Gallery link: https://www.blaksmithcreatives.co.uk/gallery
October begins the celebrations of Black History month in the UK. Incredible right! We have a whole month to celebrate our achievements, that’s all though... can’t celebrate in November. Jokes, we can. And we will celebrate every month after that.
Personally, I celebrate black history every day. All day... E'ry day. (cool sunglasses emoji)
Okay let’s start off on a good note, I know how touchy this subject can be AND how it still actually angers some people. I get it, how rude of us to claim something as ours... But let’s focus on the positives of this glorious month.
So, what’s great about it? Well, its main purpose is to acknowledge the achievements that the Black community have contributed to the British society. This month also allows us to delve into black history deeper than we normally would, not too deep though! As I said we're focusing on the positives. So, here is the positive...
I was asked to be part of a photoshoot for this historic month. This shoot focused on Scottish creatives from different parts of Africa and the Caribbean. The theme’s we explored this year were to celebrate our Scottish heritage as well as our ethnicity through style. It was fabulous!
This shoot was a beautiful mix between traditional Scottish wear and traditional black styles. We were dressed in eccentric kilts that were so sleekly designed by the amazing Siobhan Mackenzie. These designs were unique pieces and when styled by the incredible Blessing herself, created a look so original. A look that hadn’t crossed my mind before & now that it has - I’m LIVING for it. And the images show exactly just that.
Our hair styles were designed to portray a picture, if you look super closely you can see the love. Black hair is symbolic in so many ways, whatever style it may be, it tells a story - old or new. We had a few different styles: Twists, braids, and a mix of afro hair.
(A black girls dream.)
We might just touch upon the importance of black hair on the next blog... stay posted lol x.
Blessing put together a team of incredibly talented creatives to work on this. We had our shoot director, stylist's, assistant, of course our photographer and videographer. We were also joined by two top-tier make-up artists who definitely served!!! The face cards were not declined.
(Everyone who was part of the team will be credited below and the model’s will be named in photo-album.)
So, on a personal note... how did this shoot make me feel, being a black and Scottish creative myself?
It made me feel empowered. Not because we had every reason to feel that way... But I felt empowered because every time I looked around, I saw absolute blissful happiness.
In-between the shots; some of the models were conversing with each other, some were dancing or just vibing to the neo-soul and afro-centric sounds and some (ME) were acting as each other’s cheerleaders and personal photographers behind the scenes. I will be your biggest fan!
There was a moment during the final group photos, where all models were lined up with our poses at the ready. Afro-beat playing in the background, and we had a moment of synchronicity, as if by chance - we all started doing a little solo dance on the spot. An unplanned, freestyle, mini performance. That's the beauty. That no matter where we go, whither we know each other or not - we will create an ambiance indulged in our culture. We will bring the vibes and invite EVERYONE to join us and enjoy it. A magical moment in time.
As a black and Scottish creative, this shoot was somewhat refreshing. To see a kilt with an afro... you don’t see that every day. This photoshoot was a huge success and all who were involved deserve their flowers. Enjoy having a look through the final images! And for any creatives reading this who would like to collaborate in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask :)
A massive congratulations and thank you to the Creative director and main Stylist herself - Blessing.
Thanks for reading! We’ll meet you back here for the next blog xoxo Gossip girl.
Here is the whole team listed below... All names are hyperlinked to socials.
Here is the whole team listed below... All names are hyperlinked to socials.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PHOTOSHOOT TEAM:
Creative Director: BLESSING
Photographer: FRANCHESCA MORRISON
Videographer's: EMILE MBUNZAMA & SMOKEY GORDY
Make-up Artist's: CHRISSY ALLAN & KIMBERLEY LITTLE
Stylist: BLESSING
Assistant: KEZ
Assistant Stylist: GENEVE DSANE
Models:
-Isha
Designer: SIOBHAN MACKENZIE
Jewellery designer: LEYELESI
Shoot Location: BROADSCOPE STUDIOS - (Glasgow/Scotland)
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