I was scrolling through Instagram, when a picture from a good friend of mine from high school came up on my feed. A picture that inspired me and every single person that viewed it as well.
Autumn Ivey, a photographer from York, Pa, has just begun an ongoing project based on insecurities—herself being the first to be showcased. In the caption of her first picture, Autumn writes about her battle with cystic acne and the scars it has left not just physically, but emotionally as well. Autumn, the beautiful soul that she is, put a spotlight on those scars and stood for something more than bravery.
The society that we live in today is so stuck on image and the way that others view you. And Autumn is standing up to say that other’s negative opinions don’t matter. “Art is not perfect,” as she writes in her caption.
Being a writer, my own art is judged with each swift stroke of my keyboard. Every word, every sentence, every piece of writing is critiqued. I would be lying if I said isn’t terrifying to put your work out there—to let it stand vulnerable for society to rip it to shreds. But I have always said that if there isn’t a little fear, there won’t be some growth.
Insecurities take on so many different shapes and sizes. Art is only one. There is this constant belief that if you don’t look or act a certain way, it isn’t okay. This stigma is covering some of the most flawless humans in the world. If Autumn hid behind thick layers of makeup, no one would be able to see the beauty of her skin—the beauty of imperfection.
So many people struggle at trying to be this unreachable image of what they think the “best” is, that they lose the most amazing things about themselves. They lose who they are and become a mask that they show to the world.
Autumn inspired me because of her bravery to unveil her insecurities. But she also inspired me because of her strength and support that she gives to her audience.
She writes, “I am exposing my insecurity because I know that I am not alone. I can wear all the makeup I want, I can avoid going out all I want, but at the end of the day this is who I am. I never want someone to look at my pictures and think that I’m perfect or that they are less.”
That is the allure of the photo project Autumn is working on. This isn’t just about finding strength to love yourself, it is also about passing on that inspiration to others.
There is so much hate in the world. It’s all over social media and there are even articles being published about the damages of sites like Instagram and Twitter. So why not challenge those articles, and prove that something great can flourish from the ability to be connected to others? Instead of comparing your body to those fitness models we see online, post why your body is just as amazing. Share what you love—about yourself and about things you’re passionate about.
Be brave and expose what makes you vulnerable and allow growth to blossom—whether that’s insecurities about your physical appearances, mental health, or a passion that you have. And if you’re not ready to do that—support those around you that are.
To follow more of Autumn Ivey’s project and her many others, follow her Instagram: @autumnivey
