The preparation for fashion week is almost as hectic as the week itself. In the days leading up to one of my busiest weeks of the fall, I create a check-list for perhaps the most important event to end my summer.
The first place I start my closet. It is fashion week after all. Black, black, and more black – the official uniform backstage and for most photographers. Being female and a fashion junkie, I tend to push the boundaries a bit. My leather jacket is a staple, paired with my bright red PUMAS and red lipstick. I tend to blend in with most of the young PR girls (which often works to my advantage). I also pack an emergency yellow poncho, which would make most fashion editors scream in disgust. I keep it in my bag just in case of that occasional downpour. In New York City, you never know with the weather.
Tuesday I was shooting for my client PUMA, covering the launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Puma Collection at Bergdorf Goodman. It started to rain as I stood outside waiting for Rihanna’s arrival. With such expensive equipment, you can’t take any risks being without some sort of protective rain gear.
Next, I have to make sure my Lowepro Pro Roller suitcase is packed with all my gear essentials. My Nikon D800, 16-35mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, 24-70mm f/2.8, and 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Nikkor lenses and Nikon SB-910 Flash are in their designated places. I always run out the day before fashion week and get a 2 TB Lacie drive and extra AA batteries. I get more business cards printed if I am running low and make sure my iCal is up to date with all my shows and locations. Laptop and hotspot are in my Lowepro backpack always.
You can find me sitting on the floor in a corner behind the racks of clothes post show editing. I love to see the final product come together ASAP. Depending on the client, I might have 2 hours to deliver images or if it is a house job, meaning I am shooting directly for the designer, they often need the photos directly after my shoot to post to social media and send out for PR.
I also pack my small step stool in the front of the Lowepro suitcase. At 4ft. 11 it comes in handy. Plus it makes a great spot saver in the photo pit if I am also shooting runway. I have 3 different ones, but I sadly left my favorite polka dot one behind in Skylight Clarkson during New York Fashion Week Men’s in February. Ugh.
Wednesday night, I photographed thr red carpet at the Cartier Fifth Ave. Mansion Reopening. My step stool puts me closer to the height of the photographers I am usually sandwiched between and more on eye level with all the models and celebs.
My 24-70mm ends up being my go-to lens because it gives good range for all situations. I keep the 50mm close by in my utility belt for any portraiture or beauty. This is when the step stool usually gets whipped out. After 5 days or so, the shows tend to feel very repetitive. A switch in lens or lighting can give the whole backstage a new look. At the Cartier event, my 16-35mm was perfect for capturing wide angles of the renovated floors and the scene of the party.
Lastly, I arrange my purse with a random assortment of things unrelated but helpful during the week. Granola bars, tissues, lip balm, metro card and headphones. I can’t remember who recommended this to me, but years ago during fashion week someone told me to buy peppermint foot spray from Bath and Body Works. As strange as it sounds, you spray on your feet and they tend not to hurt as much after 12 hours of standing. Shout out to whoever gave me that recommendation!
Anxious and excited for the week ahead, I have a packed suitcase and schedule. Feel free to follow along with me backstage at NYFW on Instagram @smallgirlbiglens.
