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Heather's Dish

Faces of Beauty

The Announcement

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Good morning everyone! Today’s the day I’ve been teasing y’all about for a while now ๐Ÿ™‚ย  This post could get a little wordy, but please read all the way through since this is something that is very near and dear to my heart.

If you’ve been reading Heather’s Dish for a while now, or even if you’ve just stopped by to check out the “About Me” section, you have probably read about the fact that I struggled with body image issues and disordered eating for 14 years of my very short life.ย  I could go into detail here on how horrible it was physically, emotionally, relationally, etc; however, the hardest part of it all to swallow now is the realization that for 14 years I had no idea that I was beautiful exactly how I am.ย  It’s not for lack of people telling me though.ย  I have the most incredible family a girl could ask for, and my husband tells me every day that I’m gorgeous.ย  The thing is that internally I was unable to see the beauty in myself and constantly compared myself to others.

As Nate and I continue to embark on the photography journey, we hear almost constantly the phrase, “Oh, you can just PhotoShop that out, right?”ย  And I’ll be honest…when it comes down to it, PhotoShop is not a bad thing.ย  When people pay for photographs they want to see the best possible version of themselves, and that’s OK.ย  What makes me sad about it though is when I see videos like the one below from Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty and see the behind-the-scenes of what goes into making models and celebrities look the way they do:

Again, I’m not harping on PhotoShop or even the people who utilize it.ย  The thing that kills me about this is the fact that young girls and women of all shapes and sizes will see photos that are touched up like this all over the world and believe that they are not beautiful because they don’t look like that.ย  Research has shown that up to 90% of women are unhappy with the way that they look. These women and girls will go through their lives not ever truly believing that they are incredibly beautiful just as they are.

What I want to do is start a CELEBRATION of our natural beauty.ย  What if we took things like wrinkles, smile lines, gray hair, blond eyelashes, crooked teeth, crooked noses, shorter necks, etc. and saw the beauty and the LIFE in them?

I have started FacesofBeauty.org as a place to post pictures of real women (and men!) and the beauty within them.ย  It’s very simple actually:ย  every post will feature one beautiful person (thatโ€™s YOU!) with a headshot that follows the following guidelines:

  • must be wearing minimal to no make-up (no colored eyeshadows, lipsticks, etc)
  • cannot have any editing of any kind;
  • must be at least 1200 pixels on the long side of the photo.

Each photo should be accompanied with a 500-word or less description of what you think is beautiful about you and why, the story of your journey to self-love, and/or what defines beauty to you.ย  Email the photo and paragraph to me at heathersdish [at] gmail [dot] com.ย  Also, if youโ€™d like to be linked to your blog just include the URL for it as well.

My prayer is that everyone who reads this today will join this celebration and spread the word to their friends and families.ย  That you would email me your photo and paragraph, then copy this link and email it out in mass quantities and that the world would be moved by our transparency and celebration of the beauty that we all have! This is my formal request…bring on the emails!

I understand that I’m asking everyone who comes across this blog to participate, and that by participating you are taking a chance. You’re putting yourself out there.ย  You’re exposing yourself.ย  You’re making yourself known.ย  But what you’re also doing is encouraging others to truly look inside themselves and see that they are beautiful as well.ย  It is my belief that life is too short for anyone to take another 14 years to learn to love themselves, so let’s celebrate it now!

Do you believe that you are truly beautiful?

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Comments

  1. bumblebeerunning says

    August 26, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    What an amazing idea. I love it!

    Reply
  2. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    August 26, 2010 at 1:16 pm

    amazing and i will look thru my stash and send you something. 99% of my photos on my blog are no make and not retouched. as if i have time for all that, i have 17 things to do every day and hair, makeup, and photoshopping dont make the cut!

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    August 26, 2010 at 11:22 am

    This post made me tear up a little. Absolutely love this idea and this post was so incredibly well written and inspiring! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. lisaou11 says

    August 26, 2010 at 5:17 am

    I have a picture–its actually pretty close up of my face, but I love it. Will that work? Also–how do you figure out if it’s 1200 pixels?

    Reply
    • Heather says

      August 26, 2010 at 5:21 am

      That will definitely work! And to see how many pixels, just highlight it in the Finder or folder that it’s in…it should pop up a bunch of info about it to the right, which includes dimensions!

      Reply
  5. Ellen@FirednFabulous says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:54 pm

    Ohmygosh I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!! Love. I struggle with body image, but I’m slowly getting better. I definitely want to participate! Congrats!

    Reply
  6. kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    Heather, this just makes me love love love your blog and who you are so much more! ur a wonderful person <3

    i agree that photoshopping isn a HUGE epidemic..but the lack of celebration over natural beauty IS!

    xoxo

    Reply
  7. Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:27 pm

    Wow, awesome Heather! I’ll be sure to send a picture over — my blog has plenty of makeup-less-me on it already! Good job girly, this is really going to make a difference.

    Reply
  8. Tasha - the clean eating mama says

    August 25, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Heather, you amaze me. What a wonderful project! I cannot wait to submit my own =)

    Reply
  9. Ashley Solomon says

    August 25, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    Phenomenal idea! You are beautiful in so many ways =)

    Reply
  10. Alex @ IEatAsphalt says

    August 25, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    First of all, I think that you are gorgeous! Secondly, this is an amazing idea and I can’t wait to be a part of it!

    Reply
  11. Gena says

    August 25, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    What an amazing and wonderful idea! Let me know how I can help out!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      August 25, 2010 at 3:38 pm

      Hey Gena! If you can submit a photo and paragraph and spread the word that would be amazing! Anything to participate and encourage others to participate helps ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks so much for asking!

      Reply
  12. juliemgannon says

    August 25, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    LOVE it! Already sent the link to my sisters ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  13. lpskins says

    August 25, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    Congrats sista!

    Reply
  14. Amber@momsgottheruns says

    August 25, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    Heather! OMG! Please don’t think I’m a nut when I responded to your comment on my blog about my pregnancy! For some reason I was thinking Heather from another blog (who’s pregnant!). So sorry! I’m really not crazy! LOL

    Reply
  15. Jess @ MTL Veggie says

    August 25, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    What an amazing project! I love this idea and would love to participate ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  16. Val says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:59 am

    This is such a great idea! That video was very moving. It made me sad that women use so much energy striving to look like something that clearly is not a reality.

    I will be submitting soon!

    Reply
  17. Dorry says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Love this! You have an incredible heart. Excited to watch this grow for you. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  18. Penny Lane says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:29 am

    Way to go! I will be working on my Pic (takes me a bit to get pics taken) and my 500 word essay. This is something that I have been something that has been close to my heart for a few years.

    Reply
  19. Becca D. says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:19 am

    This is such a beautiful idea! I hope that soon I can get the courage to post a pic on the site….this concept is definitely something I have been struggling to believe for quite some time!! I absolutely love that you are putting this out there in the world…way to go Heather!!

    Reply
  20. glutenfreemuse says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:15 am

    What a great initiative! Maybe you can take my post race picture for the website! That will be a pretty one ๐Ÿ™‚

    ~Alyssa

    Reply
  21. peanutbutterfingers says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:03 am

    what a wonderful idea!!! LOVE IT!

    Reply
  22. Gracie @ Girl Meets Health says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:01 am

    wowowow…love this! I would love to participate.

    Reply
  23. Axelle the french reader says

    August 25, 2010 at 9:51 am

    This is sooooo EXACT and right and true ! … I would like to participate, but I love myself so much that I delete each picture someone takes from me …
    But you’re right, you know.

    Reply
  24. It All Changes says

    August 25, 2010 at 9:49 am

    I love this. I will get Hunni to take the picture this weekend. Thank you for showing us as we are.

    Reply
  25. adventuresofpretendcook says

    August 25, 2010 at 9:06 am

    This is an amazing idea! I am going to get this done today or tomorrow. I love it. I love it. I love it!

    Reply
  26. Beth says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:57 am

    W0w this is such a great idea!!

    Reply
  27. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:52 am

    This is awesome girl!

    Reply
  28. Julie says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:51 am

    Fantastic idea! I’m currently dealing with trying to figure out how to inspire my young nieces and my own children to not get caught up in all these traps we got caught in. Hooray for such a great endeavor!!

    Reply
  29. Sarah for Real says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:51 am

    I SO want to do this! Any tips on taking the picture?

    Reply
    • Heather says

      August 25, 2010 at 8:54 am

      Well, I had Nate take mine with all of our camera equipment, but definitely do it outside in natural light! brings out the glow even more ๐Ÿ™‚ you could do a self-timer, have someone else take it for you, or just snap a self portrait ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Heather says

        August 25, 2010 at 8:55 am

        also try not to use flash if you can and keep the background simple!

        Reply
  30. Matt says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:43 am

    Great idea! Maybe I will do this ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Heather says

      August 25, 2010 at 8:46 am

      You totally should…boys need to know they’re awesome too!

      Reply
  31. Maria says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:41 am

    You are amazing! I love this idea!

    Reply
  32. Amber@momsgottheruns says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:34 am

    What a fantastic idea! I can’t wait to check out the website!

    Reply
  33. spokesnoats says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:33 am

    As I sit here and ponder this fabulous idea and the prospect of myself perhaps submitting a photo it’s easier to imagine working up the courage to send in a photo, but a whole other prospect to envision coming up with things you like about your own face in all its “nude” glory. I can’t wait ’til this takes off. I look forward to being inspired.

    Reply
  34. Shanna, like Banana says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:23 am

    I’m very intrigued by this and think I may do it!

    Reply
  35. Lisa says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:13 am

    What a beautiful idea Heather! xoxox

    Reply
  36. Katie says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:02 am

    This is a beautiful idea… I haven’t showered yet today (haa) so after I do and before I put on any mascara or touch my hair, I’m going to have my mom take a picture. I’ll try to get her to get on board too. SUCH a great idea.

    Reply
  37. Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:00 am

    YOU ROCK!

    This is amazing!!! Love it and am going to check out the website now!!

    Great job Heather!!

    Reply
  38. The Wife of a Dairyman says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:56 am

    What a great idea! I have a feeling you’re about to become very busy:)

    Reply
  39. Krista (kristastes) says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:51 am

    I love this idea, I’ll write up my post for you soon! I get so annoyed with ads of crazy thin/airbrushed women that set an ‘ideal’ no woman will be able to reach in a healthy way. Makeup-free days are always nice too — makes my morning routine snappy ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  40. Sophie @ yumventures says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:50 am

    This is WONDERFUL!!!

    Reply
  41. tropicaleats says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:46 am

    this is so neat! Great idea ๐Ÿ™‚ you are beautiful!

    Reply
  42. Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:45 am

    It’s so great that you are doing this! I’m going to try to send a photo soon ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  43. Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:42 am

    What a great idea! Wishing it all the success that I’m sure it will have. I literally just whipped out my camera ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  44. Amy @ Second City Randomness says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:37 am

    Love that you’re doing this. And I’m totally down. Look for an email soon. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  45. Anne @ a daily slice says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:37 am

    I love this. I’m totally participating ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  46. Healthy_Heather says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:34 am

    hugs to you and a high five as well. I will most def submit a photo. I stopped wearing makeup recently for this very reason – I honestly think I look better without it!

    Reply
  47. KeepItSweet says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:23 am

    what an incredible thing!

    Reply
  48. Noelle says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:19 am

    This is such a beautiful idea Heather. What an inspiration and truly one to make us think of our worth. I am signing up!

    Reply
  49. Jackie (Peaces of Earth) says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:15 am

    AMAZING! I absolutely love this idea!!! I think this will touch so many people’s hearts and help them see their own beauty. Love, love, love.

    Reply
  50. steff (steffsays) says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:14 am

    i love this idea! be expecting an email from me later. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  51. Tina says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:06 am

    Without a doubt I am in! I still have to get my 500 words written and to you. I’m working on it. And I love what you’re doing here.

    Reply
  52. LiveForTheRun says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:05 am

    Be still my beating heart. How terrific. I’m behind you 100% happy to spread the good word.

    I love this!! Wow, you were really up to something!

    Reply
  53. Nic says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:59 am

    This is an amazing idea. I can’t wait to check out the new site and see all the beautiful, natural, real people! Thank you!

    Reply
  54. Christie {Honoring Health} says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:56 am

    LOVE IT!

    I will be submitting very soon.

    Reply
  55. Estela @ Weekly Bite says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:56 am

    I LOVE this idea Heather! I’ll be submitting a photo very soon!!

    Reply
  56. Anna says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:53 am

    So cool!!!! Love, love, love this idea, Heather!!

    Reply
  57. Salah says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:50 am

    you bet your behind that I’m going to email you a photo!!! LOVE THIS HEATHER!!!!!!! You are amazing ๐Ÿ™‚ love you big sis!

    Reply
  58. Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:47 am

    This is such a cool idea! Thanks for acting on your passion. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  59. Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:40 am

    What a cool video! Of course you know I love this idea and will definitely be submitting an entry!

    I think your website will be BIG! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  60. Angela says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:37 am

    Congratulations! This is a great idea, so empowering. I know it will be a success. Thanks for putting this together!!

    Reply
  61. offeringmyownconfusion says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:34 am

    Just did a post with my fresh faced picture. This is such a wonderful idea, especially in a time when girls and women grow up with an unattainable image that somehow they are supposed to fulfill. Thank you Heather! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  62. Sarah says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:13 am

    This is a great project!

    Reply
  63. TheHealthyApron says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:13 am

    That video is ridiculous! No wonder we all have such low self-esteem! What a great idea though heather! I love all the positive body image vibes going around! Maybe if we start today, we can change for our future girls!

    Reply
  64. couchpotatoathlete says

    August 25, 2010 at 6:12 am

    Heather this is so wonderful! I will definitely send you a pic. We need to see what REAL PEOPLE look like!

    Reply
  65. Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:57 am

    So excited for you, Heather, and for this wonderful idea!!! It’s going to help so many people! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  66. Heather C says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:54 am

    Look at you go! This is awesome and I can already tell it’s going to be a great thing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  67. Tammy says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:53 am

    So…I really kinda love this! I’ll either have to find a picture or take a new one. This is really kinda meeting me where I am at in life. Post pregancy body + another pregnancy in progress. Kinda just have to accept my body and not obsess. Easier said than done but getting there!

    Reply
  68. Melissa (MyMcDonaldMeal) says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:51 am

    What an awesome idea! I’m very excited for you and can’t wait to see all the amazing posts on your new site. I’ll turn the camera around soon and shoot a picture of myself to add to your site. Best to you!!

    Reply
  69. Kara @ MyWellnest says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:50 am

    You know I’m in, I’m THIS CLOSE to being done!!!
    This is a wonderful idea ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  70. Becky says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:50 am

    This is an incredible idea! I am going to have to take some photos ๐Ÿ™‚

    Can’t wait to visit the site and see all the beautiful faces each day – love the positive energy!

    Reply
  71. Nicole @ making good choices says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:46 am

    I LOVE this! What a beautiful idea!

    Reply
  72. Jessica @ How Sweet says

    August 25, 2010 at 5:44 am

    Love, love, love! I took a picture at the gym this morn with my crackberry… didn’t come out so well and it was in the mirror…lol! Gonna try to get another tonight or tmw. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Thursday Think Links #5 | Eating Journey says:
    August 26, 2010 at 5:22 am

    […] The Announcement: would you put your photo up online with no make-up? […]

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