Introduction: Beautiful Black Queen

Photography by Alisha Camille

Artistry by Shellsink

I am big on pictures and capturing every magical moment of my life. Those moments turn into memories that take you back in time to the feeling you had that very moment the camera clicked. Those happy thoughts, that just put a smile on your face. Not only do you get drawn back to those feelings, but the picture itself speaks a million words. The theme, the message and the meaning stands out like a light shining in a dark tunnel.

My friends and family know I love taking pictures, especially mommy and me pictures with my daughter, Zanai. A lot of time and preparation goes into my photo shoots. I plan every detail; themes, color coordination, props and even down to the different poses. The one thing I had never done was a professional photo shoot for myself. For years and years, I said I’ll do an alter ego photo shoot but I just never got around to doing it.

A few months ago, as I thought of what I should do for my upcoming 30th birthday, the photo shoot popped up in my mind. 30 is a big milestone in life, so why not remember it with some bomb ass pictures! The only problem was I didn’t have a real theme. I was turning 30 but how could I let that message come through in a picture? I thought and thought but couldn’t come up with any good ideas.

A few days later as I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw photos of a woman with the biggest afro you ever want to see covered in nothing but body paint that read “Get you a natural.” If that wasn’t a statement or a powerful message I don’t know what was.  She said not a word but her confidence and message shined through her pictures. Right then, I made up my mind to do a body paint photo shoot, but then I thought to myself “what is my message?”

As I expressed in my bio, my 20’s were my personal continuous journey of self-love. I grew to not only love my body but understand my worth. My journey was about how I viewed myself through my big brown eyes and how I let that reflect in my endeavors, decisions, words and actions. It also inspired me to set boundaries, which taught others how to love and treat me.

As I moved further and further in my journey, I started to see how my love for myself improved other areas of my life. It led me to put my mental and physical well-being first. It inspired me to not stay in an unhealthy relationship; further my education by going to graduate school; be open to a new career path; start a nonprofit that encourages my young sisters to love themselves, culture and each other; and most of all, it inspired me to continuously encourage my daughter to love the beautiful black princess she is inside and out.

So, there you have it! These photos are about how I view myself. My journey to Self-love. My struggle to show society who I really am; not your angry black woman, not your mammy and not your jezebel, but royalty that I inherited from my ancestors. The appreciation for my dark skin, beautiful face, beautiful body and beautiful heart that God has bestowed upon me. I share these pictures in hopes that you see me, that you see yourself and you see each other.