Some shoots start with a mood board full of color. This one started with taking color away.
For portrait project Color of Beauty, I wanted to create a space where nothing could distract from the subject. That meant white walls, white wardrobe and a white set, a blank canvas. Into that space stepped four Black women, each with her own shade, hair texture and shape.
Why white?
White is often treated as neutral, the "default." I wanted to turn that idea around. Here, white serves as the background that makes deep, golden and warm tones stand out. Against all that white, every detail came forward: freckles, the glow of skin catching the light, curls and coils, soft curves and strong lines.
On set
We kept direction minimal. I asked the women to stand close, lean into one another and simply be present. Some of my favorite frames came from the quiet moments between poses, a head resting on a shoulder or a steady gaze straight into the lens. Those moments felt honest because they weren't forced.
What this project means
Representation in beauty imagery has come a long way, and there's still more to do. Color of Beauty is my small contribution: a reminder that beauty doesn't need to be edited, lightened or smoothed out to be seen. It's already there.
Thank you to the four women who brought their trust, their energy and themselves to this project.
White walls. White wardrobe. Nothing to hide behind.
Just four women, four shades, and the beauty of their skin.
Interested in working together on a portrait, beauty or brand project? Get in touch.