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The woman in the photograph may look effortless. Getting there often is not.

A fashion photograph can make beauty appear natural when the model’s body is actually part of her occupation. Her appearance is not simply personal. It can determine whether she is selected, how she is photographed, which clothes she wears and whether she continues to receive work.

That changes the relationship between a person and her own body.

The model learns to see herself from the outside. Measurements matter. Skin matters. Weight matters. Age matters. A photograph can become both a professional opportunity and a judgment.

Research does not support the simple claim that all fashion models develop eating disorders. A systematic review found that the available research is limited and inconsistent. However, studies have found that models tend to place greater importance on appearance and thinness, and some research has identified higher levels of partial eating-disorder syndromes and body-related concerns.

More recent research gives a closer view of the occupational pressure. In a qualitative study of 84 international female fashion models, criticism from industry members was reported by 83.3 percent of participants. The researchers also found frequent accounts of restrictive eating, intense exercise, negative body-related experiences and psychological difficulties. The findings cannot represent every model, but they document the pressure experienced by a substantial group working inside the industry. “280 words to go. A donation keeps you reading and supports our independence. Thank you!”

By Edge of Humanity Magazine