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14 Stunning Photos Show What Disney Princesses Would Look Like If They Were African American
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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.
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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 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 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 Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Princess Belle
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.
True Dat!!! 100% America tries to takeover EVERYTHING!!!!! All African girls who live in america are Princesses!!
Africa includes many "races" of indigenous people, not just black folks. The term "African American", OTH is generally used to mean people of black African origin (who happen to live in the USA). I think the photographers' intent was to showcase the special beauty of black girls, and to give African American girls a positive message about their appearance: i. e., they can be just as gorgeous as Disney princesses as the mostly-white Disney animated characters.
Right on, AnnieLaurie Burke and chi-wei shen. So the title should have used the neutral term "black" rather than divisive, nationalist terminology.
AGREED. Personally, I prefer "Black". Other family members prefer "African American". And so it goes. As a artist and a writer, I reserve the right to title my creative work as I decide. The article's author featuring this lovely body of work decided on "African American". Titles have often gotten in the way of determining the true artistic value of a creative work: sometimes to inflate that value sensationally; at other times to manipulate the viewer. In the case of these photos, I believe that the title is meant to inspire the viewer to literally see another reality--That gorgeous faces and regal bearing of girls such as these can just as easily conjure visions of immortalized Disney princesses. And THIS is the point of this article. Mission accomplished.
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No they can't 😁
Probably because the characters are all American-made via Disney (yes, I know the stories were originally European but Disney changed them so much.) And the girls most influenced by them (and who might want to see a version that represents people who look more like them) are probably American.
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So? Neither the Africa. Anyway, people of color exist everywhere. Don't get too worked up.
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Could you explain why the wording is stopping you from just enjoying the article?
deanna woods: Because the wording is wrong. Period.
AGREED. Personally, I prefer "Black". Other family members prefer "African American". And so it goes. As a artist and a writer, I reserve the right to title my creative work as I decide. The article's author featuring this lovely body of work decided on "African American". Titles have often gotten in the way of determining the true artistic value of a creative work: sometimes to inflate that value sensationally; at other times to manipulate the viewer. In the case of these photos, I believe that the title is meant to inspire the viewer to literally see another reality--That gorgeous faces and regal bearing of girls such as these can just as easily conjure visions of immortalized Disney princesses. And THIS is the point of this article. Mission accomplished.
This is so creative and not the same kind of regurgitated Disney stuff as we often see! Kudos to the person who designed the clothes!
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.
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Well traditionally the characters have all been white, it's pretty new to have ethnic princesses. White is viewed as the norm. If you can't understand the difference idk what to tell you, but your comment is ridiculous
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.
True Dat!!! 100% America tries to takeover EVERYTHING!!!!! All African girls who live in america are Princesses!!
Africa includes many "races" of indigenous people, not just black folks. The term "African American", OTH is generally used to mean people of black African origin (who happen to live in the USA). I think the photographers' intent was to showcase the special beauty of black girls, and to give African American girls a positive message about their appearance: i. e., they can be just as gorgeous as Disney princesses as the mostly-white Disney animated characters.
Right on, AnnieLaurie Burke and chi-wei shen. So the title should have used the neutral term "black" rather than divisive, nationalist terminology.
AGREED. Personally, I prefer "Black". Other family members prefer "African American". And so it goes. As a artist and a writer, I reserve the right to title my creative work as I decide. The article's author featuring this lovely body of work decided on "African American". Titles have often gotten in the way of determining the true artistic value of a creative work: sometimes to inflate that value sensationally; at other times to manipulate the viewer. In the case of these photos, I believe that the title is meant to inspire the viewer to literally see another reality--That gorgeous faces and regal bearing of girls such as these can just as easily conjure visions of immortalized Disney princesses. And THIS is the point of this article. Mission accomplished.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
No they can't 😁
Probably because the characters are all American-made via Disney (yes, I know the stories were originally European but Disney changed them so much.) And the girls most influenced by them (and who might want to see a version that represents people who look more like them) are probably American.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
So? Neither the Africa. Anyway, people of color exist everywhere. Don't get too worked up.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Could you explain why the wording is stopping you from just enjoying the article?
deanna woods: Because the wording is wrong. Period.
AGREED. Personally, I prefer "Black". Other family members prefer "African American". And so it goes. As a artist and a writer, I reserve the right to title my creative work as I decide. The article's author featuring this lovely body of work decided on "African American". Titles have often gotten in the way of determining the true artistic value of a creative work: sometimes to inflate that value sensationally; at other times to manipulate the viewer. In the case of these photos, I believe that the title is meant to inspire the viewer to literally see another reality--That gorgeous faces and regal bearing of girls such as these can just as easily conjure visions of immortalized Disney princesses. And THIS is the point of this article. Mission accomplished.
This is so creative and not the same kind of regurgitated Disney stuff as we often see! Kudos to the person who designed the clothes!
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.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Well traditionally the characters have all been white, it's pretty new to have ethnic princesses. White is viewed as the norm. If you can't understand the difference idk what to tell you, but your comment is ridiculous