Beauty Portraits: Daria

Houston, TX

Celebrating 40!

I always say that when a woman turns 40, an internal switch flips. A woman walks a little taller. Her sense of self deepens. And she’s officially too old for foolishness!

At least, that is what it was like for me! So, when I get the opportunity to usher a fellow sister across this threshold, I am super excited to see the transformation right before my eyes!

I’ve photographed Dr. Willis several times, but always on the corporate side. I’ve done headshots for her and her staff, editorial shoots for magazine features (including the coveted Essence), and more. She is the epitome of a trailblazing powerhouse in her community and around the world!

But this moment was for Daria, the woman. Between Zoom calls and texts, we planned her shoot, from the looks to the emotional weight of this moment in time.

“I met Shala a couple years ago as she was doing work for my institution but then she moved to Houston and I had to make a choice…hire a photographer that I don’t know in Maryland, or hop a flight to Houston because she’s the best of the best. So I did the latter and I’m so happy I did.”

— Daria Willis, PhD

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“We worked together for about a month before my 40th birthday photo shoot at her shop in H-Town, and this was AFTER my flight was cancelled the first time. She was cool and flexible and let me reschedule with no problem.”

— Daria Willis, PhD

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“She took her time with the photos and the different ideas. I had three outfit changes and she was patient with all of them. Let me tell you…I’ve never seen myself this way. I felt like a super star.”

— Daria Willis, PhD

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“If you’re looking for a photographer who cares about you, she’s the one. I won’t spend my money in any other place. Thank you, Shala for making my 40th so amazing!”

— Daria Willis, PhD

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