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.
The Ballerina and the City
A photogenic ballerina with classic Hollywood looks, long limbs, exceptional posing skills and an incredible personality, Hannah Kickert is one of my favorite subjects.
Hannah Kickert jumps on the streets of Chinatown. New York, 2018
The photos in this series were taken from 2017-2019. They feature Vienna-based, part-time NYC resident, Hannah Kickert. A photogenic ballerina with classic Hollywood looks, exceptional posing skills and an incredible personality, Kickert is one of my favorite subjects.
Hannah Kicker jumps in the East Village. New York, 2017
We met in 2017 at a Runstreet Art Run in the East Village. I photographed Kickert jumping against a Hektad mural in the First Street Green Cultural Park. The photo went on to become one of my most popular shots.
Hannah Kickert on the promo poster for Runstreet’s Daydream 5K Art Run and Festival. New York, 2018
In spring 2018, I worked with Hannah on a promotional photoshoot for the Runstreet Daydream 5K Art Run and Festival. She performed several jumps while wearing a full costume. Hannah was featured on the primary posters for the event.
Alternate take of Hannah Kickert for the Runstreet Daydream 5K Art Run and Festival. New York, 2018
Hannah contacted me in the summer of 2018 to schedule a fashion photoshoot before she returned to Vienna.
Hannah Kickert photographed in Chinatown. New York, 2018
I recommended shooting in Chinatown and Soho, the same locations for the Karolina Finksas series, as I wanted to see the contrast between two dancers — with distinct performing styles, hair colors and body types — and their respective approaches to the settings.
My favorites from the Chinatown portion of the shoot are these four consecutive frames taken on historic Doyers Street.
Hannah Kickert photographed in Soho. New York, 2018
We walked over to the relatively quieter streets of Soho to take street-style portraits. Hannah swapped out her jeans for cropped shorts.
Hannah Kickert walks in Soho. New York, 2018
Hannah in Soho. New York, 2018
Portrait of a ballerina. New York, 2018
We collaborated again in spring 2019 upon Hannah’s return to New York. The photos were captured a few hours before she flew back to Vienna.
Hannah Kickert in NoLita. New York, 2019
I took several shots of her in subway stations and on the streets of Lower Manhattan. But my favorite photos are of Hannah at the red wall in NoLita and her smiling in Central Park.
Hannah in Central Park. New York, 2019
After wrapping up in Central Park, we walked over to the Upper East Side. Before we parted company, Hannah taught me how to properly pronounce two of her famous countrymen’s names: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dominic Thiem.