Insights from the Managing Editor: Addressing the Challenges of Plus Size Stock Photos

Surprisingly, The Curvy Fashionista represents my first significant venture into the world of plus size fashion. Although I have embraced my curvy identity throughout my life, I never felt empowered to make my voice heard in this vibrant space. However, everything changed when I joined the publication as a writer in 2024, and I was honored to assume the role of managing editor at the start of 2025. As managing editor, I oversee the majority of the content featured on our website, along with any associated editorial materials.

Indeed, the images you come across on our social media platforms are curated by me. I am fully aware of the criticism we receive for occasionally incorporating AI-generated photos into our articles and social media posts.

While I’m not here to advocate for an over-reliance on AI imagery, nor am I looking to justify its usage, I aim to delve into the core of the matter. My goal is to shed light on the hurdles that plus size-focused publications, communities, and brands face while striving to promote positivity within the plus size industry.

If, after reading this article, you still feel inclined to express your frustration, please do so!

Understanding the Challenges of Plus Size Stock Photo Availability

Regrettably, the numerous challenges surrounding plus size stock photos were not something I fully grasped until I began my journey with TCF. To be completely candid, the most pressing issue is their scarcity. During my master’s program, I extensively investigated media imagery, the underlying psychology behind image selection, their societal impact, and their significance. To the untrained eye, the visuals accompanying articles or social media posts may appear merely as representations of content. However, what many may overlook is that the images we associate with specific words and topics also evoke emotions, mindsets, and cognitive processes.

With this understanding, I have always aspired to showcase images that not only represent the plus size community but also uplift and inspire. It’s crucial for individuals in the plus size community to see representations that reflect body types similar to theirs. If you’re unfamiliar with the options available for plus size stock photos, allow me to give you an insight.

For instance, when utilizing Canva to search for “plus size fashion,” the results are disappointingly limited. Frequently, the majority of images feature white women, neglecting the representation of Black, Latino, and Asian women. Even the available photos often do not celebrate plus size fashion; instead, they depict individuals who appear ashamed of their bodies or highlight ill-fitting clothing. Furthermore, when searching for more specific scenarios, like “plus size woman doing her makeup” or “plus size woman getting her hair done,” the results remain dismal. Conversely, removing “plus size” from the search yields a wealth of suitable options. This reflects a troubling trend where mundane activities that plus size women engage in are underrepresented. Almost every search I conduct results in images of plus size women exercising, as if that’s the only context in which their representation is deemed appropriate.

While platforms like Getty Images might offer better results, the costs associated with obtaining images from such sources are prohibitive for an independent publication like TCF. Yes, there are other avenues for obtaining free stock images, such as Pexels or Unsplash, yet we encounter the same limitations that Canva presents. Moreover, considering that TCF has nearly 17 years of content with thousands of articles, the limited pool of usable images means that we have exhausted many available options.

In response to some of the critical comments, several of you have suggested that we hire authentic plus size models. While this is indeed a wonderful idea and something we aspire to do, there are significant obstacles in making it a reality. First and foremost, conducting photoshoots is an expensive endeavor. The costs associated with hiring a photographer, models, a stylist, a makeup artist, and a hairstylist can easily exceed $5000, and that’s on the lower end of the spectrum.

Additionally, given the current pace at which we publish articles, we would require multiple photoshoots to keep up. I can assure you that all publications rely on stock images to some degree. However, some have access to more substantial resources than we do.

Lastly, this approach would not be practical for instances when urgent fashion and style news arises or when timely articles need to be produced.

In short, please rest assured that our use of AI is not intended to replace hiring plus size models.

What Role Does AI Play in Our Image Selection Process?

Once again, I want to emphasize that I am not defending the use of AI-generated images, and our readers have every right to hold us accountable for our choices. Recently, I discovered that Grok, the AI component of X (formerly Twitter), has been significantly impacting the water supply in a town in Memphis. Upon learning this, we made a swift decision to reduce our usage of AI imagery.

It’s important to clarify that AI images have never been our primary source for plus size stock photos. Instead, they have always served as a supplementary option, often reused in appropriate contexts. However, I must candidly admit that I often find myself in a challenging position. If we were to rely solely on the available stock images, we would risk erasing the representation of countless aspects of our diverse readership. This includes not only race but also various body types, heights, and styles. Moreover, we need to acknowledge the lack of representation for individuals with disabilities; I have never encountered a stock image featuring a plus size person with a disability or skin condition. Undoubtedly, we would face criticism for seemingly neglecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in our content.

At TCF, our mission is to empower plus size women through fashion, media, and community. We strive to create a space where style is celebrated, voices are amplified, and representation is genuine—and we remain committed to that vision. Every decision we make and every action taken is driven by this fundamental goal.

Why We Urgently Require Change in the Plus Size Industry

While the plus size industry continues to progress, we still face significant levels of discrimination. Yes, the challenges posed by AI are important to discuss. However, the underlying problem that drives our use of AI is equally crucial to this dialogue. We not only need more visibility and representation for plus size individuals, but also greater acknowledgment of their presence in the industry. We should be prioritized, rather than treated as an afterthought.

Individuals who identify as plus size represent more than half of the population, yet it remains unrealistic to expect a stock image of a plus size woman engaged in everyday activities like doing her hair or makeup. The pervasive notion seems to be that the only “space” a plus size individual should occupy is within the gym, according to stock image providers.

AI has NEVER been—and will never be—the ultimate solution for the lack of representation in plus size stock photos. It merely acts as a short-term fix for a more significant issue. As TCF continues to grow, we hope to allocate some of our resources toward addressing this challenge. For now, please know that we hear your concerns and genuinely value your feedback. I hope this is just the beginning of an essential conversation.