We danced, from the time she walked in, to the end of our session, we laughed and talked as though we’d known each other our entire lives.

After we finished her makeup, she took the pins out of her gorgeous hair and we said “leave it, we are leaving it just as it is”. Modena, my fabulous assistant, jumped right in and helped style her beautiful curls. It was MAGIC! 

Ms. M is at the time of her life, where she is looking for new experiences, and adventures that entice freedom and courage, and this session was part of that new path of self-rediscovery. While she knew it was going to be nerve-wracking, like every client, she knew it would be equally exhilarating. Ms. M understood her assignment – to grow meant that she would have to get uncomfortable. 

You wouldn’t know it from this shoot. 

Within the first minute of the session, we put on her playlist, turned the music up, and Ms. M just started moving her body, feeling the sounds infiltrating her soul, and it didn’t stop.  

With every new set, Ms. M melted into the direction I gave while making the movements her own – it was wondrous to see. 

But here’s the COOLEST part. 

When we finished our session, we chatted about Ms. M’s work. She’s a PhD candidate, working with an organization focusing on black women’s reproductive health and well-being. 

*Side note: I don’t talk much about my personal experiences, but when I was giving birth to my second daughter in California, I too was on the receiving end of racist practices in the hospital. So when I heard what she was doing, it was almost a sigh of relief. It was incredible to know that there are people out there who are advocating for people like me. It was a horrible experience that I don’t wish on anyone. 

Now back to our regular programming.

Ms. M, you were a joy to photograph. You inspire me beyond words. Continue doing the work you are doing, and continue kicking ass. 

I can’t wait for the day to update this blog and replace Ms. with Dr.!

Aniya, xo