Karolina: Samba and Chaos in Chinatown, NY 2018
A samba dancer descends upon Lower Manhattan on a late-summer afternoon.
Photographed in the Summer of 2018, Samba Dancer and Stockholm native, Karolina Finskas poses in Soho.
As of 2022, Karolina Finskas is dancing with Dança Global, a Brazilian samba and fusion dance troupe. At the time of this shoot, Finskas was samba dancing at various events around NYC.
Instagram has connected me with a bevy of clients, and few are more memorable than Stockholm-based, part-time NYC resident, Karolina Finskas. A professional samba dancer who tours the Continental Europe, the Caribbean, South America and the US, Finskas’s zest for life and incredible energy resonate whenever I have the pleasure of photographing her.
This series of photos were taken on a balmy late-summer day in 2018. We met on Grand Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown for a one hour promotional photoshoot. Dressed in a vibrant samba costume, Finskas was able to do something that rarely happens: make jaded New Yorkers stop, look and inquire about what we were doing.
The thirsty response of men from various classes and ethnic groups spoke to the universal nature of men. It also illustrated, yet again, the type of harassment and ogling that women experience. I kept the peanut gallery at bay, begrudgingly enforcing a look but don’t dare touch policy to get through the shoot. But my subject definitely didn’t need my protection. With nerves of steel and an unflinching level of focus, the Stockholmer quipped at tongue-wagging bypassers, giving as good as she got. After a few minutes, they took a hint and moved along.
Karolina on Pell St.
Undeterred by the catcalls, she remained camera focused, giving me the ability to capture a series of promotional photos as well as a range of behind the scenes shots of all the chaos.
Karolina Finskas stares down an overly-enthusiastic crowd on Mott Street.
The most memorable moment of the day occurred as we were wrapping up. We strolled over to Mott Street for a series of photos in the midst of a chaotic scene. Finskas’s presence was enough to stop traffic, motivating tourists and locals alike to pull out their phones to snap photos and record videos. Unbothered by the spectacle of it all, she stared down the crowd like a pro. The photo of her standing defiantly on Mott Street remains my favorite shot of the day. Perfectly coiffed and armed with a sense of humor and devil-may-care attitude, Finskas’s strength and ability to command the situation were awe-inspiring.
Bijou: From Williamsburg to Soho
I photographed Bijou in May 2018, capturing her in peak physical condition. Her sculpted body was the result of the hard work she’d put in training as a competitive bodybuilder.
Bijou, strikes a pose in the East Village. New York, 2018
These photos will always resonate as they were my first shoot with a competitive bodybuilder. I was acquainted with the subject — Bijou — beforehand, but I learned a great deal about her life at the time as we scoured Williamsburg and Lower Manhattan in search of the perfect setting.
I crossed paths with Bijou, a competitive bodybuilder and avid cyclist, during a photography assignment at CONBODY fitness studio. Fearlessness defined, she’s an intelligent, endearingly nerdy, and natural beauty who personifies cool. A master of the mirror selfie, her glorious mane and exceptional shoe game are always on point.
I photographed Bijou in May 2018, capturing her in peak physical condition. Her sculpted body was the result of the hard work she’d put in training as a competitive bodybuilder.
Bijou poses at Martha P. Johnson Park (aka East River State Park). New York, 2018
On shoot day, I met Bijou and her husband, Jerry, at Martha P. Johnson Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The skies were grey, but the cloud cover ensured there wouldn’t be harsh shadows on her face.
Bijou was ready to shoot, sporting a colorful manicure, perfectly coiffed hair, dope sneakers, and range of body-hugging outfits. The session started along the rocky banks of the East River, where I snapped photos of her against the Manhattan skyline.
After roughly 20 minutes of shooting, we hopped in their car and rode over the Williamsburg Bridge to Lower Manhattan. As we crossed the river, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bijou and Jerry on a range of topics. The engaging conversation, filled with insights and lots of laughter, created a relaxed atmosphere that enhanced the shoot. Refreshingly hospitable, the couple brought complimentary snacks and beverages, which was a nice touch.
Bijou poses in Soho. New York, 2018
At our next stop in Soho, Bijou’s beauty and magnificent shape set tongues wagging, drawing compliments and catcalls from scores of ogling men. Unfazed, she blocked out the noise and posed beautifully. Jerry was equally composed, showing a command of the situation and level of self-control most men lack.
Over in the East Village, Bijou drew attention from men and women. A group of guys spotted her standing in the street and adjusted their walking routes to get a better view, while a well dressed female couple stopped and told her how beautiful she looked.
Bijou in Soho. New York, 2018
My favorite photos from the session are of Bijou standing against a graffiti wall in Soho and the shot of her in the middle of the street in the East Village. In both photographs, she conveys strength and beauty as those glorious locks sweep her stunning figure.
Bijou sports her Rebook Classics Freestyle high tops in the East Village. New York, 2018
After leaving Bijou and Jerry, I reflected on how cool they were. Their closeness and genuine love for one another were inspiring. Eschewing conventions, they’re one of the most compatible couples I’ve met. And as the photos illustrate, Bijou is one of my best subjects.