Ignite

“When you live in love and light, you will not go unseen, ignite the world with every flame of your being.” ~Unknown

Greetings Readers!

We all possess a powerful energy that dwells within. A vitality that gives us drive and inspiration to pursue greater. An intensity that, quiet as kept, is like a smoldering fire just waiting to erupt into an inferno of vulnerabilities, passions, desires, possibilities and purpose. Now let’s admit it, highly creative individuals are some of the most captivating beings on the planet. They are wild and courageous. They are spontaneous, sensual and stimulating. They are evolutionary and revolutionary and they are often a rare combination of all the elements: fire, water, air, earth and ether. There is a hint of mystery that exists around these enigmas that draw curious attention. People want to know what really lies behind the gift? What makes you different? What makes you so fascinating?

The highly creative are deep thinkers that seem to live life in a constant brainstorm. They are passionate in their approach and readily embrace next level ideas. Now although many of us have those embers burning down deep, it is the divinely creative soul who allows that slow burn to rise to the surface like molten lava and flow freely. These beings are fueled with intention and do not operate in fear or doubt. They are restless, bold risk takers who are motivated by progress and accomplishment. For them it is a moment of unleash to be fierce, unafraid and unabashedly who they damn well please; to be confident they will prevail and to walk through life with the courage to blaze one hell of a trail... and leave the ground smoking. 

When you are highly creative (and for the record, this is when you begin to tap into your feminine essence), you realize that it truly is in your DNA and what comes to you organically would take most a lifetime to create. Once that match is lit, no matter where you go, people will notice it. You will always be different and you will always standout. Like a moth to a flame, there will be something peculiarly enticing about you. You will have the natural draw of a magnetic field and it will be strong. Now watch what I say... your aura will have your magic on FULL display. You will glow so bright, they will have to turn off all the power in the world to affect your light. This is a heavy burden to carry, but definitely worth the weight and the wait.

This "Ignite" concept was so sultry and we couldn’t have pulled it off without featuring someone who could make the energy literally jump off the page and meet you where you are. So we invited the gorgeous and super sweet, Asia, to join us and embody the heat we knew we needed to communicate with this project. Yep, she brought that FIRE! Enjoy the images that follow from our "Ignite" concept and remember to continue to pursue your dreams, find your purpose and let the flames of your soul burn endlessly.

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire." ~Unknown

"Behind the Scenes" Video of the "Ignite" Concept

   
MUA: 
Tynita Lee
Booking Info:
MakeUpbyTynita@gmail.com
Makeup by Tynita on Schedulicity.com
Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita


As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder.


Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela
The Creative Director

The "Slide" Collaboration Concept

Slide... pull up, come through, dip, bounce. So what's the move?

Greetings Readers!

The Scene

This concept is based on a day in the life of three young adults who, out of boredom, decide to take the 1966 electric blue Mustang for a spin and head out for an afternoon ride on a hot summer day. Along the way, they hit a bump in the road and had to detour some of their excursion plans, but they make the most of it and eventually get back on track. Nothing too out of the ordinary... you know, just life. 

The Purpose

Sean and I wanted to really focus on networking and connecting with other photographers starting in 2020, so in keeping with our goals for the year, we decided to invite a few other talented local photographer friends of ours to join us for our 1st Annual Photographers' Collaboration Project. The vision for this collaborative effort began with a meeting focused on the creative direction for the shoot. When pulling together ideas for a concept, there is a great deal involved, including soliciting models, determining looks, gathering props, booking the make-up artist and scheduling the shoot. We appreciate the ability to control as much as possible of the artistic expression of our concepts, which is the main reason why we don't participate in meet-ups. We like to decide on who models, the hairstyle, the wardrobe, the make-up and everything in between, that helps to create value-added content not just for us as a photography and creative team, but also for everyone who works with us. It's important and it's a win-win.

The Collab project went SO WELL, that we have decided to make this an annual collaboration effort. It is a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. Stay tuned for more group concepts to come, but in the meantime, please enjoy some of Sean's work from that day below! (Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for acknowledgements.)

Check out the "Behind the Scenes" Video via this Link:

The Slide Concept

We would like to take this time to acknowledge all of the photographers who participated in this "Slide" Concept. Please visit their business pages on Instagram to view their work from this phenomenal project!

Natalyn Pauldo
IG: @davisbondphotography

Sheila Upshaw
IG: @sheilaupshawphotography

Carl Edmondson
IG: @cejrphotography
Dedrick Roberts
IG: @drobertsphotography2020

Sean Ponder
IG: @photographybyseanponder

1966 Mustang Courtesy of Dr. Shree Walker
IG: @resilientwalker

CONCEPT CREW:
Creative Director & Stylist: 

Angela Ponder

Models: 
Dynasti
Shante
Sean

MUA:

 Tynita Lee

IG: @makeup_by_tynita

As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder.


Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela
The Creative Director

Unapologetic

“Your energy introduces you before you even speak.” ~Unknown

Greetings Readers! 

Let me begin this post by stating, "I am who I am and your approval is not needed." That being said, let’s get started. 

It took me a while to reach this point in my life. Once upon a time it really mattered to me what others thought, and I am still upset with myself that I allowed ANYONE to have that much power over the things I did to make me happy. But I came to my senses and readjusted my mindset and now, who gives a damn what anybody else thinks? I could not care less and I am living in peace. What I have learned is that some of the most opinionated people are usually spiritually and emotionally broken and their lives are in secret turmoil. Therefore, I am careful who I allow to impart in my life. If you are damaged, you don't have anything to offer anyone else, so healer heal thyself. Getting yourself all the way together should be your first order of business, before you try to contribute your two cents toward the value of someone else. As for me, I am a woman of fair intelligence, so I prefer to rely on my own intuition and intellect as much as possible. I accept wisdom and influence from those who have blazed the trail before me and can show evidence of successful passage. Until then, I've got this (wink).

Someone once told me that I was, "effortlessly me." I never forgot those words. As simple as the statement may sound, it triggered something deep within my soul. I had to take a few steps back and evaluate myself. I had a lot of questions. What had they seen in me that was so special that led them to say such a thing? It was a turning point for me and certainly something I needed to hear. It stirred up a lot of reflection. I’ll tell you, you just never know who is watching you do you. You never know who will be resentful and who will be inspired. You just pray for the latter, prepare for the former and continue to live life on your terms. Well after considering that comment, the conclusion I came to was that I am more than enough "as is" baby, and I rest in that confidence. Regardless of how many people work to try to tear me down, my resilience and self-respect is absolutely undeniable and I draw strength from it. I am fierceness personified! You really have to make up in your mind that NO ONE has the right to tell you about you. Refuse to hand out permission slips for people to dictate what you feel, what you believe or what you put on display. That is a whole lot of power and once you hand over control of it, you're trapped and it's hard to get back. Yes, making a positive impact on the world is an awesome endeavor, but living in your truth is loving yourself and you must love yourself first or risk loss. Self-preservation is a basic instinct and necessary for YOUR survival. Remember that.

When I finally made the decision that I needed to F.L.Y. (First Love Yourself), I elevated high into the universe and my transformation began. Now I no longer give energy to the judgement of others. I consider their lives and confirm that they are in no position to weigh in and speak to my circumstances, and you should do the same. So I say to you, know without a shadow of doubt that you are awesome and gifted, and uncovering it is long overdue. Self-actualization will help you realize your fullest potential and set you in motion and project you into the next dimension. Don't let anyone deter you from your efforts or minimize your significance. Support those who support you, ignore the naysayers, press and persevere. I promise that if you continue to grow greater, you will definitely see them all later. Live your life fearlessly and unapologetically, tossing regret to the wind. This is your only chance. 

This "Unapologetic" concept features the beautiful, Amber. This is Amber's first time working with us and it was so much fun meeting her. She was sexy and confident with every single shot. She definitely bodied this concept, and without apology. Please enjoy the images that follow.

 “Discover who you are with intention." ~ Joi Donnell 

Behind The Scenes Prep for the 

"Unapologetic" Concept Shoot

Cigar Courtesy of:

Louis V Cigars

Instagram: @louis_v_cigars

MUA: 

Tynita Lee

Booking Info:

MakeUpbyTynita@gmail.com

Makeup by Tynita on Schedulicity.com

Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita

As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder.


Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela
The Creative Director

Ambition

"And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears." ~Mark Anthony

Greetings Readers!

When you are a woman of color, and more specifically, a black woman, you grow up knowing that circumstances that are not within your control may or may not work in your favor. You realize your experiences will be much more challenging and getting ahead will be more difficult. You will be expected to be more educated, more hardworking, will be paid a lot less than your counterparts, and will still be overlooked for well-deserved promotions. This is a disparaging condition of our reality. What is even more defeating is when we do FINALLY get ahead, we sometimes get amnesia and forget to reach back and grab a hand. This is probably the part I LEAST understand. Well despite everything we have to go through as a group, we are incredibly gifted, highly ambitious, strong beyond our wildest imaginations, more cabable than we will ever receive credit for and have the most powerful entrepreneurial spirit of them all. 

A black woman's ambition is energetic and unmatched. When we have to deal with the day-to-day excuses for why we can't receive more pay, but can continue to be assigned more work, more projects and more responsibility day after day, month after month, year after year while continuing to watch others climb the ladder, we eventually activate our natural creative ingenuity. We first start thinking of ways to improve our skill sets so that we can be better prepared for opportunities that may come down the road. Next, we start brainstorming on our interests and ways we can use our gifts and talents to start our own businesses and begin to create our own possibilities. Our backs are rarely against the wall without options and a back-up plan. It is at that moment we begin to cultivate the necessary habits that will bring us success on our own terms. 

As women of ambition, we are convinced there is nothing that can stop us from achieving our next level goals. We become fearless in our achievement and relentless in the pursuit of those things that set our soul on fire. Black women we are sacred warriors! We know how to turn pain into power and allow our ambition and drive to take us to places where ambivalence and doubt never will. We know how to believe in ourselves, connect with our energy source, move in silence and applaud our own efforts rather than wait on the hand claps of people who are not invested in our advancement. We're willing to get our hands dirty for the sake of succeeding and we remain passionate and committed, all while knowing others are watching, but will never admit it. Keep working your goals, Queen and putting action and implementation behind those plans. We are redefining excellence in business ownership, academia, media, politics and yes, even in a corporate culture dominated by everyone BUT us. We have a commanding presence and are an invaluable source of knowledge and expertise. Don't let anyone speak anything less over your life. 

The "Ambition" Concept introduces model, Divinity, an independant and ambitious young woman who is also an unstoppable rising entrepreneur. Everything about her speaks FIERCE! Please enjoy these images from our "Ambition" Concept and may the flames of your heart's desires always be unquenchable.

   "BEHIND THE SCENES"

MUA: 
Tynita Lee
Booking Info:

MakeUpbyTynita@gmail.com
Makeup by Tynita on Schedulicity.com
Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita


Concept Creator & Stylist: 
Angela Ponder


As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder.


Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela
The Creative Director

Higher Vibes

“May your vibes shift the whole damn frequency of the room when you walk in.”

~Unknown

Greetings Readers!

Before I sat down to pen this post, I knew I first had to prepare my mind and soul and set some necessary intentions. When I do this with consistency, I am always assured that my efforts are not in vain and that our work will be relevant and will reach the intended audience. So I carved out some time on a Sunday afternoon for some “ME” time. I needed an opportunity to relax and connect. So I ran a hot bubble bath with some salts and essential oils. I lit a blue candle that smelled amazing to help me create a relaxed, calm and peaceful atmosphere. I made myself a cup of hot green tea with a little cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and honey. I turned off the lights and turned on some sounds of nature... the sound of a stream rushing over rocks, the sound of the ocean as it caresses the shore and the sound of a steady rain falling to the earth. It was a cleansing for my soul. I sipped my tea as I drank from the cup of peace that had filled my sanctuary. I honor my bath time ritual, because it gives me what I need to recharge my spirit. When I emerged an hour later, I felt almost weightless and I knew that I was ready to write. 

A few years ago, I officially crowned myself the “Selfie Queen” (wink). The count of selfies I have in my arsenal are nothing short of excessive. I take them often even if I am just storing them away for later use. Best believe I am always locked and loaded! Anyhow, I get amused when I see people on social media become irritated about selfies and complain and spew negativity at people who post them. I usually sense there is a lot in play behind their comments, so if you love to take selfies and this is also your experience, here are a couple of things I want you to keep in mind:

         1. If they were truly happy with who they are they wouldn’t harbor those types of emotions about YOU. 

         2. Never allow a low vibrational character to influence how or when you indulge in self-love. 

When you are experiencing harmonious alignment and you move about life with powerful energetic flow and positivity, you activate your aura and it is so illuminated that you instinctively draw others to you... the sweet and the not so sweet. Although the negative attention and energy can be draining, you have to vibrate higher, because they have a purpose in your growth as well. You are changing and transitioning to a place of focus and awareness of your own unique individuality and ability to think and decide. You are now beautifully and effortlessly you and your transformation is evident. Others won’t be able to detect exactly what is different about you, but your confidence, your creativity, your compassion, your contentment, your overall evolution will be undeniable. You will forgive like it is restoration for your soul. Your authenticity will cause your skin to glow. You will drip radiance, beauty and inner-strength like honey from a hive, and with the powerful energy of the universe you will thrive. You will begin to vibrate at higher levels of gratitude, you will appreciate your solitude, you will master your thoughts and emotions, and you will embrace everything that makes you feel magical. You will love on yourself without apology and you will adore all of those moments that make you smile. 

Now joining us as the muse for this concept we called “Higher Vibes” is none other than Brandi. Brandi is a whole entire mood and she definitely served us good vibes with her work on this project. We are super pleased to present “Higher Vibes” the concept to all of you. Enjoy!

"Behind the Scenes" 

MUA: 

Tynita Lee

Booking Info:

MakeUpbyTynita@gmail.com

Makeup by Tynita on Schedulicity.com

Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita

Concept Creator & Stylist: 

Angela Ponder

As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director

Unveiling...

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." ~Coco Chanel

Greetings Readers!

Writing this blog post sent me on a pretty heavy and unexpected soul searching journey. One that required me to really take a long hard look at my life, how and for whom I was living. As women, we exist in a world that is full of unjust criticisms, double standards, and stereotypes that keep us from living in our authentic truth. We limit our thoughts, our words and our ways and as a result we rob ourselves of some of life’s most memorable experiences. We do this to avoid standing in the judgement of men and other women who are equally imperfect beings, but who seem to feel it is their right to give an account on that which does not concern them. So why do we sometimes place more value on the thoughts and opinions of others rather than our own? Why would we deem someone else’s perception of us as more important? Now as a disclaimer this will not apply to every woman, so if it does not, continue to walk in your truth Queen. However, if you can relate, my prayer is that these words stir something up in your spirit and that your harvest is plentiful from the seeds that are sown.

We are entering an era where there is a call for us to return to the divine feminine principle. The principle which encompasses our strength, our compassion, our peace and our essence. Often we hide elements of our unique feminine essence for fear of how others will see us. Others meaning the critics. We never want to appear weak or vulnerable or overly alluring to those who seem to be intrigued by our every move. We don’t even stop and give a second thought to why we have so much of their undivided attention. Could it be misguided admiration, because they too long to be free of the shackles society has placed on their decisions and mindset? Well whatever the case, I just believe it is finally time to release ourselves from this prison of public opinion and indulge in the freedom to be... to be soft, to be classy, to be sensual, to be ALLURING, to be divine healing forces and above all else, to be true to ourselves as amazing beings. Our feminine energy is necessary to help restore order and balance. Women are the embodiment of sacred creative energies that transmute, transcend and transform. It is what makes us so powerful. When we decide to live in that truth, we lift the veil off of traditional beliefs and walk away from that which does not allow our divine nature to flow freely and effortlessly. It is time to be FREE!

So the “Unveiling” Concept led us to do only our second boudoir shoot ever. I wanted to express the idea of how critical it is to uncover and reveal the true beauty and essence of our feminine power. The power not to “DO” because we do enough. The focus was on our power to just “BE”. It’s time to live life like no one is watching and guess what? Who cares if they do? Let them watch, they may learn a thing or two. We have allowed perception to control our movements for far too long, so returning to a place where we are comfortable with who we are is such a beautifully human experience. 

This post introduces Joi, one of my besties of almost three decades, who agreed to join me in this deeply personal journey to lift the veil. She trusted my vision and that in itself speaks volumes. Enjoy images from the “Unveiling” Concept below. 

Behind the Scenes Footage

“Preparing for the Shoot”

MUA: 

Tynita Lee

Booking Info:

MakeUpbyTynita@gmail.com

Makeup by Tynita on Schedulicity.com

Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita

Concept Creator & Stylist: 

Angela Ponder

As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our website at PhotographybySeanPonder.com or on FaceBook at Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder (Like our page!). You can also follow us on InstaGram at Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder.

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela

The Creative Director