Since our very first photo shoot 20 years ago, we have always included BIPOC. It represents our values. We never discussed it, that’s all we did. It’s not a “strategy”, it’s just what we did. (And, Hajah, below, isn’t actually a client, he’s worked with us for years.)
It’s a white-owned business. We are not perfect. We will not pretend. We are open. We always listen. In the past and now. We have always believed that black lives matter. This does not mean that we are not aware of implicit bias, and that we were not born and raised in a racist society so we still work. We are here. We will not stop the fight. Our mother’s heart aches for the millions of black mothers who have lost their children to police terror, our failed justice system, the prison industrial complex and more. This is a movement and we stand firm in it, and move forward.
Models
This photo is from a later shoot, there may be a disc somewhere with these photos. The one below was maybe 15 years ago?. I don’t remember his name. I know he’s cute, right? And he is a client.
Here are some of the other beautiful black women who have modeled for us since then. (And, some of these classic styles are still carried over. Good things never get bad, or old.)
I think the model/client above is named Keisha. Her baby is probably over ten now. I remember he delivered early—while at a wedding in Florida!
And this beautiful lady below is definitely NOT pregnant! He is my “nephew” who lived with us for a year between college and getting his Masters. He accompanies me on a photo shoot as an extra set of hands. When a model doesn’t make it, guess who the game is? We are lucky. She is a smart strong young woman. and I am the only proud “auntie”.
Black is beautiful. Nothing to say.
