The Swede: Fitness Modeling in Williamsburg

Sara poses in Martha P. Johnson Park in Brooklyn. New York, 2018

I began dabbling in photographing competitive bodybuilders in 2018. Of all the shoots I’ve done, these photos with Stockholm-native Sara standout as her fantastic physique perfectly contrasts with the towering Manhattan skyline.

I photographed Sara, a competitive bodybuilder and fitness model from Stockholm, Sweden, in April 2018. She was visiting New York and wanted fitness modeling photos with Manhattan’s skyline in the background. Our mutual friend, Karolina, referred me.

I vividly remember shoot day as I’d spent the afternoon training staff for Runstreet’s Daydream 5K Art Run and Festival in Bushwick, Brooklyn. After the training session ended, I hopped the L train to nearby Williamsburg for the shoot.

Swedish Kicks. New York, 2020

I met Sara and Karolina at Martha P. Johnson Park in the late afternoon. Upon meeting, my mood improved as Sara’s commanding presence and striking features energized me. The gorgeous weather was an added bonus with rich sunlight, dark shadows, and shimmering blue skies.

Sara’s not just a pretty face. An engaging and probing conversationalist who holds herself to high standards, I related well to her perfectionism and diligence. These shared traits allowed us to work effectively to get the best shots possible.

The photoshoot primarily took place along the park’s sandy beachfront overlooking the East River. I took shots of Sara in various poses and actions. The kicking shots were a personal favorite as they highlighted her muscular limbs.

Sara poses with the Empire State Building in the background. New York, 2018

One of my favorite shots is the photo of Sara posed along a wood bench with sunlight caressing her back. The sight of the iconic Empire State Building gives the photo a sense of place, while Sara’s skin and hair glisten in the sunlight.

Honorable mention goes to the black and white shot of Sara posed and pointing to the sky. Her muscular limbs and fingers are more prominent in monochrome, perfectly complementing the jagged points in New York’s towering skyline.

Sara and the City. New York, 2018

Behind the Scenes, photo by Karolina Finskas. New York, 2018

Sara was an enjoyable subject who looks incredible on camera. She also took direction well, easily churning out dozens of usable photos in a very short period.

Karolina served as a behind the scenes photographer and assistant during the shoot, helping with direction and ensuring that Sara’s hair and outfit were in place.

Labor Day Weekend in DUMBO

Labor Day Weekend in Brooklyn Bridge Park. New York, 2020

Holidays have been a blur in 2020 as COVID-19 continues to alter the ways we mark the passage of time. Labor Day Weekend was different in Brooklyn this year. The annual Jouvert Celebration went virtual and organizers cancelled the West Indian Day Parade. So instead of dancing, people watching, enjoying incredible food, and marveling at the colorful cultural garb, I grabbed my camera and biked to DUMBO.

Parallel Lines: The Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge tower over DUMBO. New York, 2020

Brooklyn’s posh waterfront neighborhood was buzzing with activity as locals and a scattering of tourists enjoyed outdoor dining and gathered in Brooklyn Bridge Park. I avoided the area’s busier sections, spending the day admiring architecture on DUMBO’s quieter streets and in nearby Vinegar Hill.

One of the city’s more aesthetically pleasing historical districts, DUMBO’s converted warehouses, cobblestone streets, pristine waterfront, and majestic bridge views are immortalized in dozens of films, television series, and classic photographs. Luckily, the weather was perfect this weekend, bathing the neighborhood in crystal blue skies, warm sunlight, and deep shadows.

City Bikes and the Manhattan Bridge. New York, 2020

The subway trains rumbling over the Manhattan Bridge and boats zipping by on the East River reminded me of simpler times in the city.

Manhattan Bridge. New York, 2020

As I walked around the neighborhood, it felt like any other day. A stop along the river’s pebbled shore offered a stunning glimpse of New York’s impressive skyline. But, COVID-19 was omnipresent, as most people wore face coverings and signs reminded park goers to socially distance and mask up.

A man walks through Brooklyn Bridge Park wearing a mask. New York, 2020

Regardless, I felt better than I have in months by engaging in one of my favorite activities: photographing New York City.