“This year and all the years to come, it is time to realise that you are beautiful. It’s time to recognise that brands, social media and companies will never tell you this because there is no profit in saying you are already perfect. But the truth is - you don’t need to be perfect. It is the imperfections that give you originality, creativity and feeling. It is the imperfections that make you, you. So it is time to stop apologising for your height, weight, fashion, passions, skin tone, you gender, your sexuality, your opinions, your likes, your dislikes and anything that makes you who you are. It is time to stop hiding yourself away and make the decision, today, to be you… Unapologetically you. Be bold, take risks, and live your best life with honesty, acceptance and patience because you, as you are now, are beautiful. And you should never apologise for that.”

What could be more unique, more beautiful, more incredible or more freeing then you being you - unconditionally. This project is to give individuals the space to be able to scream “I AM ME” at the top of their lungs and to remind everyone that you are always enough. You are perfect in your imperfections and your passion make you who you are. Nowadays it can be so easy to get swept away in comparisons and negativity, especially throughout social media. So never underestimate how fulfilling taking a step back, taking a deep breathe and telling yourself “I am enough” can be.

This project was run from 2018-2019 and consists of models who have all struggled in the past with body and self confidence - a feeling everybody has felt at some point in their lives - and images that reflect their individuality as well as the idea that you should never have to apologise for being you. Whether you want to stand out or blend into the crowd, whether you like bright or black clothes, modern or vintage, Maths or English, rock or pop - whatever you like, whatever you dislike, you are you and you are amazing!

By Emily Parker Photography
www.emilyparker.photography


Through out this project I also collaborated alongside Bristol-based brands, make up artists and stylists; Bees Knees Apparel, 2.5D, Monki, Lucy and Yak, Pair of Peaches, Bee Wolkenstein, Polly Tregear and Izzy Snailum