Social Media Influencer Reveals Relatable Truth Behind Flawless Instagram Photos

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Many of us can relate to scrolling through the Instagram profile of a social media influencer and feeling envious of their “perfect” life. But the truth is, there are many hours of hard work, and sometimes entire teams of people, behind these online personas. In a bid to shed light on what it’s really like to capture “flawless” pictures, Amsterdam-based vlogger Rianne Meijer shares a series of side-by-side shots that reveal that it’s not just a quick snapshot—it's all about finding the perfect angle, great lighting, and choosing the right filter.

Meijer is no doubt beautiful and stylish, but her series of hilarious “Instagram vs reality” pictures reveal that—just like everyone else—she’s prone to an unflattering photo. From being captured mid-yawn to squinting due to the sun in her face, her pictures are totally relatable and remind us that we’re all human. “I decided to share them because it felt unfair to only show the ‘perfect’ pictures. And I figured it might help some people to feel better about themselves,” Meijer told My Modern Met. “Hopefully when people see perfect pictures of beautiful girls and start to feel insecure, they think about these posts I did and remember that those pics are almost never as perfect as they seem. And of course I wanted to give people a laugh.”

Scroll down to check out Meijer’s revealing side-by-side images. For even more of her daily updates, you can follow her on Instagram and YouTube.

Vlogger Rianne Meijer shares a series of side-by-side shots that reveal the truth behind those “perfect” Instagram photos.

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Her hilarious Instagram vs reality pictures reveal that—just like everyone else—she’s prone to an unflattering photo.

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Instagram vs Reality by Social Media Influencer Rianne Meijer

Rianne Meijer: Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Rianne Meijer.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Staff Writer and Video Editor at My Modern Met. She earned a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Originally from Northern Ireland, she lived in Berlin for many years, where she fostered a career in the arts, dabbling in everything from illustration and animation to music and ceramics. She now calls Edinburgh home, where she continues to work as a writer, illustrator, and ceramicist. Her ceramics, often combined with hand-painted animation frames, capture playful scenes that celebrate freedom and movement, and blend her passion for art with storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in The Berliner Magazine as well as other print magazines and a poetry book.
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