THIS IS US

If you’re wondering what a bikini body looks like, this is it. Photographer Julie Adams and journalist Georgie Abay captured unretouched portraits of women and their stories of self-love and acceptance

- Georgie Abay

NADINE, 57

“I think society as a whole needs to get over its obsession with this idea of perfection. We are all perfectly imperfect. I’m proud of my body for keeping me thriving over the past 57 years, enabling me to bring two boys into the world and being the vehicle that I can express myself through. Two years ago, I joined a modelling agency and they found me work pretty much straight away. I’d always been self-conscious about being photographed, but turning 50 was like having a light switched on inside me and I no longer care what other people think of me.”

KATE, 40

“For me, body confidence is all about perspective. I’m lucky enough to work in a field that I’m passionate about – speech pathology – and through this I know that everyone has their own stuff going on. If my biggest drama that day is body image, then I’m doing OK!”

ASHLYN, 19

“Ever since I was little, I had this idea in my head about what my body was supposed to look like. It took me so long to accept that I was beautiful, stretch marks, pudge and all. I love my pudge now! I know how hard I have worked for my body. I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome [last] year, which helped to explain why I’ve struggled with my weight all my life. I also understand now that just because my body isn’t society’s perfect ideal, it’s perfect for me and I do what I can to protect it and keep it healthy.”

HELEN, 85

“When I was younger, people admired my face and my hair – which was long and red – but not my body. I always felt overweight and checked the scales every day. Years later, I now feel happy with my weight. We all look back and wish we were kinder to ourselves when we were younger.”

BELINDA, 45