Plus-size model La'Tecia Thomas calls out 'absurd' retouched photo
'You don’t need to look a certain way to be appreciated'
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A plus-size model has shared side-by-side photos to show just how much photoshop can change bodies.
From smoothing out cellulite to wiping away so-called imperfections and cinching in waists, we all know that photoshop is used to digitally-enhance the way women look in the media.
But now one model is out to make clear that the standards set by sneaky tools like this are completely "absurd".
Taking to Instagram, body positive model La’Tecia Thomas posted side-by-side photos of herself to remind women that what we see online isn’t always the truth.
One of the images had been obviously photoshopped to remove her cellulite and “fat rolls” while the other was left unretouched.
“This is not about putting anyone on blast but more so a reminder not to compare yourself to anyone else.
“In this instance I can’t even compare myself to myself.”
The 26-year-old model from Melbourne, Australia, added that she couldn’t comprehend the impact these types of images have on other women.
“When I look at the left images I’m like damn can I please look like that and it's Fk$!n ME!?!
“If I can’t be that person on the left (which is absurd because it’s me) then I can only imagine the effect this has on women.”
Thomas goes on to urge women not to compare themselves to others and to know that “you don’t need to look a certain way to be appreciated and know that you’re worthy."
The young model has previously opened up about confidence issues in the past and how gaining weight actually made her love her body again.
She admitted that as a size six she used to exercise for three hours every day and lived on a very restrictive diet, but that she is much happier now that she lives a more balanced lifestyle.
Many of her followers commented on the post thanking her for her honesty.
“You rock!” one person wrote.
“Wish the world would stop portraying already beautiful women in unrealistic images. Thank you for sharing.”
Another added, “Absolutely amazing reality photos! Why are the media so insistent on making everyone smooth and 'perfect'?!”
Thomas’ bid to highlight the effect tools like photoshop can have on women’s attitudes towards their bodies follows the news that France has banned advertisers from editing model’s bodies without indicating that the image has been digitally-altered.
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