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My name is Mihaela Noroc, I'm a Romanian photographer who's been travelling the world for the past 4 years with my backpack and my camera, photographing everyday women and collecting their stories. My project is called The Atlas of Beauty.
My goal is to show that every woman shines like a star because beauty is diversity, and not just what we see in mass-media.
For me, the real beauty has no age, colours or trends. You can find it in Africa or in Europe, in a village or in a skyscraper, in a smile, in a gesture, in an intense gaze, in some wrinkles, or in a story. You can find it in every kind-hearted human being.
Now The Atlas of Beauty becomes a stunning book with more that 500 portraits and many interesting stories. In a time of hate and intolerance, I want to send a message about love and acceptance. I hope this book will get into many homes around the world, convincing more people that diversity is a treasure and not a trigger for conflicts and hate. We are very different but at the same time we are all part of the same family.
More info: Facebook | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Kathmandu, Nepal
Sona was celebrating Holi when I met her.
Final score:
345points
SJ_Panda_love 8 years ago
wow.. such intense eyes, she is so beautiful Amazing colors as well.
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#2
Ethiopia
She is a Muslim and her best friend, another young woman who owns this small terrace, is a Christian. While traveling in Ethiopia, in February, I admired the way Christians and Muslims get along. I saw many beautiful friendships that go beyond religion.
Final score:
320points
Lauren Kaufmann 8 years ago
I wish I could upvote a thousand and one times, not just for the beautiful face, but the story that goes with it!
Mary Klorres 1 year ago
I too agree with Lauren K. What a beautiful story! There is no reason why we can't get along! Her feelings toward her Christian friend really makes her MORE BEAUTIFUL!
Terry BoylanCollingridge 1 year ago
I’m a retired Canadian soldier and you don’t hear enough about places like this. Thiss be more contagious than hate and racism. There is a great deal of beauty in this.
JoAnne Klein 8 years ago
To quote the words of the late Rodney King: "Can't we all just get along?"
#3
Baku, Azerbaijan
In a society dominated by men, where many women are still afraid to be photographed without asking permission from their husbands, things are changing.
There are more and more Azerbaijani women who fight for gender equality and although they are now a minority, I'm sure they will soon be a majority.
Fidan is one of these amazing women who would never start a relationship, if she wouldn't be treated equally and respected.
Final score:
286points
Sheila Voigt 1 month ago
Traveling to Azerbaijan next year. Looking forward to meeting many local women and listening to their sto
Piotr Górski 8 years ago
I hope my wife will not read it ; ) This is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. This picture is amazing. I have no words.
#4
Tehran, Iran
Mahsa is a graphic designer and is proud of the fact that from the time she turned eighteen, she has been financially independent.
Final score:
273points
Jennifer Sandlin 1 year ago
That's not an easy feat in any country! Many kudos to you, lovely!
Peer Chowdhury 8 years ago
Mahsa is the name of a very solvent beautiful girl who lives in Iran.
Isabel Tamayo 8 years ago
I hope I'll be as pretty and financially independent as you are... It's still a fantasy.
#5
Amazon Rainforest
She was wearing her wedding outfit.
Final score:
272points
lazyis hardwork 6 years ago
she is absolutely stunning. If only we could meet with so many more people from much less common places
#6
Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan
She was working in the field in one of the most remote places of the world.
Final score:
262points
#7
Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Maria was selling vegetables in the market of a small village.
Final score:
260points
Tena Hughes 8 years ago
Those eyes look like they've seen a lot, I bet she has some stories to tell.
Anita Trenner 8 years ago
Could her eyes be any bluer? I hope I look half that good when I'm her age.
Alusair Alustriel 8 years ago
Thew longer you look at her, the more beautiful she becomes, as if reminiscents of her youth reveal themselves more and more with each second.
lindsayaotter 8 years ago
I love this picture! So much to say in her eyes, her face and hands.
#8
Kathmandu, Nepal
She was walking with her son. She didn’t speak English, but he did. So I told him I wanted to photograph his mother. And he asked me why. 'Because she’s beautiful.' He proudly smiled and looked at his mother. 'Yes, she is.'
Final score:
260points
Miroslav Stoyanov 8 years ago
This is the best one of the pictures in this project! I have stared in it for an hour, It's just so stunning! Great capture!
#9
Pokhara, Nepal
It was a Sunday in 2015 and just like every weekend, many people from Pokhara, Nepal were spending their time around the splendid Phewa lake.
Final score:
252points
Raptorex 8 years ago
Then a Earthquake struck and Everything were in ruins, SERIOUSLY, There was a Earthquake in Nepal in 2015, of Magnitude 7.4. Don't Downvote me Please 😓
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#10
Idomeni Refugee Camp, Greece
This mother and her daughters fled the war in Syria.
Final score:
244points
Allana Rose 8 years ago
Looking in their eyes, you know they have endured many hardships and sorrow. Very powerful photo.
Dave’s Diverse Topics 1 year ago
syrian beauties,im wondering biblical faces if were same with them
#11
Nampan, Myanmar
I met this lovely lady at a local market.
Final score:
237points
#12
Bucharest, Romania
In 2005 Magda experienced a terrible car accident, as a passenger. In most parts of the world, people in wheelchairs are condemned to isolation by authorities. While traveling around the planet I visited tens of countries where you don’t see them at all, in public areas. Why? Because in all those places, leaving your home in a wheelchair is almost an impossible mission due to that lack of infrastructure. But Magda wants to change the way people in wheelchairs are treated, at least in her country, through some amazing initiatives.
Final score:
227points
Hayley Lightcap 8 years ago
I don't understand why people are disli...ooooh lmao
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#13
Reykjavik, Iceland
Thorunn brings Icelandic women together via a popular online community.
Final score:
226points
Sher Ho 8 years ago
Wow just seeing this photo and Reykjavic, Iceland makes me want to go back again.. was just there early September 2017.
lazyis hardwork 6 years ago
I would absolutely amaze her. I love the cold and I could get around in just a t-shirt all day, meanwhile she looks like she's about to duck inside and grab another jacket. I love the cold, the heat is so all encompassing, tiring and draining. The cold is energizing
#14
Korolyov, Russia
Nastya takes passport photos in this little shop, but her dream is to take landscape photos around the world.
Final score:
226points
moonsong23 8 years ago
She's so beautiful! Such stunning eyes, beautiful hair, and clear skin!
#15
Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Her tribe is called the Daasanach. With the high temperatures here, nudity is not unusual.
Final score:
219points
Marnee DeRider 8 years ago
I would kill for those cheeckbones. See the look in her eye? Looks like she can know everything about you in a glance!
#16
Lisbon, Portugal
Daniela is from Lisbon, Portugal and has Angolan origins. It’s lovely to walk on the streets of this gorgeous city and see so many diverse people living in harmony.
Final score:
218points
Beverly Palmacci 8 years ago
Absolutely! As could many others shown here.
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Marie Markesteyn 1 year ago
Very beautiful, yes she would be a great model with those features.
#17
Havana, Cuba
An actress? A model? No, she wishes only to finish her studies and become a nurse.
Final score:
211points
#18
Pushkar, India
While traveling from country to country, I was happy to see that women have joined public forces all over the world.
Final score:
210points
c Vanwalleghem 8 years ago
Finally, many things still have to change for women rights in India, one step in the right direction
#19
Berlin, Germany
Anais has a Malian mother and a French father and feels both African and European.
Final score:
210points
John Spitz 8 years ago
A half African and half French person representing Germany? This is getting weird.
Deneille Smith 8 years ago
"Feels" African and European ? She either is an French-African or she is not? She is either German or a French-African or not........ Feels like I am the wind and the rain .....
Christina Ciccarelli 8 years ago
I was appreciating all these beautiful pictures and beautiful women, until I came to this one. Why was it not possible to represent traditional German beauty as you did with all the other countries of the world?
anarkzie 8 years ago
Because the point of the project is that the photographer took pictures of beautiful women she met while travelling around the world, this particular woman she met in Germany, hence it says Berlin, Germany because that's were she met her. If you want to start your own "Traditional Beauty" project which is not what this is then go do it, but stop your stupid moaning.
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#20
Zürich, Switzerland
Patricia and Rebecca, from Switzerland, are sisters. There’s only one-year difference between them. "When we were small, most of the kids laughed at our red hair. But that brought us closer to each other.” Years have passed and I noticed them in Zürich Central Station, two days ago. There was something magical about them.
Final score:
208points
Jolene Horner 8 years ago
I will never understand people's weirdness with red hair, I would love to have hair that beautiful, natural color! Rock on girls!
#21
Belgian With Polish Origins
Ania dreams to compete in the Paralympic Games.
Final score:
196points
Shauday Smith 8 years ago
i've always liked the simple look and design of these kinds of prosthetics from an aesthetic point of view.
#22
Tibetan Plateau
Among the most graceful women I encountered, this Tibetan mother of two in a rural village looked like this the moment she opened her door to me; she had been cleaning her house, and yet she was wearing her jewelry.
Final score:
194points
#23
Timisoara, Romania
Alice was celebrating her high school graduation.
Final score:
186points
lazyis hardwork 6 years ago
I need to go to Romania. Just to meet her once in real life before I die would be a much more satisfying death
#24
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
She's wearing a deel, which is a traditional outfit commonly seen in Mongolia.
Final score:
182points
#25
Syria
I met this young Yazidi girl from Syria in a refugee camp from the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. Hasa was feeling fortunate that she’s alive and has the chance to study. Unfortunately she lost six of her small cousins when Isis attacked her village in Syria.
Final score:
180points
Kristen Hdz 8 years ago
We mourn with you. Please know that many people, in many nations, suffer for knowing the pain your people have endured.
Beverly Palmacci 8 years ago
How sad that people have to experience such sadness and loss due to man's inhumanity to man. Fortunately she is using her loss to strengthen her resolve.
lazyis hardwork 6 years ago
I wish there was more we could do Yazidi. Stay safe, stay alert, please, please be well and safe
#26
Kathmandu, Nepal
We live in a beautiful world and diversity is one of our greatest gifts. In the same time, this world became much more intolerant towards diversity, in the last years. But don't lose hope! I've seen with my own eyes during my travels that there's much more kindness in this world, than hate. We just have to notice it, share it with others and make this world a better place for our children.
Final score:
170points
#27
Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Many women of the world carry great burdens every day, either literally or figuratively. And they do it, like this lovely woman, with so much tenderness and positivity. I met her in January, in Chichicastenango, a small town from Guatemala.
Final score:
169points
#28
Paris, France
Imane has African and European origins and dreams to open an art gallery for artists from all over the world.
Final score:
166points
AnnieLaurie Burke 8 years ago
That gorgeous hair and those awesome freckles -- she definitely is a work of art!
#29
Milan, Italy
The daughter, Caterina, is a ballerina and her biggest supporter is her mother, Barbara.
Final score:
165points
Daddy’s Girl 1 year ago
Apparently it’s been six years since these photographs and I hope Caterina is filling her dream around the world.
#30
Guatemala
A beautiful family dressed in stunning outfits made by the mother.
Final score:
165points
William Wenzel 8 years ago
Difficult to look good in tough neighborhood like Guatemala, they have done it.
#31
Tbilisi, Georgia
Natia, from Tbilisi, Georgia, studies Law and wishes to become a criminalist. She told me that her dream is to work for the FBI someday. In the meantime she already gained a scholarship and works in this coffee shop for a living.
Final score:
152points
Leylah Eljammal 8 years ago
I've been to Tbilisi and this is a common goal for many people. Every one of them I've met strives hard to achieve it!
#32
Istanbul, Turkey
Pinar is a theater actress. While she loves playing different roles on stage, in real life, she adores being herself, natural and free.
Final score:
148points
Kristen Hdz 8 years ago
Thank you for not limiting the definition of beauty to "lithe, thin, wispy creatures." Women like us are also beautiful.
#33
Cuenca, Ecuador
A moment of tenderness at the food market.
Final score:
148points
Jennifer .S 8 years ago
You have said this on every single photo containing an older woman! If her age is really blocking her beauty then imagine her without her wrinkles. This post is about beauty, from all ages.
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#34
Berlin, Germany
This German young woman travels as much as she can. Her loved ones are spread all over the world and she is still searching for a place where she would love to live.
Final score:
147points
Arindita Das 8 years ago
We belong to the same tribe girl..surely we will find out a space for us! Bless you!
Mary Lovill 8 years ago
I think the ratio of women who the media would cast and present as beautiful are in the majority in your work..although they are beautiful pictures, you’ve lost your way trying to make your point...
Jan Stephens 8 years ago
Srsly? There are women in wheelchairs, in uniform, with prosthetics, grannies or those with extremely weathered skin, dark skin. I think YOU lost your point
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#35
Idomeni, Greece
I met this brave mother of three children last year in Idomeni Refugee Camp from Greece. She escaped from her hometown in Iraq, which was under ISIS’s control. She traveled a long road to Europe with her children, spending all her savings, in hope of a safer life.
Final score:
144points
Kristen Hdz 8 years ago
I feel so helpless in the face of such great suffering. I just want to send my love to them. I wish I could help them more, materially, but I am impotent in the face of such need. :'(
Deneille Smith 8 years ago
Islamic Isis is just destroying lives in the name of religion everywhere, over 53 countries have suffered at their hands !
John Spitz 8 years ago
This is the second photo of a Syrian refugee in Greece. People want to see someone who is actually Greek.
Okido 8 years ago
The women were photographed IN different countries, that doesn’t mean they have to be FROM that country.
Load More Replies... #36
Jodhpur, India
While traveling in India, almost two years ago, I noticed that trains are the country’s vital circulatory system. They transport more than twenty million people every day. Just imagine twenty million fascinating stories! I wanted to hear hers but the train left after a few seconds from Jodhpur Station.
Final score:
133points
Asha D'Souza 8 years ago
india is no more a terrible country for women than any part of the world. Yes, women are still fighting for their rights but very good strides have been made by them in all fields. Please don't demonize it unnecessarily. Trump and Weinstein and so many other sexual assault cases have happened in the West too.
Janilson B. Jan 8 years ago
for me a Brazilian is easy find woman with beauty like if was from diference part of the world.
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What do you think ?
Mimis Nachbarin 8 years ago
Very beautiful women and pictures. But how exactly does that change our way to see beauty?
Lillukka79 8 years ago
My thought exactly. Why go to different countries and take pictures of the women who best fit the western beauty standards.
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Karien Throughthewood 8 years ago
What if you photographed 60 average looking people ? This women are alle above average..
Angela Yee 8 years ago
Yeah, I was thinking the same. I was hoping this would show more actually average-looking women, especially for the young adult women as majority of them looked like they were chosen for looking like fashion models with makeup and flawless features. Or are they Photoshopped? I don't know, but it still feels like it's trying to cater a bit much to the more vain western audience obsessed with the fantasy of "exotic beauty" ideal. I even would have preferred if it didn't focus so much on female beauty exclusively, but also add in males to not make it feel so segregated or single us out as "we must be obsessed with beauty and modeling all the time, men don't need to worry at all, they can enjoy looking at us whatever". Plus it didn't tell most of their stories, only a few, so it feels incomplete. >.<
Load More Replies...
Aikaterini Latta 8 years ago
Sorry,but Greece-Hellas is not represented from refugees.It shouldn t be.
Evan Vrysoulis 8 years ago
Also, I wanted to add that the Afghani lady which is clearly from the Kalash tribe which have Greek links are not representative of Afghan women.
Load More Replies... Hayley Lightcap 8 years ago
I appreciate learning their stories but it doesn't really change any beauty standards. I do like that it's helping the stereotype that attractive people are stupid so that's something.
Andrew Cas 8 years ago
So you think these women are dumb because there healthy! Just because you like fat people it doesn't mean the majority has to like fat people you facist femenist pig!
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Little Menace 8 years ago
I really hate stuff like this. Of course we see beauty all around the world, if all you photograph is beautiful women. Duh. How about photographing any woman of any age and looks. Now that would be challenging.
Aleksandra Kertić 8 years ago
Fascinating pictures and stories! Either way it makes me think deeper thoughts.
Mimis Nachbarin 8 years ago
Very beautiful women and pictures. But how exactly does that change our way to see beauty?
Lillukka79 8 years ago
My thought exactly. Why go to different countries and take pictures of the women who best fit the western beauty standards.
Load More Replies... Karien Throughthewood 8 years ago
What if you photographed 60 average looking people ? This women are alle above average..
Angela Yee 8 years ago
Yeah, I was thinking the same. I was hoping this would show more actually average-looking women, especially for the young adult women as majority of them looked like they were chosen for looking like fashion models with makeup and flawless features. Or are they Photoshopped? I don't know, but it still feels like it's trying to cater a bit much to the more vain western audience obsessed with the fantasy of "exotic beauty" ideal. I even would have preferred if it didn't focus so much on female beauty exclusively, but also add in males to not make it feel so segregated or single us out as "we must be obsessed with beauty and modeling all the time, men don't need to worry at all, they can enjoy looking at us whatever". Plus it didn't tell most of their stories, only a few, so it feels incomplete. >.<
Load More Replies... Aikaterini Latta 8 years ago
Sorry,but Greece-Hellas is not represented from refugees.It shouldn t be.
Evan Vrysoulis 8 years ago
Also, I wanted to add that the Afghani lady which is clearly from the Kalash tribe which have Greek links are not representative of Afghan women.
Load More Replies... Hayley Lightcap 8 years ago
I appreciate learning their stories but it doesn't really change any beauty standards. I do like that it's helping the stereotype that attractive people are stupid so that's something.
Andrew Cas 8 years ago
So you think these women are dumb because there healthy! Just because you like fat people it doesn't mean the majority has to like fat people you facist femenist pig!
Load More Replies... Little Menace 8 years ago
I really hate stuff like this. Of course we see beauty all around the world, if all you photograph is beautiful women. Duh. How about photographing any woman of any age and looks. Now that would be challenging.
Aleksandra Kertić 8 years ago
Fascinating pictures and stories! Either way it makes me think deeper thoughts.
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