Woman's Side-By-Side Photo Reveals How Much Lighting Changes The Way You Look
A common misconception about Instagram is that all the body-related posts are either unattainable or fake.
People can easily play with lighting, angles, makeup and photoshop to appear a certain way.
But there are some 'grammers out there, like Jess, aka PlankingForPizza, who want to show followers what real bodies look like.
In the past, she's has uploaded side-by-side shots showing how her stomach isn't at all flat or perfect.
Recently, when she posted this body-positive transformation photo, some of her followers started to ask questions about her cellulite.
People were apparently wondering how she got rid of her cellulite during the time between when the photos were taken.
Her fitness journey is inspiring to many, and she used the questions she was getting to spread more body positivity and acceptance.
Angles and posture matter more than you'd think, and Jess clearly isn't afraid to show how that works.
As a response the comments, she posted this side-by-side photo with a very honest caption.
On the left, her thighs look completely free of cellulite. Did she doctor that photo? No. It was just the lighting.
To prove that to her followers, she included another photo of her back and thighs to show how much lighting can make a difference, noting in the caption that her cellulite was still there, but the lighting made it look invisible.
You are not your cellulite and you are not your flaws.
She also noted these photos were taken just six days apart.
She writes,
Here's the most important thing. Regardless of lighting and how I look or what shows or doesn't show, I do not think any less of myself!! I used to criticize myself for having cellulite but now I'm just like it is what it is. I shouldn't even care because it doesn't define my worth. If anything, they are beauty marks reminding me of lovely late night conversations with friends while having pizza, both which nourish the soul. I care even less in this instance because cellulite is so very common and such a natural human characteristic! You are not your cellulite and you are not your flaws!
It's amazing how transparent she is about her body. That's probably one of the reasons she has over 119,000 followers.
Her fans responded with supportive comments to show their appreciation.
One user wrote,
I really like and respect your honesty and how you 'convince' yourself and others to focus on themselves and their own aims! So brave and helpful! High five for this attitude and for the well deserved, amazing results!
"I may have mermaid thighs, cellulite and lower tummy pooch, but that does NOT define my being or my worth and it should not define yours, either."
Despite popular belief, Instagram is not a community full of people faking it. Jess proves that.
At the end of the day, we only have one body. We can work hard on the outside, but happiness comes from within. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true.
If you're looking for an uplifting Instagram experience, find the "realest" people (like Jess) who inspire and motivate you to achieve your goals, and ignore the rest.
