Naomi Campbell Shot 'Essence' Magazine's 50th Anniversary Issue Cover Photo with an iPhone

Essence Magazine turned 50 recently and had supermodel Naomi Campbell grace its anniversary cover, with the model having the honor of shooting and styling herself.

Essence is 50, and with the COVID-19 pandemic still very much present, the anniversary celebrations were like no other, starting with the anniversary cover that had superstar model Naomi Campbell.

The model was allowed to shoot and style her cover from home while in self-isolation amid the virus. What is more surprising is that she used her iPhone for the shoot, and it turned out perfect.

Campbell shared the cover page of the magazine on Instagram, with a caption that narrated how she was able to do the cover and offered hope even in the difficult times.

In her caption, Campbell said that it was a very special honor and unusual experience for her to be able to shoot and style her own cover for the magazine's golden anniversary on her iPhone. She also said:

"...it also brought me hope and encouragement to know that our people and infrastructures are resilient."

The model noted that people are rooted in knowledge and creativity and continue to take back full control of their narratives. She said that the world would come out of this challenge stronger than ever.

Campbell concluded her caption by wishing the magazine a happy anniversary. Essence's 50th anniversary is also coinciding with Naomi Campbell's 50th birthday celebration, which will come up on May 22.

An eagle-eyed fan of the model, Tom Tracey spotted the reflection of her cameraman in her staircase.

In the cover editorial, the magazine paid a glowing tribute to the model, who defied the odds to rise to the top of her career, also adding that with the coming of age, Campbell was now clear about her role in the world.

The model founded a nonprofit organization, "Fashion for Relief," that was established as a response to the devastating Hurricane Katrina and has raised millions for natural disaster victims. Naomi also plans to do much more for the African continent of which she said:

"I miss the continent. I miss Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya...I feel grounded and I feel peaceful when I'm in Africa..."

Apart from styling herself and taking her own photograph for the Essence Magazine Golden Anniversary cover, Naomi Campbell also did her hair and makeup, thus making the whole package a first for the magazine.

Essence appreciated the model in a post on Twitter, where they shared more pictures from the shoot that showed Campbell looking dazzling in an African print dress and head tie.

Meanwhile, Naomi Campbell has been busy on her YouTube Channel, "Being Naomi," showing off her favorite pieces from the various Met Gala she has attended.

On her post, last Saturday, an eagle-eyed fan of the model, Tom Tracey, spotted the reflection of her cameraman in her staircase, fully dressed in a Hamzat and filming her.

The model later confirmed that the filming of that video took place in her residence in New York before New York's official lockdown took effect.