Juju Ivanyuk (in) After the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards Show
Shot back in the summer, the story to this photo is very funny. I was chatting with a fellow photographer about newcomers from Fall/Winter 2011.12 and how there is a buzzing girl named “Juju” that we both did not snap during NYFW. As we contemplated on the pity of such a missed opportunity on the way to the subway, there was a model sitting on the steps in front of the Lincoln Center all alone. We went over to take her pictures and asked for her name. It was Juju! My friend and I started laughing hysterically when she identified herself. Juju was confused, but we explained that she was in our discussion just minutes before. What great chance! If mentioning a model’s name alone would make her appear randomly in front of me, I would be a very lucky photographer. However, this was the only occasion such serendipity has occurred so unexpectedly, and it is sweet to have been Juju.
I still think it is a pity to have only known and shot Juju for one season. I am indeed glad that it happened to be the season I did the whole four city adventure because I was able to snap more photos of the darling in Milan and Paris. Just from the image, there is no question about Juju’s physical beauty. Yet, I dare can say that she is even more beautiful than pictures can convey. She also possesses a beauty that is not so obvious by sight; that beauty is her personality. I have met many beautiful females throughout the years, but few have truly charmed me this immensely. Juju has told me that I always make her smile in the streets, but the truth is she makes me smile more behind the camera. I always get an electric boost of energy when I spot Juju because for a Ukrainian she gives a very genuine natural hug that is unbelievably at the same level as all the Southern church-going Black women that raised me in New Orleans. I don’t think most people will understand my analogy, but from where I am raised people know how to give a great hug. So, just take this as a big compliment. Thanks for being lovely and effortless beautiful Juju! You make me smile! =)
