"Goodbye to the 20s"
If you have been on our website this month, you have probably seen our February cover, shot by Eboni Boneé Coleman showing stunning model Raven-Syamone. You may have wondered why the shoot is called 'Goodbye to the 20s" and we guess, we won't give too much away when we tell you know that it's a birthday shooting for Raven-Syamone's 30th birthday. We interviewed both women about the shoot, and popped in some questions about the birthday girl's plans for the future, and much more! Go ahead and read all about this fabulous photo shoot!
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Raven-Syamone
- Birthday Girl & Model - Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
My name is Raven-Syamone and I just turned 30 this year! I was born and raised in Aurora, Colorado. I currently live in Aurora, Colorado. I am a first-grade teacher, and this is my 8th year. Teaching is my passion, and I love inspiring young learners. If I can just change one life, then I am doing my job. The most important thing about life is you only have ONE life to live, so live it to the fullest with no regrets. I am very spontaneous, and I am always open to trying new things. That is what life is all about. What was your motivation for this shoot? Doing this shoot was really to embrace getting older and owning my beauty. With the pandemic I had no reason to get dressed up. This photoshoot was a way to get glamorous and have fun with my new milestone in life. How did you prepare for it? I spent months trying to figure out the perfect look I was going for. I knew I wanted to wear all black but still make it look glamorous. The black was to show ‘Rest in Peace to my 20s’. Kind of like a funeral to the past and a rebirth to my future. Between my photographer Eboni and I, we decided that a city life look would be best. From there I decided to go for an overall wow look that I can’t wear just anywhere. Hence, the big black skirt. From my hair to my makeup, I wanted just a simple look that highlighted my personality. |
The black dress you are wearing is breath-taking! Did you choose the outfit yourself, and if so, why?
I absolutely love the outfit. I’ll let you in on a little secret. It actually is a skirt and a bodysuit put together. I chose the outfit myself because I wanted to feel like I was going to a red-carpet event. The more bling the better. |
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Have you been in a photoshoot before this shoot?
I have had several different photoshoots before this. But this has got to be my all-time favourite one. I love being in the camera. Looking back at your 20’s, what advice would you give your younger self? My 20s were fun, but I wish I would have told myself to go out and do more. So often we rush for things to happen and now I wish I could slow things down and go back in time. Best advice I could give to a 20-year-old self is, do it now while you’re young. The theme of the shoot is ‘Goodbye to the 20’s’. What is the theme of your 30’s, and what would you like to achieve in the next 10 years of your life?
My 30s are definitely going to be “Thriving Thirties”. I have learned a lot in my 20s, which has brought me to my happiest phase in my life right now. I want to continue to thrive in my career and in life in general. In the next 10 years I see myself receiving my second masters and starting a family. I am very happy with the things I’ve learned, and the experiences that I have had, but now I want to share that with my partner and our own children. All while still being a boss lady. We realize that our questions may not cover everything you would like to talk about so please feel free to add anything you think, or feel is important to you as a person or your work. I want to add that in a world where everyone wants to fit in, I have learned that I want to stick out. It is very hard to find positive images of successful African American women. I want to continue to be a positive influence, through body positivity, education, and society. This photoshoot represents all the women that are not skinny, or that don’t look like the instagram models. Love who you are, and love the skin that you are in. The pictures represent exactlyhow I feel in my new chapter of life. Thank you for helping me share that with the world. |
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Eboni Boneé Coleman
- Photographer - Please tell our readers a bit about yourself.
My name is Eboni Boneé Coleman, a native from Denver, Colorado and the owner of EB Pixs. What does photography mean to you? I’ve always been a visual learner. Something about how messages are conveyed visually just resonated with me. Photography allows me to become the storyteller; having complete control of what I want the audience to see and having control of the narrative is what I love about it. The fact that I can create the picture and story for others to decipher themselves. Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography? I first became interested in photography due to my love for content creation. When I first was thinking of incorporating EB Pixs, I was wanting to start a company that offered creative and media marketing services. I was always really interested in photography and defined myself as a creative across the board, but had never thought about picking up the camera myself due being signed to a modeling agency myself, being a music artist, and my background in marketing. One day, I was needing to get images done for a client, I looked at the camera as it looked at me, and it was history. I absolutely loved it! Photography has completely changed my life and now I have a business that offers a full spectrum of services from the step one creation process of strategic content development to social media management and marketing strategy. What is your favorite lens? Right now I’m in love with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM. It’s my go to and definitely my first love for lenses. |
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What gave you the idea for this shooting?
After Raven had the idea of featuring black in her photoshoot giving this ideology of something dying out or saying goodbye, we thought it would be great to show a “goodbye to your 20’s” concept showing the grace and beauty of transitioning to your 30’s as a young woman.
Tell us about the planning process of the shoot – e.g., how did you prepare?
First and foremost wardrobe had to be decided on. Bearing in mind that we are still in a pandemic, we had to be mindful or arrival times. Weather in Colorado is also up and down, so it was imperative to choose a date and time that would fit the susetting look behind the buildings. Once everything was purchased I went scouting for locations that would be fitting for the set.
How and why did you choose this exact location?
I chose this exact location because no matter what angle you stood from the scenery of the buildings was all around you. It was also a quiet space where we wouldn’t have many interruptions or worry about others being in the shots.
How did you set up the lighting – e.g., did you only use natural light or any artificial light, and if so, what lighting equipment did you use?
For this session I only used natural lighting. I think as a photographer it’s important to understand how light works for you and your shooting style. I personally love natural light shots and always like to play with it. Light doesn’t work against it works for you, and I think that’s important to remember.
After Raven had the idea of featuring black in her photoshoot giving this ideology of something dying out or saying goodbye, we thought it would be great to show a “goodbye to your 20’s” concept showing the grace and beauty of transitioning to your 30’s as a young woman.
Tell us about the planning process of the shoot – e.g., how did you prepare?
First and foremost wardrobe had to be decided on. Bearing in mind that we are still in a pandemic, we had to be mindful or arrival times. Weather in Colorado is also up and down, so it was imperative to choose a date and time that would fit the susetting look behind the buildings. Once everything was purchased I went scouting for locations that would be fitting for the set.
How and why did you choose this exact location?
I chose this exact location because no matter what angle you stood from the scenery of the buildings was all around you. It was also a quiet space where we wouldn’t have many interruptions or worry about others being in the shots.
How did you set up the lighting – e.g., did you only use natural light or any artificial light, and if so, what lighting equipment did you use?
For this session I only used natural lighting. I think as a photographer it’s important to understand how light works for you and your shooting style. I personally love natural light shots and always like to play with it. Light doesn’t work against it works for you, and I think that’s important to remember.
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Artist Credits
Photographer & Creative Director Eboni Boneé Coleman with EB Pixs
Model Raven-Syamone Makeup Angelica Navarro with Angelica Glo Beauty Hair Tiana Porter with Bellamaria Clothing Lisong & Eiffel Store |
Editor Credits
Interview & Image Compilation Annika M.
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Published: 16.02.2021
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