Instagram models. Is that all I need to say for you to know what I’m talking about. You know the ones. They pretend their image is candid like they’re unaware that a photo is being taken as if it’s real life, but of course it has been perfectly posed. Then you get amazing people like Celeste Barber, who brings reality to the image by re-creating it with how it really looks for most people.
I love how she and other people do these. It shows true humanity. It helps us see ourselves in other people and not be blinded by some unattainable and unrealistic being. Real life. It also brings us down to earth and know that we are fine just the way we are. Perfectly imperfect.
Here’s my version of Instagram vs Reality. New Years intention setting. I’ve got my pen and notebook, I’ve got my cup of tea, and I’ve got a view out the window. It’s time to contemplate and journal.
The first photo is posed. I’m all too aware of my leg placement and turning my face to the camera and sitting up straight.
The second photo is how it really looks. Complete with hunched back, zoned out expression, and bared cellulite.
It’s easy to take pretend photos. It’s also just as easy to take real ones. What’s hard is knowing the difference. Especially when we compare ourselves with other people’s pretend versions.
