Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Retrograde

 “In a world full of trends, I want to remain a classic.”  ~ Iman


Greetings Readers!

Like the quote says, “I want to remain a classic.” Classic like the Kangol. Classic like the black and white shell-toe Adidas, with the FAT shoelaces. Classic like the warm-up suits. Classic like the Gazelle glasses and see-through chiffon… classic like the Caprice and the Fleetwood Brougham. I know this is not my first time underneath the sun. Some call it deja vu, I call it things I once knew; but either way, my recollection of the things of old, gave me an experienced soul. From the time I was a little girl, I’ve loved everything that spoke to a particular era, namely mine. As an adult, things like old school values, good manners, respect, hard work, classic cars, timeless style and culture, old school soul music and of course hip hop (which for the record started with Generation X, but I’ll get to that later), really tickle my fancy. A good ole throwback is always in order if you ask me. Nothing like remembering where you came from and where it all started. For that very reason, I tend to embrace a lot of today’s music when they use tracks from songs that were released during my day, not all but a lot. It takes me back to a familiar time and I like that; although the lyrics they use bring me back to reality REAL quick, it’s still nice when they give a nod to the originals. Oh and let us not forget the vinyl records… listen, those are treasures that only OG’s and the best DJ’s around know anything about. The official vintage artifacts from decades of good music. Respect to the genres that have stood the tests and transition of time.






When we were young, we played outside with no phones or pagers, and we knew to be home before the streetlights came on. We rode bikes with no helmets or safety pads, rode in cars with no seatbelts, and caught rides in the back of pick-up trucks with nothing to hold onto but the side of the truck itself, even on the interstate… now dig that! Families were close back then. Get togethers were a regular occurrence and we always saw our cousins! Friday nights were spent at football and basketball games and Saturday nights, well you could always find a few of us at the skate rink. I can remember getting my first pair of roller skates one Christmas and spending days and hours in our garage learning how to balance myself. Not sure how long it took me, but once I had achieved at least an intermediate skill level, I took my skates to the street to test them out publicly. Before long, I was moonwalking and skating backwards to Midnight Starr, Whodini, and Roger and Zapp around the rink like a boss! I will always have those memories, but you won’t catch me in skates nowadays. Falling over forty is NOT a game to be played! 






I’ve always been an avid reader with a hunger for knowledge, so you could always find me with a book, a pen and some paper close by me. I stayed armed with those tools and yes, we actually used to read books back then (some of us), so our mindset was different. We were on something else. One of the mothers at my old church used to say, “Every generation grows weaker and wiser.” So much truth and it’s wise to listen to the wisdom of the elders. So why a post that takes us back down memory lane? Well for one, I’m a storyteller and it’s what I do. For two, I think it’s important to pay homage to the generations that came before us and to acknowledge some of the things that made the period of their existence special. For three, I’m a PROUD member of Generation X… you know, the generation once thought of as the one who didn’t care about ANYBODY, but is now taking care of EVERYBODY. I found it worth noting that, in addition to the hip hop culture being birthed out of OUR generation, it was also during our time that the personal computer became common AND the mobile phone was developed. Essentially, we are the group that stays bridging the gaps in life and technology (wink).

For this concept, we got the chance to work with the lovely and lively, Cayla once again! Cayla is so cool… she is a WHOLE vibe! She moved through this shoot frame after flawless frame and made the project flow easy and effortlessly, and that’s one of my FAVORITE words! She’s got edge, she's got appeal and she is super sweet! We hope you enjoy these images from the Retrograde concept. More to come from the TEAM! PEACE! 


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



Sunday, July 18, 2021

The Real Housewife of Davidson County

 “In this world there are many rulers, but I am the HBIC!”  ~ Twana Jarrett


Greetings Readers!

Well I declare! There is a true Southern Belle in Davidson County! She is one who understands the value of grace and exquisite style, simplicity and sophistication... all hallmarks of a classy lady. She embraces the art of southern hospitality and serves it up right nice with a refreshing glass of sweet iced tea. Twana Jarrett offered us a glimpse of high society and divine feminity in her recent concept photo session to celebrate and commemorate her milestone 50th birthday. She has achieved a half century worth of knowledge and greatness through her life experiences and the culmination of which includes a pinch of self-awareness, a dash of self-care, a heaping helping of self-love and a cup of wisdom for good measure. 

Twana embodied authentic southern charm while also tipping her tea cup to the culture, by honoring black-owned Tennessee brand, Guidance Whiskey. It was truly a delightful concept and we are thrilled that she chose our team to capture such a special occasion. Happy Birthday, Twana! May you have the most amazing year making memories. Enjoy yourself now, you hear? 











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

Hair Stylist:
Tammy Terry
Beverly’s of Nashville


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


Monday, April 26, 2021

The Ugly Location Challenge

Greetings Readers!

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Photographers’ Collab Project! T
he Photographers' Collab is a network of local photographers and videographers who are looking to connect and collaborate with other creatives in the Middle Tennessee area. This year our project was "The Ugly Location Challenge". The idea of this concept was to find one of the most unattractive, grimiest of places to shoot and still achieve a glamorous, high fashion image. The weather was absolutely perfect and made for a great day of shooting from on top of the rooftop and inside the garage. 

Each creative was asked to submit their favorite images of the day for each model to be on display in this wrap up blog post. Please check out everyone's skills below and follow them on social media! What will be our project idea for 2022? Stay tuned... 



Brandon Hopkins
IG: @bhopkins91



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Carl Edmondson, Jr.
IG: @cejr.photography



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Sheila Upshaw
IG: @sheilaupshawphotography



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Otis Robertson
IG: @otisrobertsonphotography



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Sean Ponder
IG: @photographybyseanponder




Models: 
Katelyn Brown
IG: @katelyncarol

Shaana Worlds
IG: @shaanahmontanna

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Van Donnell
IG: @scott_taylor_films

"Behind the Scenes" Video


   
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



Sunday, March 28, 2021

Submerged

 “Submerged deep within my soul lies the journey of a thousand centuries.”  ~ Angela Shannon Ponder


Greetings Readers!

I've always been a lover of simple things... cumulus clouds, full moons, warm and windy days, a cool morning breeze, waterfalls, the sunrise and how it glistens so majestically on the calming waters, and an amazing sunset. I truly could go on and on, but these are just a few of the things that lead me to my most zenfully sweet experiences. Moments that create for me serene peace and restoration. Simple indulgences that allow me to just submerge my mind and soul into a divine overflow of vibrating, feel good energy. Life is beautiful, not perfect, but beautiful. Especially if you take into account that life is more than what happens to you, and more of how you respond to what happens. Life definitely has a way of throwing your whole vibe off balance and interrupting your rhythm and candence with the Universe. However, in the end, the most fulfilling part of any journey is overcoming adversity successfully, and enjoying the fruit that is produced from your valiant efforts. Let’s take a walk... shall we?

So if I were to take you on a deep dive into the depths of my thoughts and how I process information, and reveal to you my level of understanding, could you handle it? If I revealed to you that which gives me the drive to live with intent and intensity, could you manage? If I gave you a glimpse into the process I go through to define who I am… to determine the path I choose to take, and my ability to make a firm decision without doubting myself, and without the help of external influences, you may think I’m extreme. Maybe just a little, but I like to call that “balance”. Since about the age of 10, I’ve had wisdom beyond my years and could write from a perspective I should know nothing about. I am confident this is not my first time here. So in my wisdom I stand firm in my own identity, unwaveringly, and if I could offer any advice, I would suggest everyone decide today who they are for themselves. If not, then you leave space for a broken vessel to come in with their own idea of who they think you are or who they want you to be, and create confusion and disruption in your air space. Never allow someone who is clueless about their own identity to cause you to doubt your own. You should never give up that kind of control. Don’t lose your sense of peace for the opinion of someone who may be in pieces. 

You see, the thing about broken vessels is that they do not realize or acknowledge that they are broken. Instead of turning their focus inward to address the perils of their own sinking ship, they deflect their feelings of insecurity and emotional abandon onto others in an attempt to point out (in great detail) the holes in another one’s boat, while avoiding the sight and significance of their own shipwreck. Like castaways on a deserted island with nothing but time and opportunity on their hands, they deliberately choose to look outside of themselves for issues to repair in others, all while their boat is continually filling up with water and descending fast. The real repair is internal, but I digress... I believe that we all evolve not just in our physical bodies, but in how we think as well, or at least I hope so. Personal discovery and acceptance is important to our emotional development, in addition to expecting the same of others. As empathetic beings, we should always extend grace to others to be who and what they want to be, and we should heal that part of our ego that expects everything and everyone around them to remain the same always. Life doesn’t work like that.

“There is nothing in life quite as nice as that pure, authentic peace.”  ~ Angela Shannon Ponder

Now I've never been one to want to complicate life. I like to keep things slow and easy. I prefer to float as opposed to fighting against the current, and when the elements seem to be too much to bear, I rest in the peace and flow of the atmosphere. I don't need the hustle and noise of life nor do I need to be amongst the crowd. I am in love with my solitude. I try to engage with it often and within it I experience divine manifestation. I joke often that my mind never sleeps, even during rest... dreams and visions consume me. As a highly intuitive type, I am often submerged in deep thought. When I FINALLY do relax, I try to become in tune with mindful motion, and open myself up to all creative possibilities (you know, that co-creator vibe). Like water, I will continue to move where I choose to move and how I choose; immersing deep within and doing it without resistance, to allow positive change to continue to unfold naturally in my life. Remember that wisdom? Yeah, nothing can stand against it. 

This concept was deep for me and I needed to create it in and around one of my favs... a body of water (there is just something about water). Well, I knew I needed someone for this concept that would embrace it and not be afraid of it, so Shayla joined us again for another project and she did an AMAZING job! Please enjoy the images that follow from our "Submerged" concept!









MUA: 
Tynita Lee
Booking Info:
Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita


Concept: 
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, Light and Balance!

Angela
The Creative Director



Monday, January 25, 2021

Dynasty

“There is nothing more beautiful than a warrior woman standing in her power, courage, and confidence. From this place of strength, she is capable of loving the world in a way that transforms pain into promise...” ~Debbie Ford

Greetings Readers!

This post is dedicated to the wild woman... untamed and unafraid.

It is an amazing feeling to truly understand and walk in your power. To have confidence and assurance in the knowledge that you are whole and complete all by yourself, with the DNA of queens coursing through your veins... you are everything. Asserting a spirit of fierce passion and sensuality that exquisitely stirs the senses... you are sacral. Diving deep into a place of introspection to see your gifts as a healer, a life giver, and a living temple... you are divine. Becoming fully aware; then as the steps of your life you retrace, you find that you exist in a whole different dimension of time and space. Your beauty is a treasure to behold, you are captivating, you are inspiring, you are activated... you are awakened. 

You embody an untold strength that cannot be controlled or contained. You are gentle and meek; nurturing, yet you still intimidate the weak...you are sound. You confound thought and logic with a powerful presence and a fighting spirit. You walk in complete authority... you are a warrior. You are the producer of a magnificent cosmic energy... you are a magician. You have dominion over kingdoms in the earth and you command attention wherever you place your feet... you are ascendant. You face both the light and shadow sides of your feminine nature with boldness, humility, and authenticity, regardless of what you may discover when the truth unfolds... you are liberated. You love and embrace your truest self, unashamed. You have purposed to help restore generations from the centuries of damage done to your ancestral line... you are the pride. As you prepare to begin the process of healing and clearing away the debris of a tragic past, to become a beacon of light for your own lineage... you are the guide. You are the descendant of a dynastic reign and you lead the charge of reclaiming the dignity of your people. You are the one chosen to continue the legacy of your bloodline... you are the prize.

This concept entitled, “Dynasty” is intended to encourage us to seek the truth of our existence, and not just accept what we are taught in schools using history books that we did not help write, that do not tell our WHOLE story. It is meant to help us recall our rich, powerful history, one that took place in our native land, to help bring to our remembrance once again who we are and who we were meant to be. We are no longer dazed and confused and the deceivers dread the day that our eyes are finally wide open... know this. We joined together again with Dynasti on this project. She has been a vital spark in the new direction we have taken with our artistic vision. DYNASTI bodied DYNASTY, YES! My hubs and I are two creative souls that dance to the rhythmic beat of our own drum, and we are rarely off step. Our prayer is that we are able to continue to pour our gifts into the world and that they make a life-changing difference. We hope you enjoy the images that follow... until next time!







“A Behind the Scenes Look”
Dynasty



 




MUA: 
Tynita Lee
Booking Info:
Instagram: @makeup_by_tynita

Wardrobe Designer:
Rovonya Smith
Instagram: @seamstress_queen

Concept & 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, Light and Balance!

Angela
The Creative Director