We often hear that we should love and accept our bodies as they are. But, this can be tough when social media is full of images of people with “perfect” bodies that match beauty standards. Luckily, some influencers are changing the game by showing both posed and natural shots. Their message is simple — your body is great just as it is.
Bree Lenehan, a popular Instagrammer, is one of these influencers. She’s 26 and started a series called “Real Me,” where she posts two photos side by side. One shows her posing to get the “perfect” shot, while the other shows her relaxed, revealing how she really looks.
Bree has been a body-image advocate for a long time. She focuses on showing that it’s almost impossible for our bodies to look flawless all the time. Her photos proudly show her pimples, scars, and stretch marks, refusing to hide them from her 720K+ followers. She also reveals how some influencers might hide these marks by positioning clothes strategically.
Beyond photos, Bree highlights how influencers can manipulate angles and lighting to create a “perfect” look. She shares that influencers don’t always look perfect or have perfect lives. There are days when she’s tired, hormonal, or just not feeling up to dressing up or doing makeup.
She emphasizes the difference posing can make. In one photo, she flexes to create an hourglass shape. In another, she’s relaxed, showing her body’s natural bumps. Bree reminds her followers not to force their bodies to fit into trends.
Bree also talks about how easily we can be tricked by edited photos. Apps today can make even the most unrealistic filters look real. When we compare ourselves to these fake photos, it’s impossible to measure up.
Her main message is clear: Don’t compare yourself to others, especially on social media. Her “Real Me” photos prove that it’s okay to show your unposed self. Bree’s posts about her past struggles with body image, like hiding her bloated belly, help others see that having a relaxed belly is natural and beautiful.
In the end, Bree encourages everyone to live fully and let their natural beauty shine through, reminding us that our bodies are not a trend.
