Most of us were raised reading fairytales and enjoying fantasy scenes in movies, cartoons, and even on social media.
However, like many popular genres, black women are hardly ever represented. The thing is many of us love fantasy and have emersed ourselves in it for years.
Whether it be though themed photoshoots or even parties, black women are out here doing the damn thing and one woman decided she wanted to prove just that.
We came across a thread on Twitter by @btsanima who wanted to showcase black women in fantasy. On Twitter she shared the following:
“Black women in fantasy photography thread bc even though our presence is small, I will not be deterred.”
Black women in fantasy photography thread bc even though our presence is small, I will not be deterred ?
We will start with the already famous photoshoot by my supreme, Lillian Liu. (lillianliuphotography on ig) pic.twitter.com/sBaTelQ5bA
— dee⁷ ? (@btsanima) August 8, 2020
The thread immediately went viral with 69.4K retweets and comments, as well as 214.6K likes, and it’s still picking up steam!
Love Lillianliu! Can I also recommend my sister’s photography YellowBubbles? We are both black artists and I make all the wardrobe headdresses and styling for our shoots. Here’s one of our fave blk models Machelle!
(@/yellbub & @/spoiledcherry on ig) pic.twitter.com/j5FxrPrpjY— Amber⁷ • ᴮᵀˢ ˡᵒᶜᵏᵈᵒʷⁿ (@NoFreeCloutAmi) August 9, 2020
We gathered a few of them below, and we guarantee you will be amazed at how stunning these photos are:
1. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @lillianliuphotography
Model: @theresafractale
Make-up: @ladyfreakshow
Hair: @iamdhair_stylist
Designer: @lindafriesen.couture
2. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @agnieszka_lorek
Model: @theresafractale
Designer: @lorysunartistry
Bored Panda reached out to the woman behind this viral Twitter thread, who wished to stay anonymous, to talk more about the presence of black women in fantasy movies.
The woman, who goes by the nickname Dee, told the publication that she has been a fan of fantasy for many years.
“While I adore the classics (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, etc.), the lack of faces that look like mine has always made me feel a little bit out of place,” Dee said.
Some time ago, she discovered a pocket of Instagram that specialized in fantasy photography and found that there was a very small presence of black women.
She also said a photographer has to learn how to photograph dark skin. “Please. Even in high fashion photography, mistakes are being made because people do not bother to adapt to our skin.”
Every photographer in Dee’s thread showed that it can be done, so she urges photographers to do their research and simply make the effort. “I have to emphasize that it really isn’t a big step.”
After all, all artists should be open to learning new ways to improve and expand their range.
3. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
4. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @josefienhoekstra
Model: @leilaaigbedion
Dress: @royalblack_couture
Make-up: @sylvia_mercera
Braids: @chierahdickson
Lights: @henselnl @hensel_visit
5. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
Dress: @narnia_dress
6. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @danielamajic_
Model: @hillarywebster
Make-up and hair: @kireimakeup
7. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
8. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @bellakotak
Model: @olubukola_ogunniyi
Make-up: @beautybybellamere
Headpiece: @agnieszkaosipa
9. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @newo_imagery
Model: @sherellie_ko
Plait headpiece: @elegant_curiosities
Gold duo halo: @hysteriamachine
Make-up: @ambellinauk
Background: @creativitybackgrounds
10.
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
10. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @maria_lipina
Model: @normila17
11. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @defotograafsanne
Model: @theresafractale
Designer: @starkerscorsetry
Make-up: @ashleydesignmua
12. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @newo_imagery
Model: @sherellie_ko
Halo: @ericacourtcouture
Ruff: @magdaleneceleste
Lit by: @interfitphotouk
Make-up: @ambellinauk
13. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @newo_imagery
Model: @sherellie_ko
Wardrobe: @emiahcouture
Halo: @hysteriamachine
Make-up: @ambellinauk
Backdrop: @arterybackdrops
Lit by: @interfitphotouk
14. Fantasy Queen
Photographer: @anniebertramphoto
Model: @theresafractale
Costume: @giulia.danese.designer
Earrings: @deadgoodjewellery
Are you into fantasy? Who was your favorite? The “ice queens” will forever be a fave for me, but they are all beautiful! Comment below!