(Reuters) - A professional modeling school for girls with a fuller look opens its doors in Moscow.

The Plus Size Fashion academy trains fresh faced talent to break into the highly competitive modelling industry.

Founder Dilyara Larina is an author and plus-size model herself. She says her mission is help others who dream of hitting the catwalk.

"The plus-size industry started developing here (in Russia) about four years ago," says Ms Larina. "Now it's gaining great momentum, but generally, it's still amateur. There are few that do it at a professional level. And there are few that want to share their industry knowledge and that's a problem."

Academy student Polina says she did not hesitate to enroll in classes. She plans to make people's heads turn and change perceptions of plus-size women.

She says, "I am tired of stereotypes... In fact I really want to inspire my friends, and people around me to see that a full figured woman can be beautiful, desirable and sexy."

The school also offers professional training for bloggers and talent scouts in the plus-size field.

Marina Salmanova, a photographer at this recent photo-shoot, is also a student at the academy. She says being a plus-size woman gives her a better feel for how to bring out a model's best.

"Because I am plus-size myself, I do understand this subject from the inside," says Ms Salmanova. "I know how to photograph girls with appetising shapes. I can say this from my heart. What is the best camera angle, what is a better way for a girl to smile, from what distance to photograph her."

The academy curriculum covers the history of the industry and gives women hands on photoshoot training, portfolio prep and a chance to rock it on the catwalk.