You know we love actor Lance Gross‘ photography work, especially his images capturing his girlfriend when she was expecting their first child together. He has since photographed several pregnant celebrities and more recently, he turned his lens onto actress and brand new first-time mom Tatyana Ali for an Essence magazine spread.
Ali relied on the styling talents of her friend, celeb stylist Monique Lauren, and paid tribute to her roots including her native Trinidad and Panamanian roots. Her mom is from Panama and her dad from Trinidad and is of Indian descent. She wore an Indian sari and ethnic Panamanian jewelry in her shoot.
“I love this photo by@lancegross. The necklace is my mother’s, a chaquira from Panamá. The sari is my own, from India,” she captioned photos she shared this week on Instagram. “We wanted to pay homage to both of my backgrounds. Styling by my friend @iammoniquelaurenand @chrisgees. Now that my son is in my arms- it’s so nice to have this. I loved being pregnant. #bumplife”
In the magazine, Ali talks about the decision to use cloth diapers and a doula to help her with labor and delivery. Check it out on newsstands now!