When hairstylist and makeup artist, LaChanda Gatson approached Kahran Bethencourt, owner of CreativeSoul Photography, about creating a photo series with African-American girls dressed up as (totally glam) popular princesses, she was immediately on board. Their goal with was series was “to inspire more girls around the world to start seeing themselves as regal princesses.”
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LaChanda says, “The idea [for the series] was developed early on in childhood from the consistent lack of representation of black children in mostly all forms of media where children play a significant part. Even though I loved watching and reading fairytales and fantasy, I would often reimagine these characters more relatable to me and my culture. Since completing the project, it has blown up on social media. Everyone loves seeing LaChanda’s take on these classic princesses.
We love them, too. So, we went ahead and found 10 pictures for you to enjoy. While none of the pictures are technically depicting Disney princesses (you know, for trademark reasons), we added our own interpretation of who they could be representing.
1. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
2. Cinderella (Cinderella)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
3. Rapunzel (Tangled)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
4. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
5. Elsa (Frozen)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
7. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
8. Moana (Moana)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
9. Anna (Frozen)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
10. Snow White (Snow White)
LaChanda Gaston & CreativeSoul Photography
LaChanda says, ” I hope this series is just the beginning of endless opportunities of inclusion and more black creativity in fantasy. Let’s continue to have a conversation and understand that our children matter too.”
Love the pictures? You can purchase them here.
You can see more of LaChanda’s work on her Facebook and Instagram pages, and you can contact her at lachandagatson@yahoo.com
You can see more photos from CreativeSoul Photography on their Facebook and Instagram pages and their Website
Remember to share this gorgeous photo series with your friends, too!
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