Baroque-Inspired Portraits Celebrate the Beauty of Black Girls’ Natural Hair

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

Atlanta-based CreativeSoul Photo brought an inspiring artistic vision to life that highlights the beauty of black girls and their natural hair. Regis and Kahran are the husband and wife duo behind the photography studio, and their series Afro Art represents their expertise in capturing portraits as well as visual storytelling. The striking images feature young girls in elaborate costuming and hairstyles, from a Baroque-era aesthetic to steampunk clothing to fierce high-fashion ensembles.

The portraits of girls featured in Afro Art are stylish and carry themselves with confidence and grace. The feelings evoked from the series speak to the larger idea surrounding it. “We feel that it is so important for kids of color to be able to see positive images that look like them in the media,” Kahran told My Modern Met in an email. “Unfortunately the lack of diversity often plays into the stereotypes that they are not ‘good enough’ and often forces kids to have low self-esteem.”

To help combat these negative feelings, the couple showcases kids who love how they look. “We hope that viewers will see the beauty and versatility of afro hair,” Kahran explains, “and we hope that girls around the world will be inspired to love their unique differences and beauty within.”

Afro Art came together from CreativeSoul Photo’s travels. “We worked on these series in various states in the US (New York, California, Texas, Georgia). In each state, we created a different theme and came up with clothing pieces and accessories that went with that theme.” Although meticulous in preparation, the duo still left some room for spontaneity. “On set, we just styled everything on the fly and worked with our hairstylist to create unique looks for each model.”

See how the different themes come together to make one gorgeously shot and styled series.

In their series Afro Art, CreativeSoul Photo captures striking portraits of girls who are rocking their natural hair.

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

They feature black girls who wear elaborate Baroque-esque ensembles…

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

As well as steampunk-inspired outfits…

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

… and many other styles.

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

Afro Art by CreativeSoul Photography

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

The overall goal of Afro Art is to show kids of color more people that look like them in the media.

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

“We hope that girls around the world will be inspired to love their unique differences and beauty within,” Kahran explains.

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

Portraits of Girls by Creative Soul Photography

CreativeSoul Photo: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by CreativeSoul Photo.

Related Articles:

Father and Daughter Share Inspiring Bond through High-Fashion Photos with Natural Hair

African-American Model with Albinism Breaks Barriers to Expand the Definition of Beauty

Twin Sisters Embrace Their Natural Afro Hair and Take the Beauty World by Storm

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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