You might be wondering why we’re even exploring what photographers do at fashion week, I mean they just take photo’s right? Correct, but there are so many different types of photographers out there at fashion week, that you’d be surprised how different their roles can be.
Typically there are about three types of photographers. You’ve got the ones who sit in the pit at the end of the runway who are getting the full length body shots, you’ve got the ones backstage taking images of the girls before/during/after the show getting their hair and make up looks and finally, there are the ones who linger outside waiting to get those killer #streetstyle inspired looks.
We spoke to New Zealand based photographer, Holly Burgess who came out to MBFWA this year to focus on street style, and got her to give us a bit of an insight as to what she gets up to during the week.
The Lead Up
This year I am shooting street style for Denizen Magazine, as well as some of my friends who are bloggers. The streets are my favourite place to be behind the lens, so I don’t find myself too stressed beforehand! I will usually take a glance at the schedule, and make some mental notes, especially the offsite locations, as these makes for some amazing backdrops. The most important thing for me to do in the lead up is conserve energy. This means sleeping well (because that’s something I will not get during MBFWA), and eating well (my fashion week diet mainly consists of coffee, lollies, and wine!).
Prepping my camera equipment is huge, making sure I have everything packed, especially extra memory cards and batteries! It is my worst nightmare missing out on an amazing outfit because of memory space, this actually happened to me at my very first fashion week, I learned my lesson quick.
I usually fly in the day before fashion week, double check my camera equipment is all prepared and catch up with friends before the madness hits.
During the week/ day of the show?
During the week my days will start early! Thank God I’m behind the camera so the personal prep is pretty laid back. Sneakers are a must as I can 100% guarantee I will be running after some killer outfits.
I’ll be onsite early because I am all for the morning hype when everyone arrives for the shows. This is when everyone’s outfits are straight out of the Uber and looking crisp. Capturing everyone strolling into the shows with so much elegance and anticipation always comes across so well on camera.
Then when the show ends the excitement really hits and everyone’s personalities come to light. I love having the crowds sweep past my camera, buzzing from the show, rushing to get a quick lunch or to the next shows. This rush means everyone’s outfits are flying in the wind and I can really get in on the textures and details.
The Aftermath
During fashion week, the turn around time for the images is pretty quick. With things moving so quickly online these days, I head straight home every night to edit all of the images from the day, and send them off to Denizen Magazine before bed. I usually finish up around 1 or 2am, this is where the lollies and coffee come in. The street style galleries go live every morning in NZ so people will be able to see all the fashion from the day before when they wake up.
Upon returning home to NZ, I will be catching up on sleep, refuelling my body with proper food, and getting amped for my next fashion week, which will either be NZFW or NYFW… fingers crossed for the latter!
Street Style Images: @denizenmagazine
