alinabertacca

Body Studies

A photography and AI-based editorial project published in POV Magazine, visualising the tension between real bodies and digitally distorted ideals. Juxtaposed portraits expose how insecurities and beauty standards are amplified through algorithmic editing.

Photography, AI-based Media & Editorial Design · Concept, Photography, Layout, Visual Narrative

Role

Concept Development · Photography · AI-based Image Editing
Editorial Layout & Typography · Visual Narrative · Post-Production

Overview

Body Studies is a photography and AI-based media project exploring how self-perception, digital beauty standards and algorithmic aesthetics shape the way people see their own bodies. The work visualises the tension between lived reality and digitally distorted ideals.

Concept & Approach

Participants were interviewed about insecurities related to their bodies. These self-perceived “flaws” were then amplified using AI-generated edits to create a second, exaggerated portrait.
I photographed each participant and developed paired image sets — “real” vs. AI-distorted — to expose how digital optimisation tools reinforce internalised expectations.
The project was designed with a minimal, documentary visual identity that foregrounds emotional nuance and contrast.

Deliverables

• Full photography series
• AI-edited portrait suite
• Editorial layout for print magazine publication
• Magazine typography, grid & visual structure
• Social teaser visuals
• Explanatory text & narrative framing
• Documentation assets

Outcome

Published in POV Magazine (Issue #2, 2023)
Used in discussions about body dysmorphia, beauty culture and the influence of AI on self-perception

Statement

Body Studies makes visible how digital tools amplify insecurities — revealing the space between authentic bodies, self-perception and algorithmically shaped ideals.

Alina Bertacca _ Body Studies Download

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