Having a blog like Fabulous N’ Frugal gives me the power to make change and empower in my own little neck of the internet. FNF Fam, I want to introduce to Nastassia Davis, a photographer and a “black girl who rocks.” She had the privilege of being part of such a powerful movement happening among us. Here is her lens. (pun intended. Hope it wasn’t too corny. 🙂 )-k

by Nastassia Davis

Reflecting on working the pink carpet last weekend for Black Girls Rock! was exciting and a little nerve-racking, to be honest. I’m not a paparazzi photographer naturally, so I was definitely out of my element. “Ms Ross! Please, over here!!” “Tatyana, can I get a smile here, please?” “Gorgeous, Ms Kelly! Over here, please! Thank you!” My voice is soft, so trying to shout over paparazzi in hopes to get the attention of the ladies on the red carpet was a challenge. Seeing so many amazing women that I admire in front of my camera like, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelly Rowland, Tatyana Ali, KeKe Palmer, Debra L. Lee, Marian Wright Edelman, Queen Latifah, and so much more, was such a surreal moment for me as a photographer.

Since it was my first time at such a star-studded event, I was diligently focusing on getting great shots of the atmosphere and not caring much about photographing myself on the carpet. However, this super sweet and talented BET correspondent, Miss Neffy Anderson, was someone that I met who helped my celebrity red carpet experience be an awesome one! What a humble, sweet and fly young lady that I could relate too. She encouraged me to celebrate this moment of accomplishment and snapped my photo to add to my personal collection.

The importance of redefining our images through owning and controlling what’s produced by us is extremely pivotal to the mental health and self-esteem of our young girls today and that is why I do what I do…

Here is our beauty in full focus:

Nastassia Davis is a fine art photographer and artist based in New Jersey. She is best known for her compelling and thought-provoking self-portraits. Influenced by the world around her, she finds great inspiration in music, art and life. Nastassia creates and captures the essence and beauty of African American women using herself and other subjects. Her photos have been published in a variety of online art blogs and newsworthy publications such as “AfroBella” “Black Girl w/ Long Hair”  and “The NY TIMES”, just to name a few. Also, Awarded Honorable Mention (2010) for “NYC’s Artists Wanted” in the International Self-portrait Contest. In addition, Nastassia conducts photography workshops, specifically light painting, for inner city youth as a vehicle to bolster self-esteem.