Date: 24 February 2012
Tagged as: sun. lene. solvang. photo. photography. body image. nude.
Body Image is a project where I go home to people, either friends or strangers, and they undress as much as they’re comfortable with and expose what they want of both themselves and their home. And once the photograph is taken my models write a text about their own body image.
This project for me is honest and real, it is without any photoshopping, it’s just me portraying real people just the way they are. I hope people will take the time to read the text the model has provided and that this project will affect someone out there.
“We’ve never really had a good relationship, my body and I. But I guess it’s like many other things in life: As you grow older you manage to come to terms with and accept what is instead of always thinking what should have been.
I’m 1,82 meters tall, which is about 10 cm. more than I appreciate. When I was young I tried to make myself shorter by sitting and walking with almost a crouch. But now I try to straighten up as often as possible and be proud of my length instead. Its not easy, but I try.
I don’t like being naked or with little clothes on in front of other people, and have many times avoided going to public baths and beaches. I don’t want people to se my imperfections, like for instance my stretch marks. The photo session which resulted in this picture, was strangely enough not awkward at all. It was almost like a “job”, and I knew no one was there to judge me. I felt very safe, partially because the photo was taken in my own apartment and I got to choose the setting. The setting was by the way my bed because I need a lot of sleep and spend much time in bed.
I’m not sure where my insecurity about my body comes from, but maybe it’s just a consequence of bullying and the feeling of never being good enough compared to other people. Ironically, I’m often the one who comforts other people who complain about their bodies. I don’t think anyone’s body is ugly - except my own.
The things I actually DO like about my body, is the fact that I’m slim. I’ve never had to deal with being overweight, and I’m thankful for that. I’ve got 10 toes, 10 fingers and the usual amount of arms and legs. I don’t have to visit special shops to buy clothes, which I’m also thankful for. I don’t even have allergies.
I also like my feet for some reason. They are slim and small. Compared to my height I have small feet.
I still have some work to do when it comes to liking my own body. I try to focus on the parts I like, and maybe someday I’ll stop caring and be happy with the way I look. “
