Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, are a dynamic duo behind  CreativeSoul Photography who have dedicated their career to display the unique beauty. As can be seen in through their stunning images in their AfroArt and Princess Series, they try to present natural Black hairstyles as their subjects dress in costumes including Baroque-era aesthetics and Disney-inspired royalty.

The artistic duo created the book Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty while traveling in different states in the U.S., to Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Europe to gather stories of kids across the African diaspora.

Each one of these portraits tells a story, and the book it’s divided in three parts: the past, the present and the future.

“In our work, it is important to pay homage to our past, document the present, and dream about (and showcase) our vision of the future,” they explain.

Glory emphasizes the conventional standards of beauty for black children through 100 inspiring photographs and stories about the kids pictured.

It was not easy to bring this ambitious project to life, and trying to portray the stories of all the kids included in the project. What made this project special was that the artist collaborated with different hairstylist and let them add their touch of interpretation of the concept while styling the children, always highlighting their culture and history.

Kahran and Regis created mood boards to help the team get the right feel and direction of the shoot.

The finalized project was very powerful and sure to have an impact on readers.

“We hope that readers will be able to see the beauty and diversity of Black kids across the African diaspora,” Kahran and Regis share. “We hope that kids viewing the book will be able to see themselves reflected in the stories included in the book and that it inspires them to overcome any obstacles they may face.”

Their inspiring portraits showcase natural black hairstyles and elaborate costuming that tell a story.

As well as steampunk-inspired outfits…

… and many other styles.

“We hope that girls around the world will be inspired to love their unique differences and beauty within,” Kahran explains.

Their book titled Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty defines conventional standards of beauty for Black Children through 100 awe-inspiring photographs and thoughtful essays about the kids pictured.