Hajnalka Berényi-Kiss
Your Painterly Portraitist in Vienna
Meet Hajnalka
PORTRAIT AND PEOPLE PHOTOGRAPHER
Hello there, gorgeous human! I’m Hajnalka, a Vienna-based portrait photographer and visual artist. I believe every woman deserves to see herself as a powerful muse – this is why I founded Heroines & Muses.
Connection and Bespoke Design
Your trust means the world. Before the session, I’ll take the time to understand you – your story, style, and vision. From wardrobe to lighting, I curate every detail so your portrait feels like it was made just for you.
I am your personal director, stylist, and editor. I build the concept, select costumes and build sets, pose you with care, and craft the final image – so you don’t have to worry about anything (except maybe sip on the vegan cappuccino I’ll make for you!).
Loving a well-planned project and meaningful details, which is why I don’t take more than a few sessions a month. This way I can be fully dedicated to providing you with the bespoke experience you deserve.
The Gift of Self-Love
We always think there will be a better time, a less stressful time, a more convenient time. But the truth is, time is the only thing we never have enough of. That other time might never come and you would surely regret not having chosen yourself. You would regret not having taken that trip or done that thing you wanted so much.
So why wait? You deserve to have this now. Gift yourself the gift of self-exploration and unapologetic self-love.

My Bio would say:
loves the dark and dramatic, is borderline order-obsessive, thrives on creative experimentation, enjoys conversational swearing, will make you a good vegan cappuccino.
What I'm about
A FEW PERSONAL THINGS
I’m “la petite Europe’.
That’s what my French Airbnb hosts called me back in the summer of 2014 — a British-sounding Hungarian from Serbia, living and working in Vienna. I hold two passports, speak four languages, and confuse most people within minutes. I like to think of it as being very, very European.
Being multilingual and multicultural has taught me to stay open and curious about the stories of others — a trait that lies at the heart of my work.
I’m all about connection.
In portraiture, nothing replaces human connection. I believe trust and respect are the most essential ingredients in creating powerful, honest portraits.
When you choose to work with me, know that I’m choosing you too. I take on only a few commissions each month so I can give each woman my full attention. You will never feel like a number. You will feel seen. Valued. Like a muse.
The aesthetics I love.
My work lives somewhere between Renaissance painting and cinematic storytelling. I love bold contrasts, rich stillness, and a hint of the epic (yes, think Game of Thrones).
Excellence matters to me more than volume. I don’t chase trends — I create portraits that are meant to stop you in your tracks. Images that stir feeling and honour presence.
I’ll guide you from head to toe — with more poses than you’d ever expect — but my greatest strength is making you feel safe, strong, and at ease in front of the camera.
I’m vegan.
One last thing: my body runs on plants. I went vegan before it was cool or convenient — over a decade ago.
Vegan living is my quiet way of caring for animals and myself. So yes, you’ll find vintage treasures in my studio, and yes — there will absolutely be vegan snacks and a great cappuccino waiting for you.
Just scroll a little further to see both.
Not sure yet?
Get the Portrait Guide here.
Awards and Accolades
Not to brag, more like to show you that I deeply care about the art I create. So much so that even experts think it’s fine (art). Pun totally intended.
AWARDS
2025
- 2nd Place | Vienna State Champions of Professional Photography, Category AI Fusion
- Merit Award (4 entries) | In the Fine Art and Illustration category, Federation of European Photographers 2025
- Merit Award (2 entries) | People and Portrait category, Federation of European Photographers 2025
2024
- Illustrative Portrait for Team Austria | World Photographic Award 2025
- Merit Award (2 entries) | In the Fine Art and Illustration category, Federation of European Photographers 2024
- Nominee Award (3 entries) | 10th Fine Art Photography Awards 2024
2023
- Merit Award | In the Fine Art and Illustration category, Federation of European Photographers 2023
2022
- Silver | 8th place in the Creative Portrait category, The Portrait Masters Image Awards 2022
- Bronze with Distinction | The Portrait Masters Image Awards 2022
- Bronze | The Portrait Masters Image Awards 2022
- Merit Award | In the Fine Art and Illustration category, Federation of European Photographers 2022
- Photographer of the month | Fstoppers, March 2022
- Distinction Award | In the Fine Art and Illustration category, Federation of European Photographers 2022
2021
- Nominee Award (2 entries) | 7th Fine Art Photography Awards 2021
FEATURED
- Interview on the "Headshot Photography" podcast, on YouTube and Spotify, 2024 November
- Enchanted Living Magazine, Editorial "The Renaissance is Female", 2024 Winter Issue
- Spellbound Magazine Cover, The Enchanted Realms Edition, 2023 November
- Figgi Magazine, Fantasy Issue, 2023 December
- Marika Magazine, Halloween Issue, 2023 November
- Narrative Painterly Portraits | Trendyartideas.com
- Enchanted Living, The Renaissance Issue, Winter 2024
- Enchanted Living, The Mood Goddess Issue, Winter 2025
EXHIBITIONS
The Portrait Atelier
Where the magic happens

Get the Portrait Guide
DIRECTLY INTO YOUR INBOX
Want to find out more about portrait commissions? I'll send the Portrait Guide straight to your inbox so you can take a detailed look at pricing and the creative process. It help you decide whether this experience is right for you.



















