333Kviews
14 Stunning Photos Show What Disney Princesses Would Look Like If They Were African American
It would be hard to find a little girl who's never wanted to be a Disney princess. Or any pretty princess for that matter. Unfortunately, our media is not very inclusive and the majority of famous characters in children's movies and books fit a very stiff mold that not all children can relate to. But as our society is becoming more progressive, so is the media and art. Hairstylist LaChanda Gatson decided to redefine the image of a traditional princess in a stunning photo series that showcase elegant, colorful and brave African American princesses.
Regis and Kahran, the duo behind CreativeSoul Photography, produced a series of 14 photographs showcasing princesses with "[their] own dash of style, culture and swag". Bored Panda reached out to the photographer duo and they provided a brief explanation behind the photo ideas. "The Disney character series was created by hairstylist LaChanda Gatson and child photographers CreativeSoul Photography," they explained how this project was a collaboration between creative minds.
"The goal is to inspire more girls around the world to start seeing themselves as regal princesses," the photographers explained their creative idea. We could definitely spot some similarities with the iconic Disney princesses so we decided to guess which ones these beautiful girls might represent! Although we might've been wrong in guessing which princess from the photoshoot might be related to a Disney princess, so let us know in the comments if you think otherwise! Scroll down and see the stunning photos for yourself. Or, if you like the artistic photographs so much you wish you could frame them on the wall, you can snag a print or two by clicking here.
More info: creativesoulphoto.com | Facebook | Instagram | Facebook | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
Princess Rapunzel
Princess Jasmine
The photographers also revealed that people's response has been great so far! "The social media response has been amazing with currently over 75,000 reshares on our Facebook post and several other pages," they told us.
Regis and Kahran see themselves as artists "obsessed with unique, visual storytelling". The two connected over their passion for photography and capturing precious moments. From that, their loves stemmed and the couple "fell head over heels in love with one another" and eventually it resulted in them creating CreativeSoul Photography.
They've been in the game for over 7 years now and have worked with hundreds of children, families and brands to create stunning visual tales. Their "holistic approach to capturing one-of-a-kind moments has allowed their work to be featured in Essence magazine, Munaluchi Bride, MochaKid magazine, on The Real daytime talk show, on the OWN network, and more."
Princess Tiana
Wow, I guess everyone wanted to see how an originally African American 'princess' would look like as an African American...
Princess Cinderella
Princess Pocahontas
I have this nagging question in my head, would Pocahontas wear pounds and pounds of jewelry especially if she still filled the same roll as a guide among other things? I have to say that I think not. Sure I expect the fundamental change to make the "princesses" unique individuals, but there are still too much jewelry and the crown is waayyy over the top here. Other than that, she is beautiful.
Princess Nala
Princess Elsa
Princess Moana
The dress is absolutely beautiful, and she looks regal in it, but I don't think this works for Moana. Moana was a very active princess, fighting a lot of her fights for herself. She'd barely be able to move in this dress let alone fight!
Princess Snow White
Princess Anna
Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Princess Shuri
Princess Belle
Princess Ariel
Could anyone explain to me why the title says "African American" and not simply "African"? In the introduction they say: "The goal is to inspire more girls around the world..." America isn't the entire world.
The photographers are African American. Their studio is in the state of Georgia in the USA.
Load More Replies...Now think of the reaction if someone created a story line where you imagined what black characters would look like if they were white. We'd be reading about cultural appropriation and how inappropriate it is.
While what you've said does ring some truth, it's also about the fact that for so long we weren't represented. It's just nice for us to see. And both Disney films w/ black casts ( lion king and the princess & the Frog) we spend most or all of the movie as an animal rather than human. Just let us have this.
Load More Replies...Could anyone explain to me why the title says "African American" and not simply "African"? In the introduction they say: "The goal is to inspire more girls around the world..." America isn't the entire world.
The photographers are African American. Their studio is in the state of Georgia in the USA.
Load More Replies...Now think of the reaction if someone created a story line where you imagined what black characters would look like if they were white. We'd be reading about cultural appropriation and how inappropriate it is.
While what you've said does ring some truth, it's also about the fact that for so long we weren't represented. It's just nice for us to see. And both Disney films w/ black casts ( lion king and the princess & the Frog) we spend most or all of the movie as an animal rather than human. Just let us have this.
Load More Replies...