Ari J is known for her work as a filmmaker and documentarian. With an eight year history as a creative in various genres, Ari has worked as director, director of photography and editor. As the producer of this video of the Dead Prez work, “The Beauty Within,” she worked with director/photographer Shannon Mccollum. Regarding this work, Ari had this to say on her website, “A casting call, produced by Shannon and artistic director, Jamila Crawford of Earthcandy Arts resulted in over 100 women from Atlanta, GA and various parts of the country, coming together to represent women...

Whispers of winds rustled the leaves while RaeOfLite felt the breezes against her skin like the gentle caresses of Mother Nature. Sunlight danced between the trees and kissed and her skin. She took it all in. Clearing her mind of the troubles of the day, RaeOfLite allowed the flush of nature to flow through her, becoming a part of it; respecting it. The joy that came with it was serene and peaceful. And from it came a strength and focus that empowered the young earthSista. No drama. No stress. Not there. Not then. RaeOfLite approached this setting tabula rasa; absent of any preconceived ideas or...

Happily Natural is a grassroots festival dedicated to holistic health and social change. The purpose of Happily Natural is to educate and inspire. By using music, lectures and workshops as tools for learning and upliftment, the festival reaches a wide audience because of it’s socially conscious approach. The festival brings together artists, musicians, vendors, activists and scholars whose focus is on social change and holistic health & wellness from all across the country. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet...

“Roommates” It was an erotic story I wrote last Spring, When I sat down with Nala and remy the ECCENTRICsoul to plan our shoot, we decided to build a visual concept around my story. We were going to take an artistic interpretation the story with me as a writer toiling away with the story, Nala as my manifested imagination, and Remy behind the lens being the “eyes” of the male character by creating a series of dramatic images.  However, it ended up being more of a celebration of our diverse and natural Black beauty. The contrast of our lovely natural crowns, the shades of our brown...

Ah, yes. Spring. Rebirth. As we emerge from a harsh, bitter winter, let’s look back on the birth of earthSista ISIS as she takes a refreshing stroll through one of the Garden’s secret paths. This set is relaxed and easy, with playful sunlight and delicate poses. ISIS declares who she is, and the camera captures her awakening. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

The Nature Stroll with earthSista Lotus was spontaneous, adventurous, lively and downright outrageous; just like Lotus, herself. She is a passionate free-spirit who was very enthusiastic about creating an image set for the series. We took our stroll around the lake and she was very open. We talked about family and friends while we created images. The light loved her and nature seemed to be her muse as she was mine. This shoot was one of our firsts. Since then she has participated in various events and several other shoots, some of which have already been featured. But on this day, she opened up...

words from earthSista Nfinite… It was a beautiful morning, and the lake was surrounded by a thick, surreal mist. The sunlight reflected off of the water, making everything look as if it were dazzling and refreshed. Instead of contrasting with nature’s beauty and standing out, I wanted to blend in and become a part of the scenery. This was an opportunity to truly get back to basics, and synchronize myself with nature physically and mentally. I felt like my brown skin was right at home in the midst the greens, tans and blues that composed my surroundings. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player...

Brad Mitchell Joypho Images If I had my way, I’d shoot sistas with natural hair exclusively. It’s not only the natural hairstyle that’s appealing, but it’s the mindset that usually accompanies the external appearance. For a sista to wear her hair as the Creator intended, it requires a certain degree of self-love and an appreciation for the beauty of her blackness. I love to capture images of natural beauty, and there’s something “unnatural” about a woman wearing a weave and with a mountain of makeup. When I first met Kelishia, my initial impression was...

Chadoe carries herself like a nubian princess surveying the Serengeti in this third installment of the Nature’s Stroll series. Such a stance is what comes natural to her. Head held high with a steely gaze, she either looks you in the eye as if to peer directly into your soul for some hidden truth or she looks to the heavens like a woman with a vision. Thoughtful, nurturing and curious are all aspects of her character. She is also fierce, guarded and passionate. Spirited and positive, Chadoe loves her family and loves her people. And she is only saddened by the negativity we thrust upon ourselves...

Smiling, impulsive and full of vision. These thoughts were the impressions I remember from the leisurely stroll I shared with MoEss (short for MoreEssence.) On this pleasantly, overcast day, MoEss was inquisitive and open and loquacious. And as we meandered around a lake to reach the cover of one its gazebos, I couldn’t help but be impressed by this woman. She talked about all of the potentially exciting things we were going to do in the Garden and some of the fantastic ideas she had about future photoshoots and Pangea gear. Her enthusiasm inspired me! MoEss was funny and revealing, sassy...