This Latina model showed up unfiltered, and changed how I see beauty forever
So, back in 2018, I took a trip to the vibrant streets of Miami. The city, with its sun-kissed beaches and diverse culture, was the perfect backdrop for my mission: capturing the beauty of women in their most natural form. One of the most unforgettable shoots from that trip was with the stunning Gabriela. Her Latina curves, cellulite, and hip dips were, and still are, some of my favorite features to capture through the lens.
Gabriela’s confidence in her natural beauty radiated throughout the entire session. It was a reminder that the idea of beauty isn’t about perfection, but about embracing the raw and real aspects of who we are. Her cellulite? It’s part of her story. Her hip dips? They make her uniquely her. Nothing is better than capturing the beauty of a natural woman. It’s these traits that define true beauty, and for too long, the world has been focused on altering or hiding them.
Empowering black and white photo of Gabriela embracing her body with visible cellulite and curves
Cellulite, for instance, is something nearly 90% of women have , and yet it's still stigmatized by mainstream beauty standards. Sites like Healthline offer insightful articles that help break down these myths. We need to stop trying to “fix” what makes us unique and start celebrating it.
Gabriela’s hip dips are another feature that many women have but often feel pressured to alter through workouts or surgery. It's so important to recognize that bodies are meant to have these natural curves and dips. If you’ve ever wondered how common hip dips are, Refinery29 has a great piece on why we should stop obsessing over these natural features.
This shoot reaffirmed for me why I love photographing women in their most authentic state—without heavy makeup, editing, or artificial enhancements. There’s something liberating about allowing a woman to be seen exactly as she is. To capture that on camera is an honor.
It’s time we redefine what beauty looks like. Real bodies have curves, cellulite, and dips. Real women, like Gabriela, are redefining beauty by celebrating themselves just as they are. If you ever feel like you need to hide your natural beauty, remember that the camera—and the world—is ready to embrace it.
Let's stop hiding. Let's celebrate.
