Culture

14 women go nude to show how beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages

This is what real “American Beauty” looks like.

all shapes, all sizes, iconic images
Photos from Carey Fruth.

Nude in all shapes and sizes.

In “American Beauty,” photographer Carey Fruth uses the iconic rose petal fantasy from the movie of the same name to remind us that real beauty comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and ages.

Fruth’s photo series takes a scene where the woman is only an object of desire and turns it into a beautiful statement of female strength by empowering her subjects to stay true to themselves. She also wanted to make her models feel beautiful in a way they may not have felt was possible.

“When women come into my studio, I want to prove to them that they ARE as beautiful as they always feared they weren't, then maybe they can let go of that fear. By stepping into a fantasy dream girl world and by letting go of that fear, they free themselves up to direct that energy they once wasted on telling themselves that they weren't good enough to elsewhere in their life,” the photographer explained.

woman empowerment, community, social norms

Iconic images.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

American Beauty, flower art, turn ons

Empowerment.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

rose petal fantasy, flower pictures, flower art

The rose petal fantasy.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

desire, passion, confidence

What are your turn ons?

Photos from Carey Fruth.

risk takers, self esteem, social pressures

Purple flower fantasies.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

body image, models, plus size models

Embracing your own body.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

individual tastes, courageous expression, unique artists

Being comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

art books, photography books, exhibitions

Life is an adventure.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

passionate photography, celebrity, nude models

Passionate photography.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

nude, iconic fantasies, confidence

Reliving iconic moments.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

determination, poise, spirit

Beauty if for each of us to decide.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

daring, risk takers, fearlessness

Innovative artists.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

tenacity, elegance, self-assurance

Passion for expressing oneself.

Photos from Carey Fruth.

Article originally appeared on 09.16.17.