The Fashion Photographer Using Instagram to Celebrate Real Beauty

[instagram ]https://instagram.com/p/7oIabPKn9b/" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >

She's known for photographing models and celebrities like Selena Gomez (above) for high-fashion mags, but artist Petra Collins uses her Instagram page to depict a different view of beauty. Real beauty.

[instagram ]https://instagram.com/p/9bmANWqn-F/" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >

The 22-year-old made her intention clear with this honest selfie, captioned:

"unfollow me now if you can't deal with pimples, hair, stretchmarks etc literally anything that isn't airbrushed ✌️ cuz your negativity and ignorance isn't welcome on this insta and there's no room for more hate and shaming here - this is not just about me but about all the amazing girls/women/whatever I photograph that deserve to be celebrated and represented"

Her inclusive attitude towards beauty and fashion genuinely inspires and is another example of how Instagram has become a forum for celebrating diversity and a women's choice to 'unmask' her acne, stretch marks, or hairy armpits.

[instagram ]https://instagram.com/p/-ZgnzAKn9G/" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >

Whether it is influencers like Petra and photographer Ashley Armitage who uses her page to celebrate female body hair, or celebs like Miley Cyrus and Michelle Rodriguez flaunting their fuzzy pits, this kinda reality check is an essential antidote to the often unrealistic portrayals of what our culture deems 'beautiful' on social media. 

Keep it up ladies.