PRESSURE

“Funny thing about pressure… it can burst pipes, it can create magnificent diamonds, it can cause catastrophic storms, and when perfectly placed, it can make everyone in the room uncomfortable.” ~Angela Shannon Ponder


Greetings Readers!


No matter how hard you try and no matter your efforts, you cannot convince anyone to like you if they have already made up in their minds that they don’t. It’s just not going to happen. People are miserable and they are out here holding grudges over nonsense, intent and misunderstandings, and generally those people are not trying to get clarity. They could not care less. So if they don’t like you and you know you have done absolutely nothing to harm them, then they don’t want to like you and that’s a personal problem that you need to leave them to deal with. Moving right along.

Stay on your grind and in pursuit of your dreams. Continue to enjoy life, love who you are, and be comfy cozy in your beautiful skin like a chenille blend. Do not let anyone else disturb your groove or destroy your mood. They are evil and they are after your peace. It’s clear that there is something about you that causes them to reflect on their own individual lack. If you have a special gift or ability, if they consider you more intelligent or more educated, if they assume you are more successful, if people are instinctively drawn to your good-natured spirit; and my personal favorite, if they cannot CONTROL you, then nine times out of ten, they will not like you. The latter is actually the most dangerous, because a person that cannot control you will try to change the narrative and influence how others perceive you. Those kinds of people will speak negatively about you to anyone who will listen and inject their own disdain for you then flip it, as if YOU are the one with the ill-feelings. Unfortunately, those who listen to the discontent will believe everything they hear about you instead of using logic in their discernment. But that’s their issue, we’ll move on.

All of this unwarranted dislike is the direct result of pressure applied. Whether you are a man or a woman, it can be intimidating to come face to face with someone who appears to have their shit together, particularly if you don’t. When a person not only has goals, but a plan and the ability to make it happen, that is pressure. When someone is bothered because you're attractive, that is pressure. Pressure is applied anytime favor is on full display and there is nothing anyone else can do to change it or benefit from it. Some will get irritated and think that it's their responsibility to knock you down off of the proverbial high horse they think you are sitting on... with rigor.  These poor pitiful souls are envious and they want what you’ve got, so I guess pressure is like a loaded gun and they're triggered. Know your worth and never let anyone else assess your value. Keep on shining.

You can have humility, you can be friendly and outgoing, you can live a life of discretion, but it does not matter to someone who has been made uncomfortable just by you being your authentic self. They can’t stand you! The truth of the matter is that a person can admire everything that you do and they can love everything about you and still not like you. I believe Jill Scott said it in this way… “If I could give you the world on a silver platter, would it even matter? You'd still be mad at me.” Don’t waste your valuable time trying to clear things up with someone who is already dazed and confused. You don’t owe them your side of the story. Let them believe whatever it is they want to believe and you continue to get good sleep at night. Lean in... I’ll let you in on a little secret. You can’t be extraordinary without first being extra. You can’t be outstanding if you’re too afraid to stand out. Keep letting the world know what you’re about, apply that pressure and if you do, you won’t die with greatness still stuck inside of you. My god-daughter, model Jasmine Murphy bodied the persona for this concept, but I knew she would. She always applies pressure and brings the heat, and I would expect nothing less. Enjoy the images that follow and don’t forget to press!

STYLIST:
Rovonya Smith
Instagram: @Seamstress_Queen

STYLIST: 

Jasmine Murphy

Statement Piece Jewelry:
Tena Bingham
Instagram: @tenasuniquepieces

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

Mr. G.Q. - The 3rd Annual Photographers' Collab Group Project

Greetings Readers!

We recently wrapped up our 3rd Annual Photographers' Collab group project. The theme for this year's concept was "Mr. GQ" and let me just say that the models did not disappoint. Just to give a bit of background, the term G.Q. originates from the Gentleman's Quarterly Magazine (later renamed GQ Magazine). In popular culture, "GQ" refers to a good-looking, fashion forward, well-groomed man. Basically, someone worthy of being on the cover of the magazine from which the word derives. It is a very complimentary term, not bestowed upon every man, but one who is polished, has impeccable style and exceptional taste. A GQ man is authentic, effortless and capable of making a statement... without saying a word. 

The "Mr. GQ" group concept featured models Alexander and Lawrence, two gentlemen who completely embodied the essence of the GQ man. Special thanks to all of the creatives who participated in this year's project: Sheila Upshaw, Reneka Swims, Otis Robertson, Carl Edmondson, Dedrick Roberts and of course, Sean Ponder. Please enjoy samples of their work from the project. Until next year! 

Sheila Upshaw

sheilaupshawphotography.com 

IG: sheilaupshawphotography

Reneka Swims

renekaswimsphotography.mypixieset.com

IG: Swimsfoto

Otis Robertson

otiscrobertson.com 

IG: otisrobertsonphotography

Carl Edmondson, Jr.

cejrphotography.com 

IG: CEJr. Photography

Dedrick Roberts

drobertsphotography.zenfolio.com

IG: robertsphotography2020

Sean Ponder

photographybyseanponder.com   

IG: photographybyseanponder

Models: 

Alexander Daniel

IG: @alexanderbdaniel

Lawrence Jones

IG: @simplylawrencej

As always, thank you SO much for visiting our blog. Keep up with the Team at Photography by Sean Ponder by visiting our links below!

photographybyseanponder.com  

Facebook.com/PhotographybySeanPonder

Instagram.com/PhotographybySeanPonder

Until next time, Peace, Love and Light!

Angela
The Creative Director

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:

MakeUpbyTynita@gmail.com

Makeup by Tynita on Schedulicity.com

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

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

Full Moon

Greetings Readers!

I honestly believe that I have become obsessed with full moons. Each and every time I get the chance to see that amazing, hypnotic glow, I am absolutely elated. My only thought is that I just want to absorb every ounce of its power. I marvel in it! As much as I enjoy a beautiful sunrise or a breath-taking sunset, there is nothing quite as awe-inspiring for me as the peaceful and majestic moon. Such a strong energetic force, the manificent moon pulls and tugs on the ocean waves as the ebb and flow movement it creates caresses the sand on the shore. Can you imagine that kind of control?

The energy of the full moon with it's luminous light, influences every aspect of our existence and induces physiological changes within us. It can help enhance our creativity and provide the perfect atmosphere for setting intentions and experiencing divine manifestations. Lunar energy also heightens our physical and emotional activities as well. It stimulates feelings of sadness (be really mindful of this one because depression is real), it stirs feelings of intense love and euphoria, and it increases feelings of sensuality and passion. It is believed that the moon has mood-altering capability and I am of the mindset to believe it.

So this concept was an idea of mine long before we knew there would be a full moon in the sky on the night of the shoot. I really didn't know where we would go with the final work, I just knew I was in search of something very alluring, very sexy, very sensual, and very passionate as the end result. It just so happens, on the way to our destination that night, I looked up in the sky and saw a stunning full moon. I decided at that moment, this concept was more than just a notion. I suddenly became fully engaged with bringing every aspect of this amorous session to life. Once again, we had the awesome opportunity to work with Ryan and Asia, who are always brave enough to trust my vision. I'm a little out there ya'll... it takes a special kind. Presenting our concept, "Full Moon." We hope you enjoy our work!

The "Full Moon" Concept 

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

Energy

Greetings Readers! 

I am convinced that I was a mermaid in my past life.

Anytime I can develop a concept that places us out in the middle of nature and especially near water, I am absolutely elated! There is just something about being in a natural environment that soothes my soul. Maybe it’s the fresh air I enjoy so much. Or maybe it’s the wildlife (not too wild though... I don’t like everything that creeps and crawls), or maybe it’s the sight, sounds and constant movement of the water over rocks and land and through valleys as it makes way to a new destination. Whatever the reason, I love it. It’s my happy place! Nature inspires me so I love to be out in it. It’s my favorite time to recharge my creativity and my energy. While we are on this subject, I have been doing a lot of research and self-reflection lately and as a feminine energy dominant myself, I wanted to take a dive into a deeper level of understanding of the masculine and feminine energy perspective. I am sure I will address that at a later time, but for now, our topic is solely feminine.

Feminine energy is much like water... it is a powerful, flowing and energetic life force. Nothing can exist without it in the natural realm. It nurtures and sustains life and can impact every place it moves through. Feminine energy is soft, kind and compassionate, but never combative. It is intuitive and imaginative and it is sensual and passionate. It is a source of balance, of creativity, of deeper feelings and emotions. It is capable of renewing and restoring which are key aspects of the feminine principle. When you are feminine energy dominant, you tend to illuminate any space you fill, even when trying to be elusive and mysterious and go unnoticed. It is the manifestation of patience, love, light, and intellect that produces storm calming peace. It is very necessary, because in a world full of highly competitive masculine energy, the world would self-destruct without it. 

This bohemian-styled concept simply titled, “Energy” features the lovely, Kristin in one of my FAVORITE places. Our presence with all of the sights and sounds of the natural elements made for an amazing backdrop! Please enjoy images from our “Energy” concept. 

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