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Third Annual Naturalista Photo Shoot: Naturalistas in the
City
By Carla Yvette
Soulcial Scene Contributor
Each year I look forward to the Naturalista Photo Shoot. I
anticipate seeing how each Naturalista will express her
unique, individual style, from the outfit she wears to the
way she styles her hair.
I look forward to meeting the new women and girls and always
appreciate seeing the "veterans" who return year after year.
Most importantly, I LOVE the positive energy the ladies
convey and the sense of Sisterhood that naturally evolves
from our gathering.
The Naturalista Photo Shoot is open to women and girls of
all ages, however, we never mind if the occasional guy
chooses to join us. Although each year there is a specific
theme, there is no criteria as to how dressy or casual one
should dress; all I ask is that everyone bring their smile
and personal style and just Be-YOU-tiful! Now in its third
year, a few of the ladies agreed to share their thoughts and
experiences from participating in the shoot.
“I do the Natuaralista Photo Shoot every year because it
embraces Women of Color’s natural beauty. We have been
programmed from the time we were little girls to believe
that our hair has to be straight in order to be beautiful.
I'm so happy that society has evolved and now recognizes
that beauty is natural and comes in all forms. I am truly
inspired by all the women, young and old who come out each
year to show off their natural swagger,” said Kim Taylor.
“I enjoyed participating in the Naturalista Photo Shoot
because it truly helps us as black women to embrace our
natural selves. In a world where our beauty and true worth
has been undermined, I am glad that there are people taking
the step to help aid towards revival in loving and embracing
ourselves again. Our black is beautiful, nobody can tell us
different,” said
Mariah Hicks.
“I chose to participate this year in particular, in a form
of celebrating the authenticity of the bold, blonde and the
beauty of natural hair. This is a process of ‘new
beginnings’ for me!” added Sandrea Christopher.
The photo shoot is usually held the third week of July,
however, in order to avoid the sweltering heat we’ve
encounter three years in a row, Naturalista Photo Shoot 2017
will be held mid August or early September. As you can see
by the spread, the heat never stopped the ladies from
bringing their best face forward, highlighting the essence
of who they are. ENJOY!
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