What if Carrie Bradshaw Was a Black Girl from brooklyn?!?
If Carrie Bradshaw was a black woman!
As a Brooklyn portrait photographer, I often reimagine familiar pop-culture icons in fresh, culturally rooted contexts. In this blog post, I explore a bold concept: What if Carrie Bradshaw was a Black girl from Brooklyn. What would her style look like? As black female photographer in NYC, I’m inspired to tell that story through vibrant editorial imagery rooted in the energy of Brooklyn.
One afternoon, as I tackled a mountain of laundry at home, a familiar theme song suddenly filled the air—HBO was airing a rerun of *Sex and the City*. Instantly, I was whisked away to my early 20s, those carefree days spent with my girlfriends as we eagerly devoured every episode, dissecting the fashion and drama with the fervor of devoted fans.
I could still recall my first job as a sales girl in a shoe store, where my love affair with footwear began at the tender age of 14. Oh, the thrill of the perfect pair!
As I watched Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda navigate love and life in the glamorous chaos of New York City, a thought sparked in my mind—what if Carrie Bradshaw was a Black girl from Brooklyn? What would her world look like? How would her stories unfold against the backdrop of a vibrant culture and a unique perspective?
I could picture her strutting down the streets of Brooklyn, a fierce sense of style that turned heads, perhaps rocking a bold Afro or chic braids, her outfits a fusion of high fashion and street style. Would her column explore themes of identity, love, and resilience in a way that resonated deeply with her community? Lost in this daydream, I began to wonder what would that look like?
Danielle Henry of Danie And The Bloom pictured with Jewel of Jewel’s Vintage Closet
As I started to envision the photoshoot, a vibrant image took shape in my mind—a stunning black woman, effortlessly stylish, adorned with her magnificent, voluminous hair! Enter Danielle Henry, the creative force behind Danie and the Bloom and a makeup artist extraordinaire. At that time, Danie was rocking her fabulous, larger-than-life curls that beautifully framed her face. Her bubbly personality shone through in her online presence, making it clear this was someone special. Although we had yet to meet in person, our online interactions—supportive comments and shared admiration—had laid a delightful foundation.
With Danie on board, I felt a burst of excitement knowing she could bring my vision to life. And just like that, we had our cast! Now, on to the wardrobe—this is where Jewel stepped in, and let me tell you, she is a true talent. Jewel completely nailed the look from head to toe, adding the perfect flair. The soft teal tulle skirt brought just the right amount of drama, while the vibrant top added a lovely pop of color. Large gold earrings and a delicate gold chain elevated the ensemble to perfection. And we can't forget the shoes and bag—they were the finishing touches that pulled the entire look together flawlessly.
Somewhere in Brooklyn….
After weeks of searching, I finally had a vision in mind. I was on a quest to find a tree-lined street in Brooklyn, where stunning brownstones stood like sentinels of charm and history. For weeks, I roamed the vibrant streets of DUMBO, my eyes peeled for that perfect block—full of character and a sprinkle of magic.
One day, with my stomach growling, I decided to follow my cravings and venture out for a bite to eat. Little did I know, this delicious detour would lead me straight to the gem I had been searching for! As I strolled down the picturesque street, it felt as if the universe was aligning. Amongst the classic beauty of brownstones, one caught my eye—a delightful structure with distressed steps that whispered stories of the past. Who knew my love of food would lead me to just the right place. LOL.
If Carrie Bradshaw were a black woman.
At each and every shoot, my priority is to ensure my clients feel confident and at ease, which is why I take the time to guide them through every pose. You’ll never be left wondering what to do next, as my approach takes all the guesswork out of the equation. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the moment and truly enjoy the experience. During Danie’s session, I was right there with her every step of the way, offering guidance and encouragement for each pose, making sure she had fun and felt comfortable throughout the shoot.As with all my shoots I guide all my clients through posing during the shoot. You are never left to your own devices. I find that guiding clients through posing during the photoshoot takes the guess work out of what do I do with my hands and allows them to have fun and live in the moment. I guided and talked Danie through each and every pose.
Danie really outdid herself, following my directions to the letter and absolutely nailing each photo shoot! One of my absolute favorite outdoor shots is that classic walking-over-the-shoulder pose. For this particular picture, we decided to swap out Danie’s bag for a stunning fan! It was a hot day, and as Danie started to feel the heat, Jewel jumped in to save the day, fanning her so that her makeup wouldn’t melt away.
Jewel whipped out the most gorgeous fan from her bag — seriously, stylists always have the most incredible treasures! She casually said, “Oh, it’s just a little fan I carry,” but I was in awe. I mean, the stars aligned perfectly, and it felt like the universe conspired to bring that fan to us at just the right moment! Once I spotted that fan, I knew we were golden. It was game over in the best way possible! LOL!
I directed Danie to sit on those distressed steps, and I couldn’t be happier with the way the shot turned out! There's just something magical about capturing a vision exactly as you see it in your mind.
At the time of this shoot, I was navigating the whirlwind of new motherhood while juggling my job as a paralegal. Let me tell you, I was itching to tap back into my creative side! That day was a true test of determination—I had to haul my camera gear into work, complete a full day there, and race against the sun to grab some glorious natural light. No strobes for me back then; all I had was what nature provided.
Looking back, I think this shoot took place in 2017, and even now, it remains one of my all-time favorites. As a Black female photographer based in NYC, I am passionate about celebrating all shades, skin tones, and body types. This project allowed me to create a visual representation of a character that resonated with me personally, and I absolutely love what we captured.
This shoot was more than just a photography session; it was a triumph over postpartum depression and those sleepless nights. It was about channeling pure hustle and determination into something beautiful. Every click of the shutter was a step toward reclaiming my creativity and my identity.
Well that’s it for now until next time
XO- Nikki