Black History Month Shoot – Dallas Maternity Photographer – CLJ Photography

2019 will be a year of small personal projects for CLJ Photography. This shoot was the first small project I am releasing and I am so proud of it! Working with these three women was a wonderful experience. For Black History Month, it was only fitting that they share their own stories along with these images.

Ajieuna

“I am a very family-oriented person and this is my first pregnancy so to start my own little family is a very exciting time for me. I’m also having twins! My mother is a twin and growing up I’ve always been fascinated with their bond. I can’t wait to experience and see the bond my twins will have! My mother and her twin are very excited for this time as well.
Black history month is special to me because it is a time to recognize, honor, and pay respect to the very people who paved a way for myself and many others today!”

Ryan

“My name is Ryan Roberts and I’m originally from Austin, TX. Growing up biracial, I often felt a struggle to determine where I fit in, and often felt that I didn’t truly fit in anywhere. As I’ve grown older, I have recognized the beauty in celebrating all women simply for who they are and all God created them to be. I am grateful to be part of this shoot because I’m proud to stand with other women, who do and don’t look like me, in UNITY. I believe in celebrating all the things that constitute womanhood and joining hands with strong bold women around me to encourage one another and build each other up. In a time that seems focused on separating cultural groups, I’m reminded, as women, we share so many beautifully unique abilities. Motherhood, specifically pregnancy, is one of those miraculous aspects of being a woman that breaks down all barriers, bonds us together, and reminds us we’re all in this together.”

Kiarah

“I am a 25 year old country girl. I come from a small close knit, Christian family that is full of love and support. When I found out I was pregnant initially I felt as though I had disappointed everyone around me. I wasn’t married and was still trying to figure out my purpose in life. After months of praying for guidance and forgiveness, I finally stopped being so hard on myself. Today, I wouldn’t change anything about my story as it made me stronger. This little life in me brings so much joy every time he moves. I’ve heard a lot of mothers say you never really know true love until you’ve had a child, and I believe that 100%.”

My Own Thoughts…

I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah where their were only a handful of Black teenagers in our High School. And they were totally the “cool” kids. Moving to Dallas as an adult and living in a diverse community has been a big change, but a welcomed one. I enjoy being around people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Photographing these women only reminds me how similar we are. When I think of Black History Month, I am grateful for the people who have fought for freedom, equality and rights. I can’t help but have love for them. It was an honor to do this shoot for them and an honor to celebrate Black people.