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People Post Photos Of Black Women From Fantasy Photoshoots And The Images Are Stunning (30 Pics)
Ethereal looks and surreal scenes have glued many fantasy photography fans to their screens. Sadly, women of color are often left out from the fantasy genre altogether.
But one woman who goes by the Twitter handle “@btsanima” decided to redeem black women in fantastical set-ups. She thus started a Twitter thread with the caption “Black women in fantasy photography thread bc even though our presence is small, I will not be deterred.” The thread immediately went viral with 69.4K retweets and comments, as well as 214.6K likes and still counting.
So let’s immerse ourselves in a series of jaw-dropping photographs with otherworldly black beauty down below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Photographer: @lillianliuphotography
Model: @theresafractale
Make-up: @ladyfreakshow
Hair: @iamdhair_stylist
Designer: @lindafriesen.couture
LillianLiu 4 years ago (edited)
Thank you Bored Panda! What an incredible honour. I am the creator of this image- and what would be amazing would be to include the credits for all of those who made these images possible! Here, we have myself (Lillian Liu), Theresa Fractale, Linda Friesen, Remy Dupont, and LadyFreakShow x.
Dominique Garnett 2 years ago
Hello, I am a new author and I have been searching for the perfect picture to use as the cover of my new book. I was wondering if you charged to use your photos and if so, how much for this one?
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Party Poison 4 years ago
holy c**p... this is the most beautiful thing i have ever set eyes upon...
Pseudo Puppy 4 years ago
divine!! <3 Everything from the depth of field, to the makeup, styling... everything is divine. <3
Marjolein Turin 4 years ago (edited)
The team :) photo: Lillian Liu Photography , model: Theresa Fractale , couture: Linda Friesen , Makeup: IG @ladyfreakshow , Hair: IG @iamdhair_stylist ^^
Khadeja Abdallah 4 years ago
This one has got to be my favorite. I can't describe how regal, poweful, and divine she looks, the gold headpiece is a beautiful touch, and the glitter (is that what it is?) coming out of her hands is ah-mazing, especially with her darker skin tones. Beautiful!
Marjolein Turin 4 years ago
For who likes to jump right to it without searching :) photo: Lillian Liu Photography , model: Theresa Fractale , couture: Linda Friesen , Makeup: IG @ladyfreakshow , Hair: IG @iamdhair_stylist ^^
Margaret Wesley 4 years ago
These are ALL wonderful! Beautiful models, clothes, colors, backgrounds!!! Fabulous!!!
Cj Randall 4 years ago
thank you for this. if you don't mind, i may try to get out of an artist's block and use it for a painting.
Zei Kiljoy 4 years ago
I thought she looks like a gorgeous D&D Celestial or a goddess in Scion: Hero who has reached top level. Absolutely breathtaking.
Aria Whitaker 4 years ago
That is a push-up bra plus a corset...not photoshop.
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RELATED:
Bored Panda reached out to the woman behind this viral Twitter thread, who wished to stay anonymous, to talk more about the presence of black women in fantasy movies. The woman, who goes by the nickname Dee, told us that she has been a fan of fantasy for many years.
“While I adore the classics (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, etc.), the lack of faces that look like mine has always made me feel a little bit out of place,” Dee said. Some time ago, she discovered a pocket of Instagram that specialized in fantasy photography and found that there was a very small presence of black women.
#4
Photographer: @agnieszka_lorek
Model: @theresafractale
Designer: @lorysunartistry
giraffescupcakesandlove 4 years ago
She is beautiful and the headpiece looks like something out of a fairytale!
#5
Photographer: @defotograafsanne
Model: @modelsensi
Make-up and costume: @candymakeupartist
#6
Photographer: @anniebertramphoto
Model: @theresafractale
Dress: @maria.heller.designs
Earrings: @vespermoth
Crown: @nomenjewelry
Recently, Dee has been getting back into photography and noticed that many photographers had at least one photoshoot with a black woman. “All of them were beautiful and moving,” and Dee decided it was a collection that had to be shared with her followers.
Dee believes that the reason why there are so little black women in the fantasy genre comes down to “people believing that black women simply aren't interested.” For example, “If you check the pages of the models who were included in the thread, some of them do not usually do this genre.”
#7
Photographer: @thewitchinghourphotography
Model: @tee.pimentel
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
Really beautiful- I love how the roses and ivy are entwining her. It makes me think of the Briar Rose fairy tale.
#8
Photographer: @anniebertramphoto
Model: @theresafractale
Dress: @feuillemorte.costumery
Halo: @mywitchery
Earrings: @vespermoth
Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
I feel like she would give me a quest and as a prize I would be able to summon a wild animal to aid me in battle.
#9
Photographer: @simplysavannahart
Model: @shiennegh
Designer: @itisknown
But as far as photography in general, Dee is convinced it is “an issue for the media industry as a whole.” Even though it has been improving over the years as more and more women of color have been making waves in the modeling industry, there’s still a long way to go.
It doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done about it. “Simply expand your portfolio beyond the usual casting, and photograph black women as well,” Dee suggests.
#10
Photographer: @josefienhoekstra
Model: @leilaaigbedion
Dress: @royalblack_couture
Make-up: @sylvia_mercera
Braids: @chierahdickson
Lights: @henselnl @hensel_visit
Isabella R.W. 4 years ago
wow, the outfit kinda reminds me of beauty and the beast for some reason.
#11
Photographer: @anniebertramphoto
Model: @theresafractale
Korset: @royalblack_couture
Make-up: @isabellakiefer_makeupandhair
#12
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
Dress: @narnia_dress
She also said a photographer has to learn how to photograph dark skin. “Please. Even in high fashion photography, mistakes are being made because people do not bother to adapt to our skin.”
Every photographer in Dee’s thread showed that it can be done, so she urges photographers to do their research and simply make the effort. “I have to emphasize that it really isn’t a big step.”
After all, all artists should be open to learning new ways to improve and expand their range.
#13
Photographer: @anniebertramphoto
Model: @theresafractale
Costume: @giulia.danese.designer
Earrings: @deadgoodjewellery
#14
Photographer: @danielamajic_
Model: @hillarywebster
Make-up and hair: @kireimakeup
#15
Photographer: @AndrewMBlake
Model: @mrsallmight
#16
Photographer: @bekkabjorke
Model: @pariscamillec
Costume: @minnieopal
Make-up: @taelorfx
Hair: @adrian_leah
#17
Photographer: @thewitchinghourphotography
Model: @tee.pimentel
Jewelry: @parrish_relics
#19
Photographer: @simplysavannahart
Model: @tiaragasper
#20
Photographer: @bellakotak
Model: @olubukola_ogunniyi
Make-up: @beautybybellamere
Headpiece: @agnieszkaosipa
#21
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
#22
Photographer: @thewitchinghourphotography
Model: @tee.pimentel
Jewelry: @parrish_relics
#23
Phptpgrapher: @newo_imagery
Model: @sherellie_ko
Plait headpiece: @elegant_curiosities
Gold duo halo: @hysteriamachine
Make-up: @ambellinauk
Background: @creativitybackgrounds
#24
Photographer: @thewitchinghourphotography
Model: @tee.rosa_
#25
Photographer: @newo_imagery
Model: @sherellie_ko
Wardrobe: @emiahcouture
Halo: @hysteriamachine
Make-up: @ambellinauk
Backdrop: @arterybackdrops
Lit by: @interfitphotouk
#26
Photographer: @newo_imagery
Model: @sherellie_ko
Halo: @ericacourtcouture
Ruff: @magdaleneceleste
Lit by: @interfitphotouk
Make-up: @ambellinauk
#28
Photographer: @bekkabjorke
Model: @ambernicotra
Make-up: @faces_bysiamia
Hair: @adrian_leah
Wardrobe: @minnieopal
Backdrop:@thebackdropstudio
#30
Photographer: @defotograafsanne
Model: @theresafractale
Designer: @starkerscorsetry
Make-up: @ashleydesignmua
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
I stopped commenting under the pics coz it was gonna get repetitive but WOW these are stunning.
Jo Choto 4 years ago
I will never understand why the fashion industry only uses one token black model in their campaigns. When you look at the beautiful diversity of skin tones and colors, of the gorgeous variety of looks that have been created here, why wouldn't you want all the ethnicities in your clothes all day long?
Zoe Stillwell-Taylor 4 years ago
They don't ONLY use black models. It's just sometimes black women and people in general feel like they aren't beautiful. Sometimes people think white women are prettier. It's like, why don't people just consider the fact that you can't have any of the colers without BLACK. Easy. Breezy. Beautiful. COLORED Girl. Bam, bam, thank u ma'am
Load More Replies...
Marika Aeon 4 years ago
C'mon somebody found anything obvious...ofc that women are beautiful doesn't mather which shade/color their skin have. Women from whole world are beautiful their own way.
Jessica 4 years ago
Yes that's very true. But this article is about women of color in a fantasy setting in the media because there is no representation of that.
Load More Replies...
Parmeisan 4 years ago
I like these. I've been making a fantasy RPG and I hope that if a publisher picks it up I will have enough influence to have some representation in the rule book and other art. There is absolutely no reason for elves and dwarves to all be white.
VeninTheNonBinaryRogue 3 years ago
Ikr? Like, 80% of all elves in most of everything are white. Which I don’t get. Black elves would be sooo awesome
Load More Replies... Party Poison 4 years ago
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't even know what to say... how could anyone be so beautiful?!? like, damn that was amazing, my eyes have been blessed.
Olivia Miller (Livie) 4 years ago (edited)
EVERYONE GO DOWN VOTE THIS F*CK HEAD! down the bottom of this artical Screen-Sho...f0-png.jpg 
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago (edited)
Olivia, BoredPanda has had a huge troll problem/spam bot problem for the last several years now. I and other people who enjoy the website for its fun articles have asked BoredPanda staff for a way to block trolls and users like this. I don't think that the comment sections should require moderation as people are entailed to freedom of speech, but some of the comments on this site are just flat out racist, homophobic, sexist and vile at times. I don't understand why BoredPanda takes the time to "censor" some of the bad language in their posts, but can't take the time to create a method for users to block trolls.
Load More Replies... 
lindsayaotter 4 years ago
We need more of these gorgeous women of color in our lives! Superhero's, fairy tales, gnomes, magical folks. Gorgeous!
Popcorn Colonel 4 years ago
All of these women are so stunning and beautiful. This was so empowering!!!
Caroline Driver 4 years ago
GORGEOUS photos. The gold and silvers against mahogany skin, so beautiful. Gonna keep my faves for my screensaver
AnnieLaurie Burke 4 years ago
Just an amazing photography collection! It shows the versatility of these models (and the talent of the designers/makeup artists), spanning the gamut from vulnerable innocence to divine majesty!
Chyppa Homer 4 years ago
So, where are the people that usually scream about cultural appropriation ?😀 The pics, and the girls are beautiful though.
Deborah Leeds 4 years ago
As fantastical beings exist in ALL cultures nothing was appropriated...WOC have played important roles in Western society.
Load More Replies...
Alana Dill 3 years ago
This is from a peacock themed bodypaint project a few years back for the San Jose Subzero Festival
Photo by Vicky Thompson
Model is Paidamoyo Janet-peac...5771f8.jpg 
Elene Rodetis-Ashe 4 years ago
Every single one of these women and their photos is exquisite! I would be honored to display any one of them in my home.
Carol Roeder 4 years ago
This was such a joy to go through. Never have I seen so many gorgeous women in one place. The photographs were exquisitely done!
Celtic Pirate Queen 4 years ago
These are stunning & some of them - absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your vision.
Julie Hanford 4 years ago
I'm always blown away by posts like this. Black women are so beautiful!
StinkyMonkey 4 years ago
So beautiful! Black people, women especially, are so underrepresented in fantasy, loved seeing this.
Great Panda Mamu 4 years ago
This is the first Bored Panda article where I have upvoted literally every entry. Gorgeous!
TheExtremeSmell 4 years ago
These are gorgeous! However I would of expected to see a little more diversity!
Jessica 4 years ago
there already isn't enough diversity in the popular media. That's what this article is kind of about, putting women of color in a fantasy setting because they don't do that in the media... do you really want diversity or do you just want to see more white women? Because women of color of any descent are not represented half as much as white women. And me personally I think half of the movies days would have been better if they did include more people with ethnic and diverse backgrounds
Load More Replies...
Lana Jig-maker 4 years ago
That's the same stuff I usually save on Pinterest lol. Yes, each one of these are great.
Sena Pasin 4 years ago
They are stunning, loved them! However, can you fix the title as "photos of women" or would you write "photos of white women/ photos of white men" if it were otherwise? Thanks!
StinkyMonkey 4 years ago
The whole point of this post is to showcase black women in a fantasy setting because black women in particular are not usually represented in fantasy. No, it wouldn't say 'white women' if it was white women because they're over represented so there's no point in emphasising that.
Load More Replies...
Jessica 4 years ago
You don't hire regular people to model in a photoshoot
Load More Replies... Parmeisan 4 years ago
Somebody noticed that 99% of fantasy art is white people and added a little diversity to the world, and they're the racists ones? If you're upset at this all-Black collection of photos you should be equally mad at the many all-white ones.
Load More Replies...
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
I stopped commenting under the pics coz it was gonna get repetitive but WOW these are stunning.
Jo Choto 4 years ago
I will never understand why the fashion industry only uses one token black model in their campaigns. When you look at the beautiful diversity of skin tones and colors, of the gorgeous variety of looks that have been created here, why wouldn't you want all the ethnicities in your clothes all day long?
Zoe Stillwell-Taylor 4 years ago
They don't ONLY use black models. It's just sometimes black women and people in general feel like they aren't beautiful. Sometimes people think white women are prettier. It's like, why don't people just consider the fact that you can't have any of the colers without BLACK. Easy. Breezy. Beautiful. COLORED Girl. Bam, bam, thank u ma'am
Load More Replies... Marika Aeon 4 years ago
C'mon somebody found anything obvious...ofc that women are beautiful doesn't mather which shade/color their skin have. Women from whole world are beautiful their own way.
Jessica 4 years ago
Yes that's very true. But this article is about women of color in a fantasy setting in the media because there is no representation of that.
Load More Replies... Parmeisan 4 years ago
I like these. I've been making a fantasy RPG and I hope that if a publisher picks it up I will have enough influence to have some representation in the rule book and other art. There is absolutely no reason for elves and dwarves to all be white.
VeninTheNonBinaryRogue 3 years ago
Ikr? Like, 80% of all elves in most of everything are white. Which I don’t get. Black elves would be sooo awesome
Load More Replies... Party Poison 4 years ago
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't even know what to say... how could anyone be so beautiful?!? like, damn that was amazing, my eyes have been blessed.
Olivia Miller (Livie) 4 years ago (edited)
EVERYONE GO DOWN VOTE THIS F*CK HEAD! down the bottom of this artical Screen-Sho...f0-png.jpg
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago (edited)
Olivia, BoredPanda has had a huge troll problem/spam bot problem for the last several years now. I and other people who enjoy the website for its fun articles have asked BoredPanda staff for a way to block trolls and users like this. I don't think that the comment sections should require moderation as people are entailed to freedom of speech, but some of the comments on this site are just flat out racist, homophobic, sexist and vile at times. I don't understand why BoredPanda takes the time to "censor" some of the bad language in their posts, but can't take the time to create a method for users to block trolls.
Load More Replies... lindsayaotter 4 years ago
We need more of these gorgeous women of color in our lives! Superhero's, fairy tales, gnomes, magical folks. Gorgeous!
Popcorn Colonel 4 years ago
All of these women are so stunning and beautiful. This was so empowering!!!
Caroline Driver 4 years ago
GORGEOUS photos. The gold and silvers against mahogany skin, so beautiful. Gonna keep my faves for my screensaver
AnnieLaurie Burke 4 years ago
Just an amazing photography collection! It shows the versatility of these models (and the talent of the designers/makeup artists), spanning the gamut from vulnerable innocence to divine majesty!
Chyppa Homer 4 years ago
So, where are the people that usually scream about cultural appropriation ?😀 The pics, and the girls are beautiful though.
Deborah Leeds 4 years ago
As fantastical beings exist in ALL cultures nothing was appropriated...WOC have played important roles in Western society.
Load More Replies... Alana Dill 3 years ago
This is from a peacock themed bodypaint project a few years back for the San Jose Subzero Festival
Photo by Vicky Thompson
Model is Paidamoyo Janet-peac...5771f8.jpg
Elene Rodetis-Ashe 4 years ago
Every single one of these women and their photos is exquisite! I would be honored to display any one of them in my home.
Carol Roeder 4 years ago
This was such a joy to go through. Never have I seen so many gorgeous women in one place. The photographs were exquisitely done!
Celtic Pirate Queen 4 years ago
These are stunning & some of them - absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your vision.
Julie Hanford 4 years ago
I'm always blown away by posts like this. Black women are so beautiful!
StinkyMonkey 4 years ago
So beautiful! Black people, women especially, are so underrepresented in fantasy, loved seeing this.
Great Panda Mamu 4 years ago
This is the first Bored Panda article where I have upvoted literally every entry. Gorgeous!
TheExtremeSmell 4 years ago
These are gorgeous! However I would of expected to see a little more diversity!
Jessica 4 years ago
there already isn't enough diversity in the popular media. That's what this article is kind of about, putting women of color in a fantasy setting because they don't do that in the media... do you really want diversity or do you just want to see more white women? Because women of color of any descent are not represented half as much as white women. And me personally I think half of the movies days would have been better if they did include more people with ethnic and diverse backgrounds
Load More Replies... Lana Jig-maker 4 years ago
That's the same stuff I usually save on Pinterest lol. Yes, each one of these are great.
Sena Pasin 4 years ago
They are stunning, loved them! However, can you fix the title as "photos of women" or would you write "photos of white women/ photos of white men" if it were otherwise? Thanks!
StinkyMonkey 4 years ago
The whole point of this post is to showcase black women in a fantasy setting because black women in particular are not usually represented in fantasy. No, it wouldn't say 'white women' if it was white women because they're over represented so there's no point in emphasising that.
Load More Replies... Jessica 4 years ago
You don't hire regular people to model in a photoshoot
Load More Replies... Parmeisan 4 years ago
Somebody noticed that 99% of fantasy art is white people and added a little diversity to the world, and they're the racists ones? If you're upset at this all-Black collection of photos you should be equally mad at the many all-white ones.
Load More Replies...
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