My insecurities
By Rori-Tai Williams
I chose to photograph the parts of my body that disgust me the most, under beautiful lighting, in hopes of creating images that would boost my self-confidence. I needed a visual representation of how beautiful these parts of my body could actually be, in order to allow myself to appreciate what the creator gave me.
In 2007, I developed a serious case of hirsutism, a condition where women have excess facial and body hair that is dark and coarse. By 2009, my chin and neck resembled that of an old, extremely dark-skinned man. I also had scabs, sores and ingrown hairs. Needless to say, I was completely embarrassed by this hideous mask that covered the lower half of my face. I didn’t date and rarely went out in public with my friends.
After many visits with my dermatologist, gynecologist and another specialist, I was diagnosed with PCOS, or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, which causes many women to suffer from hirsutism. Although I was able to get treatment for the PCOS, the facial hair would not go away. Laser hair removal was my only option.
In April 2010 I had my first of nine treatments. As of April 30, 2011, over one year and $1000 later, LOOK AT ME NOW!
I have always hated my big thunder thighs and bubble gut, but once I saw this image in sepia, I quickly changed my mind. I chose this image not only because it actually makes my lower torso look interesting, but I also enjoy the ambiguity that this point of view angle adds. It takes a minute to realize that’s not my elbow.
