Fashion Week - AI of NYC

When I blogged about runway/Fashion Week photography yesterday,  I only did so because of a conversation I had with someone asking me if I was going to shooting any shows.   I didn't have plans to.    The subject being on my mind though,  I figured I'd write a post about it.  I had NO intention of actually shooting that very evening.   A friend was scheduled to do some interviews with a few emerging designers.  I dropped her off at Lincoln Center and headed off to go get haircut.   Traffic was pretty crappy so,  I decided to head back to Lincoln Center and wait for her to be finished.    After parking the car,  I thought I'd just hang out doing....whatever.   Instead,  I soon found myself, camera in hand, credentials hanging from my neck being escorted backstage and mingling in the mix of madness that is...Fashion Week.   Was pretty cool for the most part.   I ended up with a decent, reserved spot in the press bleachers.   When I first got there,  there maybe 4-5 other photographers setting up.  That changed within about 20 minutes and suddenly it was like being in a packed nightclub.   Cool people.   Great bunch of shooters.   Great show.   All in all,  great time.    Gear wise I shot my d800 with 70-200 2.8 vrII and that was it.  Didn't have my monopod or 24-70 but everything was fine.    We've got a bunch of other shows to attend over the next few days.  I always have my camera, but I doubt I'll be shooting another.  But hey....you never know.     All the best to you!

Location:   Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Lincoln Center

Designers: Diana Isabel Sanchez Sacotto   Haley Hysong  Ian Jai Par     Isaiah Issac    Josimar Torres   Michael Doyle  Qutishia Lee     Luz Ortiz

Fashion Week-Photography

So, New York Fashion Week is upon the city.  The streets are filled with models!  Paradise!  Or, a MESS!  A whole lot of fashion events/parties and miscellaneous soirees will keep the city buzzin' for the week.   While I'm not huge fan of all things fashion, I guess I can appreciate the energy that comes along with it all.  As a photographer,  I suppose there's are tons of opportunities to shoot a lot of random, interesting and beautiful people.   I have been invited to a few shows/events.   I haven't decided if I'll strictly be a spectator or if I'll do the press thing and lug my camera with me.  I have a shoot on Saturday and will more than likely be preoccupied with that for next few days.

I had the opportunity to shoot a few shows about 2 years ago.   Was my first time and I can say,  quite the learning experience.    First thing I learned is that IT"S A MADD HOUSE!  Runway shows are loaded with photographers all jockeying for position and it gets BRUTAL!  Not to mention the random other people waving their smartphones and tablets to take shots as well.   So,  I figured I'd share some of my quick tips for anyone else planning to enter the madness with their cameras.    1.) Whatever show(s) you're invited to or plan to sneak into,  get there EARLY and stake out your spot.  Preferably,  at the end of the runway to capture the models as they come down and toward you.  2.) Bring a monopod so as to steady your camera and rest a bit when not shooting.  3.) DO NOT use FLASH!  Most of the photographers at the bigger, more prestigious shows know this.  It's the smaller shows or less organized shows that may present a problem.   Guys wanting to whip out their gear and attach speedlights with dozens of different diffusers and such.  Problem is,  all of those flashes going off around one another RUINS shots.  So, skip the flash.  This means you'll need to shoot at pretty high ISO  like 1200 +.  If you're shooting with the higher end dslrs (Nikon d800, Canon 5dMKIII etc. ) this really is not an issue.  Clean images can still be had at ridiculously high ranges.  4.) Lenses- I'd go with a 70-200 allowing you to zoom far down the runway and a 24-70 for some wider, close up shots.  Having two cameras would obviously be great.   As for settings, beside the high ISO,  a fast shutter speed to capture the models in motion would be best.   As for f stops,  aperture settings wide as 2.8 up to 5.6 should be  be fine . Or, go with shutter priority and let the camera set the aperture.    5.)  Batteries and memory cards!  I guess this is relative to how much time you plan on spending at a show and how much you want to shoot. But either way,  one can never have too many spare batteries and memory cards.  Finally,  and probably most important,  I'd say have fun and just be mindful and respectful of your fellow photographers and videographers.  Watch where you're standing, be mindful of the people around you and try not to get in the way of their shots.    If you have any other advice for myself or others who may be planning to enter the wild, feel free to leave comments below.  All the BEST to you all!  -- CW

Photo: Mubasher Ashfaq -http://fashionpoint360.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-york-fashion-week-2013.html