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.
Age; 21.
Occupation; finished a bachelor in fine art photography.
Relation; roomie.
“I’ve probably always had, as many other girls, not a very healthy look when it comes to my body. I’ve always wanted to change something and there is certain stuff that irritates me more then others. Like my thighs for example, or my “lady lumps” (fat around the belly and hips). But, now that I’m growing up, I’m learning to at least appreciate other things about myself. I like for example my hair, my hands and my eyes. When it comes to the things I don’t like, I realize that I need to complain less and go more to the gym. The most important thing for me is to look healthy and be healthy.”
For today’s post I wanted to make it a little different then what I usually do, I wanted to include some of my behind-the-scenes photos and talk a little bit about my process and then and up some of the different photos I took from that one shoot. Normally as a little heads up before a shoot I tell my models to wear loose clothes, tight clothes leave marks on the skin and since I’m working on a project with no retouching it’s better to have them wear clothes that’s loose.
For me making my models feel safe about what they’re joining in on is one of the most important things. I want them to feel that they can trust me, I want them to feel that they’re also in control of where these images end up and don’t have to worry about them ending up on unwanted pages. So I always have a little chat with my model about the shoot and then afterward I let them sign a model contract which I also sign and I will give them one copy of it as well. This was my model knows her rights and it also states clearly what I’m using the images for.
After we have signed the contract it’s time for a little test-shoot so I can get my light, aperture and speed right. At this stage I allow my model to still have their clothes on, there’s no need for them to take them off already when I’m just doing tests, and especially I had used flashes as well, sometimes these things takes time to set up and get them right so until everything is ready my models remain clothed.
Here are some of the different outcomes from the shoot, there are more as well but these three are among my favorites, I have not yet picked the one that I wish to use. Normally I give it a days rest and then look at them again, sometimes it’s easier to pick when you have been able to give it a little thought.
Text from the model;
“The fact that I have worked a little as a model has made me more comfortable in my own body. Throughout my childhood and teenage years people mocked me for my thin body, and then suddenly there was someone who actually appreciated the type of body that I have. But my complexes for my thin body has followed me for many years, not until in my twenties did I manage to be happy with what I have and not look down on it. I can’t do much with the body I have been given besides keep it healthy, it’s important to accept yourself for who you are and be proud of it. As a adult it’s important for me to feel strong on my own, be able to handle things on my own and feel independent, and at the same time feel proud to be a woman. Body Image has a wonderful message that fits my own ideals around how people show view themselves. I’m pleased with the images, and my body that finally got some meat on the bones.”
A few days ago my first rather proper interview was posted. It’s an interview about my bachelor project called Body Image, you can see a screen shot above where the black and white image is mine. I think the interview turned out beautiful and it makes me extra proud of my work. If you want to go ahead and take a look.
Norwegian version - http://www.norgeskreativefagskole.no/Nyheter-og-events/Artikellist/Fotostudent-bacheloroppgave/
Google translated version (might be a lot of mistakes here but it’s the best I can give you guys)
- The project is called Body Image. It took me a while to come up with the appropriate title because I wanted a title that reflected what I worked with and the medium I use, she says.
Body Image, which is Lene’s thesis in her Final Project at the London Metropolitan University for studies in NKF Bergen, focuses on people stripped of their own home. Lene also work with text, and talk to the models about their relationship to the body.
Decide
The models will decide how much they want to view. Do they have special wishes as to how and where the picture is taken, let them Lene also determine this.
Surprisingly few have refused to set up.
- A lot has been extremely positive to take part in the project. I have asked around 50 people so far and have had very few no. What also surprised me is that it is mostly boys who say no, while many girls look a little more on it as a challenge to put themselves in this situation. At the same time seems the project carries the message is important.
- The models must be safe
For Lene, it is important that the models feel comfortable in every way. She spends time preparing both himself and the model before the photo shoot, and is aware of his own behavior when images are taken.
- The most important thing for me is that my models are relaxed, for it seems very fast if someone is nervous on camera. Most often, I usually set aside about two hours per model so that we take the time needed and we do not stress. When we get time to sit down and talk about the project, what the model thinks and share some ideas. I think just the process makes a big difference for many. We sign a contract together that says what a photographer can use the images and what model to use it, she says.
SAFE: Lene describes himself as a quiet person, which she believes comes in handy in the face of the models. - Had I been nervous had enough my model has also been a little nervous himself. I have also educated and can talk about and treat the project professionally, says photography student. Photo: Lene Solvang
- Some shows everything
She says that it is very different amount of nudity each model to view.
- Few people have problems with being naked, but most want to hide the abdomen and breasts. Also have those who dare to show everything. Some models can also be very specific in what pose they want or where in their home they want them to take their pictures.
After taking the pictures, must work with Lene them a little, then get models see the result. Positive feedback warms our hearts.
- It is great with the feedback I get from the models, and to see how surprised but pleased many of them to see the pictures. Not least, seeing herself naked through my eyes, and not through a mirror.
CHALLENGING: Recently a model said that she had more confidence in being involved in the project, and then knock a little extra in the heart. How nice it is to get such a message, when there is just one of the things you want to achieve? Photo: Lene Solvang
To be photographed naked self-
In addition to that she has given some of its models more self-confidence, the project may also be helped on her own. Enough that she should pose naked, even in a fellow student photo project.
- Very long has it been something I never imagined that I’d wanted to participate. Most because I would not completely satisfied with my body. I am not a super human and have my stuff and I. But thankfully, this project helped me to overcome a lot.
Together, the Lene deliver 40 images to the main project’s, which will be completed in May 2012.
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. “
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.
“What is a perfect body for me?
Either you have learned to love those faults you have, or you have done something about them.
A perfect body for me doesn’t have a certain weight, it doesn’t have a certain height.
Color, shape and everything else that follows with having a body.
This is irrelevant. It’s the attitude that counts.
And the right attitude and how you hold yourself, it depends on how you feel about yourself and your body.
You can have a amazing body, but if you don’t think it’s amazing yourself you will try to hide it.
And by hiding it from others you’re hiding it from yourself too.
It’s hard to improve a body you don’t know.
A body you don’t really can relate to.
A body that you really hate.
You get up every morning look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you’re ugly.
Then you will stop believing.
But if you get up and tell yourself that you’re an amazing person it will boost your self-confidence.
And slowly it will do something about the bad relationship you have with your body.
If it’s to train more or less, eat healthier, get enough sleep, stop smoking, drink less alcohol, drink more water or just to accept that this is how your body is.
And that you can be happy with.
Nobody can tell you that you’re wrong.
But because of ideal bodies and a twisted vision on what’s normal and pretty, a lot of people will tell you something different then what you mean.
Some will not care about comment while others will suck it up and not stop thinking about it.
And perhaps in the end believe in those very words.
No one is alike. “
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.
“I was a skinny teenager. At fifteen, my chest was still flat, my body shapeless, I walked clumsily and my skin was pale. I looked pallid and uncomfortable. I had long, unkempt hair, dry and flat, through which my ears protruded. When I look at photographs taken in school, I think: «Good god, girl. No wonder you were unpopular!». Yet, I can see myself somewhere in there. I realize that all I needed was a sense of style, a new haircut, the social intelligence which I unfortunately lacked. More than anything, my looks mirrored my social position.
Over the years I went through a slow change, in which I found the clothes, face and hair that I wanted to represent me. I learned to eat more, which lead to my chest unflattering and my unshapely body gaining curves. Now I no longer need to worry about the size of my breasts. I worry about other things, such as the fat on my belly or the tiny wrinkles emerging underneath my eyes. But this worry is of a different kind, mingled with interest: I’m still young, still having my best years, yet I’m visibly beginning to age. I am more aware that how I look, both in the nude and clothed, is a result of choices I make and how I live my life. And every time I have the choice between exercising and reading a book, I tend to choose the latter.
My body image fluctuates, I hate it one day and love it the other. I always consider the way I look to be important, because it decides who I experience myself to be and how I and others view me. Therefore I choose my clothes carefully and apply my layer of makeup in a habitual way. If I dress in an unfamiliar style or apply my makeup differently or not at all, I feel that I’m no longer «myself».
As such, my body image is closely related to my self image. That, too, is fluctuating. My thoughts on identity are post-modern, I believe that to some extent we create and re-create our selves constantly. Creating and re-creating our looks is a part of that process. I once bought a red dress in which I look stunning, but which I never wear in public. Why not? Because even though it makes me look good, it does not look like me.
Being photographed in the nude by Sun did not feel strange. I had my layer of makeup on and I chose my own postures. The photographs were taken in my own childhood home, by a childhood friend. By letting her models be in control of their own image, I think that the photographs in this project might show something close to the truth about our body images and selves. At least about how they were in that specific moment of our lives.”
It is with a sleepy face and tried gaze I can look at the clock and say that it’s 3:53 in the night as I start writing this. But sometimes intruding thoughts don’t leave your mind until you do something about them.
As many know I’m working on a project focused on body image, a project where people share everything so much of themselves both in the way I’m allowed to portrait their nude bodies and in their texts. Each single person who dares take the step out and join in I have a huge amount of respect for, this is not an easy thing to do. Their putting their trust in me to do my job well, to portrait them right and to allow them to look at the portrait afterwards and be happy with the body they say there no glance away in shame.
Personally I think I would be terrified of doing something like this, just the very thought of it makes me heart race and my insecurities pushes themselves to the surface. Thoughts like “not good enough”, “not thin enough”, not pretty enough” are probably the first three on a long list. And as many other girls I have been down the road of both diet and training, and I have been slightly thinner then I am now but a good friend gave me the most honest comment she could have given, it went something like “you have gotten skinny, your spine is more visible then before, I don’t like it.” My whole little world tumbled a little, for some reason those words stung. I was slowly becoming something I didn’t want to be.
Please don’t think I see something wrong with people being on the thin side, it’s just that it isn’t my side. I love the days when I can wake up and look in the mirror and give myself a little approving nod while telling myself that I don’t look that bad, sure I have a little bump on my tummy but my weight is pinpoint on my average for my height, not too thin not too fat just completely normal.
I think I wanted to share this because I feel that I have left a lot of personal thoughts out from my project then I can honestly say I think about it all the time, I feel almost obsessed about making others also see the beauty they have because I can see it so clearly. I want to remove those insecurities, want them to be happy exactly the way they are and perhaps most of all I want a lot of people to change. I want the people of our fashion industry to take a step back and look at the ideal woman they have created, is she really that ideal?
My project has gotten quite positive feedback and my heart swells with happiness each time I get a nice comment either through the blog or other forums, or verbally from a friend. And I hope that some of my models can go to bed at night with a smile on their face and the confidence in the sky knowing that several people told them that they were perfect exactly the way they are. And I… I go to bed at night and smile because I’m so happy I could make someone else feel like that.
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.
“I have an hourglass figure and that’s makes it hard to dress since that is not the look the stores wants. To go in to a store and try everything they have on only to maybe if I’m lucky find one thing, does not help me to look at my body and be proud.
Before I got my curves I used to have no problems finding clothes and was more comfortable with my body. I love my body don’t get me wrong I just want the same as every other girl does and that is not to be invisible.
I have my small issues that I would like to fix but what I most want is to love my body the way it is. To be proud of having a body as a real woman is supposed to have. And not feel like many other teenage girls where everything around you seems to be screaming “you’re not pretty enough!” “You’re not thin enough!
I am short at just over 5 feet. My legs are quite stumpy and my thighs are plump and round; they jiggle when I walk and rub together where they meet at my groin. I have the little pouch at the end of my tummy and love handles that shake. That makes it hard wearing tight fitting clothes, But then again I have big perky breasts and arm muscles as a man that I just love.
I sometimes have my days where I wish this was different or that was different. Wouldn’t it be nice if I didn’t get pimples? Or if I were taller I’d be able to reach those cookies on the top shelf. And these jeans would fit much better if I didn’t have this pot belly. But I’ve learned to keep such thoughts as they should be—fleeting. I can see them for what they are to me now, as a grownup—a fantasy. Like wishing for my body to be different is a momentary emotion and I appreciated how unrealistic it is. Most importantly though, I’ve learned to focus on the things I love about my body—I love my round tooshie, my womanly hips and perky breast, because these things are beautiful to me, even if they’re not supposed to be.
I think it’s better to indulge in the life I do have, we only live once right? Why would I want to add completely unnecessary stress to a life that really is perfect? Hating my body has, after only 25 years, become somewhat of an inconvenience that I would like to shove bake in to the closet and never take out again.
Because when it comes to my life, the people I want in it aren’t going to want to be in my life because of the way I look naked (and if they do, kudos to them, because all my “weird” bits are actually really sexy).”
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.
“Talking about my own body is hard. My mental self is so depended on the condition of my body, and that makes it so personal to talk about. I never know what to feel about my body, because my relationship to it changes from day to day. How I feel is depending on my mood, what I am doing, how loge sins my last workout, who I am with and the surroundings.For me to be naked in front of others or even show some bare skin I need to trust that person. I know all the right things. I know that I have to be proud of my self, that I have to take care of myself, that what you do is more important then what you look like. I’ve been thought to be strong, hardworking and independent. Despite knowing all the right things society has a way of getting to you, and no knowledge can protect you form that.My teen years feel like a long time ago and a lot have changed sins then, but some things cling to you like a monkey on your shoulder. Some things change you for life. My years in junior high was some of my best and worst days in my life. I was doing good in school, but I did not feel that that was enough to be approved. I wanted to change me. Change my life. I’ve started to work out. I dropped all candy, snacks, cakes and tried to avoid other food with sugar and fat. After a year I felt better then I ever had. I was skinny, sporty and my self-esteem had become a lot better. I still did well in school and had made a lot of new friends. It felt like I finally was on the same level as the others. Back then I did not realise that something was wrong, but looking back make me scared. Had it not been for al the great fiends I made, It would ended a lot worse. I was on the edge of getting an eating disorder. Healthy food and exercise become more important then being with friends and having fun. I started to feel bad about eating candy, and sometimes also food. It almost controlled my life. It still do in some ways. My hardworking attitude and the desire to be best affect every part of my life, also when it comes to my body. In society skinny people are successful. That was what society made a 14 year old girl think. That is something that changes you for life.”
