Photographer Uses Real Models To Re-Imagine Disney Princesses In Real Life
Detroit, Michigan based photographer Jessica Kobeissi specializes in fashion and portrait photography. Recently, Kobeissi spent months planning an incredible stylized photo shoot centred around everyone's favorite subject matter: Disney princesses. Kobeissi asked, "What if Disney Princesses were real girls in 2019?" And then answered, "I took 10 professional models and transformed them into Disney Princesses."
Working with make-up artists Hayley Kassel and Courtney Hagen, Kobeissi put a great deal of effort into the details of her concept:
I bought all of the clothes myself and tried to match them well with each princess. It was really a challenge trying to find something that still fit the theme but was still in style (in 2019).
You're definitely going to love her Princess series, so if you want to keep up with Jessica's work, you can follow her on Instagram or Facebook!
1. Princess Jasmine
Aladdin is and always will be a classic, and the live-action remake that recently hit theatres is definitely only enhancing our love and appreciation for the story and characters we've come to know and love since the 90's.
Sarah as Jasmine
Kobeissi said, "I styled every model, with the exception of ‘Jasmine’ (who is a stylist and picked her own outfit!)"
We especially love the pet, a slight nod to Jasmine's tiger? Perhaps.
2. Pocahontas
In 1995 Disney brought viewers a beautifully animated film detailing the fictional life and love of a real, historical indigenous person, Pocahontas.
Sophia as Pocahontas
For an iconic Disney story understandably caught up with controversy, we genuinely appreciate that Kobeissi brought some authenticity to this re-interpretation of a real person turned into an animated character.
She said, "Sophia who portrays Pocahontas is Mexican, French and Native American."
3. Snow White
In 1938, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney's first ever animated feature. Snow White is the first Disney Princess and the first fictional female character with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Lauren as Snow White
No matter how Snow White has been re-imagined over the years, there is no denying the symbolism behind that royal blue, those popping red lips, and a crisp, red apple.
You know you appreciate the cottage in the background!
4. Belle
Beauty and the Beast released in 1991 and grossed $425 million at the box office worldwide on a $25 million budget. The highly acclaimed movie won a plethora of awards and did very well when the live-action remake was released in 2017, too.
Tashi as Belle
Belle was a classic bookworm, through and through. It only makes sense that a modern interpretation would also hold at least one book in her arms.
There is just no mistaking that iconic look, Kobeissi captured the essence of Belle perfectly.
5. Cinderella
Cinderella was released in 1950 and for decades following the movie's release, few princesses have been more synonymous with Disney in the manner for which Cinderella is. She is one of the most iconic Disney Princesses of all time.
Estelle as Cinderella
In a personal letter to Walt Disney, director Michael Curtiz hailed the film as the "masterpiece of all pictures you have done." Producer Hal Wallis declared, "If this is not your best, it is very close to the top."
Kobeissi's Cinderella captures the color and elegance of this timeless princess.
6. Tinkerbell
In 1953 the world met Tinkerbell... a side character in Peter Pan. However seemingly minor of a character Tinkerbell may have seemed in the 50's, she is most definitely synonymous with Disney magic today.
Paulina as Tinkerbell
Jessica said, "Tinkerbell is not a princess, but I still wanted to add her because I love her character."
Today, the character Tinkerbell has her own movies, series, and toys and is probably more popular than Peter Pan.
7. Ariel the Little Mermaid
Truly if any Disney Princess could rival the popularity of Cinderella, it's Ariel the Little Mermaid. In 1989 Disney nailed the princess mermaid fantasy of countless children so well that she is still today capturing hearts, no matter how old she has become.
Lilia as Ariel
Red hair, piercing, mesmerizing eyes, and mermaid scales. That is definitely Ariel.
It wouldn't surprise us if Kobeissi's Ariel is one of the favorites of the series, Ariel is just an iconic character, beloved by nearly all!
8. Mulan
The 1998 film, Mulan, was based off of a historical Chinese character Hua Mulan, and the movie was and still is incredible to this day. In fact, it's safe to say that the 2020 live-action remake is probably one of the most highly anticipated releases in the live-action series Disney has been pumping out lately, because the story is just that good.
Serena as Mulan
Jessica said:
The model for Mulan (Serena) is Chinese. We shot her photos in Seoul, South Korea, as she lives there. That’s why you’ll see Korean in the background for one of the photos!
The story of Hua Mulan is treated more as a legend than a historical person, but the poem The Ballad of Hua Mulan is highly regarded. Disney's decision to make a movie based on the lore was definitely a great decision.
9. Sleeping Beauty
The 1959 film Sleeping Beauty introduced the world to Princess Aurora, arguably another one of the top 3 most iconic Disney princesses of all time.
Willodeen as Sleeping Beauty
In the film, Princess Aurora spent very little time in a pink dress. However, she has always been depicted in the pink version of her dress and the pink color has become synonymous with her imagery.
There has always been an element of elegance with Sleeping Beauty, unparalleled with other princesses over the decades.
10. Tiana
The Princess and the Frog released in 2009 and was hailed for Disney's inclusive representation featuring the first-ever African American princess.
Sydney as Tiana
Fun Fact: Talk show host Oprah Winfrey was hired as a technical consultant for the film, leading to her taking a voice-acting role in the film as Tiana's mother, Eudora.
Today, Tiana is most definitely a favorite Disney princess. Kobeissi couldn't have picked a better model to represent the Princess who touched the hearts of so many (and still does!)
Photographer Jessica Kobeissi also put together this awesome video covering the process and featuring behind the scenes photos and clips of the incredible skill, detail, and time poured into bringing her vision to life! Check it out!
