Disney Princesses: From Fantasy to Reality

I think just about everyone, no matter where they were born or how they were raised, has seen at least one Disney film. There’s something about the cheery, sing-song characters that makes them unforgettable. One thing always stood out about those films, and I’m not talking about any weird animation glitches.

I’m talking about the Disney princesses, the animated heroines that captured our imaginations when we were young.

But what happens when these cartoon characters are brought into the real world? Glamour photographer Ryan Astamendi, who actually used to be a Disney artist, has done just that. He’s taken these classic characters and transformed them from animation into stunning, real-life models. It’s a fascinating, and let’s be honest, more contemporary take.

Disney Princesses Reimagined by Ryan Astamendi

Astamendi’s work is incredible because he applies the same core principles of lighting, color, and composition that made the original animated films so visually iconic. The key difference, of course, is that his canvas is now a real person, resulting in photos that are both magical and strikingly realistic. His series includes spot-on versions of Pocahontas, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty.

One of his most well-known shots is of Princess Jasmine, which captures the character perfectly. It’s a great example of how he brings these animated figures to life with a touch of modern glamor.

Now, before you point out that one of the photos in his collection isn’t technically a Disney princess, let’s just agree that it’s an awesome picture. It fits right in with the vibe, much like the Fairy Tale Fantasies collection we’ve featured before. The lighting is amazing, the colors are vibrant, and the costume is fantastic.

More Artists Bringing Animation to Life

Astamendi isn’t the only artist giving Disney characters a realistic makeover. This has become a popular trend, with creators around the world offering their unique interpretations. This really shows how much these characters have stuck with us since childhood.

• Jirka Väätäinen: This Finnish artist, now based in Melbourne, creates hyper-realistic portraits of Disney characters using a combination of digital painting and photo compositing. He started the project back in 2011, wondering what Ursula from The Little Mermaid would look like in real life.
• Heather Theurer: An American painter, Theurer reimagines Disney characters in a style similar to the Pre-Raphaelites of the 19th century. She was actually approached by a Disney marketing rep at San Diego Comic-Con to create Disney-inspired art in her unique style.
• CreativeSoul Photography: Based in Atlanta, this duo of Regis and Kahran Bethencourt caught Disney’s attention by reimagining princesses through a more diverse lens, showcasing kids from across the African diaspora. This even led to a collaboration on a special edition series of dolls.

These artists prove that the magic of these characters isn’t just for kids. They tap into a sense of nostalgia while creating something entirely new and captivating for an adult audience.

If you want to see more of Ryan Astamendi’s work, and I’m sure you do, head over to his official website. While I’ve shared his Disney princesses, he has a ton of other impressive glamor and beauty shots. He’s a seriously talented photographer.