A photographer is trying to change the way the world sees female bodies by taking pictures of 'real' women for a book.

Emily Lauren of Emily Lauren Photography, from Ontario, Canada, has photographed more than 40 ordinary women in their underwear to promote body positivity.

'Instead of focusing on what women need to do to "improve" their bodies, I want to prove that we are beautiful the way we are,' she said.

The photographs will be featured in her book 'Average Girl: A Guide to Loving Your Body,' which she has written but is raising funds to publish through a Kickstarter campaign.

The mother-of-one has continued to photograph women of all shapes and sizes while working as a marketing manager.
'This book is a must have for any girl who feels their body doesn't quite fit into society's standards,' she added.

Emily, who has a degree in Women's Studies and Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University, started the project three years ago in a bid to create something that would help young women manage their body image issues.

'I’ve completed a beautiful manuscript that focuses on how we learn about body image, how the media profits off of our body dissatisfaction and the issues that result,' Emily wrote in a post on her Kickstarter page.

As well as photographs, Emily says her book includes interviews, information and work sheets for young women to complete.

'The fact is that we need young girls to learn about how their body image is linked to things like eating disorders, bullying and sexual harassment so that they can protect themselves and build up their self esteem.

'We need to teach them about kindness towards ourselves and others.'

She added: 'This book is more will be more than just a photography book. It’s a guide, a voice and a creative tool that teaches confidence and self-acceptance. '