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.
Beautiful picture. Great form of expression. You are who you are and your fans appreciate you being this amazing confident Queen. Can’t wait to read more.
– Can we talk
Beautiful cousin, wonderful work.may God continue to guide you on your journey of life.
I am so excited to follow your journey through this blog!
Wow, Alyna what beautiful words. So eloquently written, your self Love poured through?
This is so needed. To hear this coming from a true black queen is simple amazing. The fact that you are empowering your daughter to embrace her beauty is refreshing and timely done. It is a missing component in our culture with the rise of social media and its depiction of what beauty is. So keep it up because you are needed in this world. Let it be heard! Great job.
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Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!
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WordPress is a great platform and you do not have to know coding. You can also use drag and drop sites like go daddy or square space or wix. There are so many option.
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Thank you. If you want to reach me please fill out the contact form on the contact me page.
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Thank you so much. I appreciate the support. Good luck when you start yours. Be sure to share it with me when it is up and running. We can possibly do a collaboration on a piece.
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Thank you my love <3
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Thank you so much for the comment. Ironically I honestly, do not follow any bloggers, so I will not be able to help you in that department. I will start posting more frequently so tell me topics you would like to read about.