THE PHOTOGRAPHER THAT BALANCES THE SCALES BY BEING HOTTER THAN YOU.
Being an artist doesn’t always equate to being behind the scenes. Case in point, Kitso; she’s the photographer that makes her subjects feel right at home because they’re not the only hot one in the room. She knows how to capture your beauty – because it’s her second nature, too. You can catch her serving and giving what needs to be served and given, no matter where she is.
Cities hum with potential—opportunities, connections, and reinvention—but it also exacts a price: requiring our relentless energy, resilience, and an unspoken agreement to keep pace with its rhythm.
In our latest editorial campaign for ASICS SportStyle, ‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT,’ we honour the creatives who have committed to the grind of city living with precision; breathing life into the places they find themselves immersed in. We are honoured to have showcased a lineup of individuals so far, who transform each day into a new opportunity for realising their dreams; from Andile ‘Ace’ Dlamini, Tarryn ‘Bambi’ Tippens, to Reagan Paulsen and now, the iconic and indomitable photographer and muse Kitso Kgori.
Photography is the technical act of translating beauty and presence into a single frame. When Kitso steps behind the lens, she does precisely this; as a photographer with an eye for composition that makes every subject look and feel iconic. But her secret weapon? She can invariably be the hottest one in the room. When Kitso is on set, her subjects can relax—the pressure is off, truly. They’re no longer the ones carrying the heat. That balance, that knowingness, is what makes Kitso’s work simultaneously effortless yet powerful.
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Kitso Kgori, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Kitso Kgori, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
Kitso embodies the versatility, resilience, and creative agility required to thrive in the city. Whether she’s capturing golden-hour portraits or navigating the chaos of a shoot day, Kitso moves with ease—balancing function and flair like a true athlete of the city.
For Kitso, the secret to making her subjects look like their most striking selves lies in her acute attention to detail. “I pay close attention to detail, especially in the way I compose my images,” she explains. “The angles and framing of my subject depict beauty and authenticity in the most powerful way because of how I’ve composed the image.”
That level of precision is what sets Kitso apart. Kitso designs the images that she has in mind, and her work is intentional, infused with an understanding of the nuances that elevate an image from good to unforgettable.
As a self-proclaimed maximalist, Kitso’s aesthetic is bold, vibrant, and unapologetic. “My personal aesthetic definitely influences my photography,” she says. “I usually opt for bold and vibrant colours, and that’s very evident in my sense of fashion.” It’s a signature that carries through her work, making her images instantly recognisable. Whether through rich colour palettes, expressive contrasts, or energetic compositions, Kitso’s eye is unmistakable.
Capturing beauty comprises an understanding of multiple elements; and Kitso has a clearly defined approach in how to synthesise angles, lighting, and composition come together to create something visually magnetic. Kitso’s approach is precise and deeply considered. “High angles are my go-to because most of my pictures are around water. Water, for me, defines elegance and delicacy, especially from a high angle,” says Kitso, and in terms of lighting, “I’m a huge fan of sunrise and sunset shoots. I prefer soft, diffused natural light.” There’s something ethereal about golden-hour lighting—an effect Kitso leverages to amplify the emotion in her work. Lastly, “I consider a few elements in my composition: texture, which adds a sense of touch and depth; colour, which sets the mood and feeling of the image, like an underexposed shot; and symmetry, which creates balance and harmony.”
For Kitso, staying stagnant isn’t an option. She’s constantly evolving—both behind and in front of the lens. “As an artist, I cultivate inspiration by going through my usual design references—art, architecture, and fashion. I explore the works of a particular artist, fashion designer, or architect, right from their archives to their latest work.”
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Kitso Kgori, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
‘CITY LIVING IS A SPORT’ Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle with Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus, Talent: Kitso Kgori, Photographer: Keegan Foreman
For Kitso, growth is equally an external process as it is about refining oneself, too. “As a subject, I’m very open to constructive criticism. This helps me understand other people’s views, and then I try to improve my skills based on that feedback—whether it’s good or bad.”
Regarding ‘City Living Is A Sport’ as our campaign’s guiding mantra, Kitso notes that “this, for me, means the constant multitasking of life—the ongoing hustle, the everyday problem-solving of both your personal and professional life, while still trying to maintain your individuality.” It’s a balancing act, a daily sprint, a test of endurance and through it all, Kitso moves with precision and grace—never missing a beat, never missing a shot.
For Kitso, her style is rooted in her strength, and we aimed to subvert her affinity for bold colours, with Kitso’s look standing as a symphony of neutrals— captured in the campaign wearing the tonally soft ASICS GEL-NUNOBIKI™ (this colourway available mid-March) sneaker, named after the iconic Nunobiki Falls in Kobe, Japan—an area known for its serene waterfalls and rugged mountain landscapes. This sneaker draws inspiration from the GEL-KAHANA™ 3 and GEL-TARGET, incorporating synthetic matte and semi-gloss layers that mimic the rough, natural textures of the outdoors while delivering a sleek urban trail aesthetic.
Complementing the look, Kitso wears the ASICS ROAD COMPRESSION BRA and matching ASICS NAGINO 4IN RUN SHORT in the shade ‘COFFEE’—a technical set designed by expert runners for optimal movement and ventilation. The high-support bra minimises bounce during intense runs, offering a compressive fit for added stability. Crafted from a soft, quick-drying fabric, it ensures all-day comfort, while moulded construction and zoned elastic details enhance coverage and ease of wear. It’s worth noting that the run shorts are made with 100% recycled materials, reinforcing ASICS’ commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Kitso Kgori is the kind of creative force that creates the culture as she captures it. Whether she’s setting the visual tone behind the lens or serving maximalist looks in front of it, she remains a step ahead of the game.
And in a city where living is a sport, Kitso’s already won.
Kitso’s look: Kitso wears the ASICS GEL-NUNOBIKI™ sneaker, a fusion of nature and urban design (this colourway will be available from mid-March) Inspired by the rugged terrain of Nunobiki Falls in Kobe, Japan. Complementing the look, Kitso wears the ASICS ROAD COMPRESSION BRA and matching NAGINO 4IN RUN SHORT in the shade ‘COFFEE’—a technical set designed by expert runners for optimal movement and ventilation.
Credits:
Produced by CEC for ASICS SportStyle
Creative Direction by Candice Erasmus
Talent: Kitso Kgori
Production assistant: Grace Crooks
Photographer: Keegan Foreman
HMU: Xola Makoba
Stylist: Holly Beaton
Art Direction and Campaign Design: Briony Blevin
Written by: Holly Beaton
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