Southern Illinois women face their flaws and 'Feel Beautiful'

Being a woman in the Western world means that our beauty — or lack thereof — is valued above just about everything else. Especially because most of us don't fit into the narrow parameters that define that beauty.

Jenn Fortune, a photographer based in Marion, and the 20 Southern Illinois women who modeled for her "Feel Beautiful, Know Your Beauty" photography project, are hoping to spread body positivity and acceptance in all shapes, sizes, ages and races.

Fortune hosted an exhibit opening at her studio in the Star Centre Mall this past Thursday, where she displayed her 1950s-inspired pin-up photos. Read Alee Quick's story in the Southern Illinoian.