When we talk about a lack of inclusive representation in media, we often think about TV shows and movies where predominantly white men and women star as leads. However, it is not only mainstream media that lacks inclusivity but also other aspects of media that we often overlook—including stock photos. Whether it’s for a school project or to accompany an article we write, we are constantly relying on these free pictures. A lot of these stock photos have even become memes, because of how posed and unrepresentative they are—all featuring the standard white, smiling models. With this in mind, Canva, a graphic design tool website, has created a collection of stock photos to authentically reflect women.
Canva’s Natural Women Collection is a compilation of stock photography featuring women the way they should be—as mothers, sisters, colleagues, friends, and not as overly photoshopped models. The collection highlights the beauty in individuality and includes photographs of women who have Down Syndrome, who are cancer survivors, and who are disabled. Rather than hiding imperfections from media, Canva uses their collection to celebrate self-acceptance and the beauty in every body. The collection challenges societal perceptions and norms of beauty, giving proper representation to women of all races, body types, and walks of life.
Canva’s collection is extremely important for the future of media. With their collection free to download and use, anyone from journalists to students will be able to spread these photos and help create a new image for women in media. With the Natural Women Collection, Canva is redefining beauty as a concept that is individualistic. There is no standard image that represents beauty because it lies in the celebration of one’s unique skin.
