Behind the filter: the reality of filming
The Unfiltered Truth
As I prepare to release the Behind the Book video series, I’ve had the chance to watch the polished edits coming together. But what I haven’t shared yet is the raw, unfiltered footage I captured on my phone during the shoot. It’s not exactly flattering—and I’ll admit, it’s made me a bit self-conscious. But this discomfort is a reminder of the pressure we feel to look a certain way, and the reality that’s often hidden behind the polished images we choose to show.
The Real Behind-the-Scenes
The idea for Behind the Book came about because my homemade efforts weren’t quite cutting it—I wanted something more polished, more professional. But as I looked at the raw clips from my phone, I realised just how much we edit out the reality. The finished product will look smooth and curated, but the reality behind it? That’s far from perfect.
This footage shows a wide, unfiltered view, the in-between moments where things aren’t quite right, and, yes, a few less-than-flattering angles. I’ve hesitated to share it, but it feels important to show the truth behind what often ends up looking so perfect.
Why I’m Sharing It
I’m sharing this unpolished video because it fits so well with the broader conversation: the pressure to look perfect. We’re bombarded with ‘perfect’ images, which feel far from reality Sharing this video feels vulnerable—it’s not a version of myself that I’d usually choose to show. But that’s exactly why I’m doing it.
It’s a reminder that everything isn’t always as it seems. The perfectly polished final cut is only one version of the story. The reality behind it is just as important, if not more so.
Changing the Conversation
From the constant judgment of women’s bodies on social media to the pressure we face to present ourselves in the best possible light, these issues affect us all. The behind-the-scenes video is a real-life reflection of that: what you see on the surface isn’t always what’s happening underneath.
By sharing this vulnerable moment, I hope to encourage others to reflect on how they feel when they see the curated perfection of social media or the polished results of professional work. None of us look like that all the time—and we shouldn’t feel like we have to.
Embracing the Unpolished Moments
As I prepare to share Behind the Book videos soon, I want to keep this idea of embracing imperfection at the heart of it. If we’re constantly striving to look a certain way, we lose touch with who we really are. This unfiltered moment is a reminder that we don’t need to hide behind edited versions of ourselves. We are so much more than our size, and it's time to embrace that.
If you’re ready to explore how we can stop defining ourselves by these perfect images, sign up for early access to The Elephant in the Room and exclusive previews of Behind the Book.
