stepped up. “Other plus-size girls encouraged me to get professional headshots and yoga event opportunities,” she shares. “Once you know what I’m capable of, you’ll realize that my talent has nothing to do with my appearance.”
Her advice? Advocate for yourself and those around you. Community can be the difference between being ignored and being noticed.
Expression through the lens
“It’s all about expression,” says Gillian.
As a plus-size photographer, she knows firsthand how difficult it is to book fashion photography work if you don’t fit the industry’s image of who “belongs” behind the camera.
Instead of waiting for permission, she creates opportunities for herself. They often use themselves or plus-size models to prove that fashion, beauty, and creativity exist at every size.
“I’ve been doing fashion shoots with my models and myself to show that you can shoot high fashion as a curvaceous boss,” she says. “We deserve to be noticed and celebrated too.”
How Jillian develops confidence
Confidence doesn’t always come naturally. Gillian was the first to admit it.
“I don’t have a naturally intimidating presence,” she says. “I’ve had to speak up and try to show others that I’m in charge. Even if my voice is quiet, I can be confident in what I’m saying and make sure everyone knows I mean it.”
That quiet confidence is evident in her work. Whether she’s coaching a client on their first photoshoot or capturing someone’s boldest self, she creates spaces that radiate safety, freedom, and fun.
give confidence to others
Gillian Fennig’s superpowers help women see themselves in a new light, literally and emotionally.
“I’ve convinced many women who didn’t think of themselves as ‘models’ to shoot with me,” she says. “They start out timid and unsure, but eventually they start asking to try something spicy.”
What is her philosophy? “Try any shot. If you don’t like it, no one will see it except you and me. It’s worth taking a chance.”
Through her safe, positive energy, Gillian transforms photo shoots into powerful moments of self-acceptance.
Her advice to ambitious curvaceous bosses
Her advice is short and powerful. Don’t be afraid to do it.
“Challenge your dreams and build a community that accepts and champions you,” she says.
That courage has supported her career and continues to inspire others to take bold steps towards what they love.
Style and comfort: her professional hacks
As a photographer who is constantly on the move during shoots, Gillian knows that comfort and confidence go hand in hand.
“Make sure your shoes are comfortable, especially if you’re active at work,” she says. “Even your best work won’t shine if you’re in pain.”
Because the style of a true boss is to be able to move, be creative, and own your space.
What’s next for Gillian Fenig?
Jillian is just getting started.
Her art, as she is currently submitting her work to more publications and awards, and her point of viewyou can reach a wider audience. She is also planning a new shoot designed specifically for the publication that combines creativity, fashion and empowerment.
“I always respect clients who don’t want their photos published online,” she says. “But I also want my work to be seen, and the more space I have, the more expressive it is.”
How to celebrate her favorite victories
“I love celebrating my friends, so I’m learning to celebrate myself in the same way,” she says.
After finishing a shoot, she rewards herself by investing in the next shoot. And when it’s time for a big celebration? “Let’s travel. Always travel.”
Dinner with your dream guests
Jillian’s ideal dinner guest list is as creative and bold as her work.
- her grandmaa model at the time who wanted to hear the story from an adult perspective.
- Cindy Shermana self-portrait pioneer who inspired Gillian to experiment with photographing herself when she didn’t have access to models.
- harriet tubmanA fearless leader and brain injury survivor whose strength and resilience continues to be a deep inspiration to Gillian.
Do you know a curvaceous boss? Who should you hire next?
We created this series to spotlight plus-size professionals who innovate, create, and lead with purpose. These are stories that are often left untold, but deserve to be brought to the forefront.
If you know, kirby boss,or you We would love to hear your thoughts.
Nominate or apply to be featured here!
Because celebrating curvy professionals isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. And we’re just getting started!
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
