What’s it like photographing a fashion show?
What’s it like photographing a fashion show?
I was lucky enough to be selected to photograph two shows at Norwich Fashion Week this year, and it was very different to my usual beat of weddings, newborns and boudoir shoots.
When I first arrived, I headed for the ‘pit’, an area reserved for photographers usually placed at the end of the runway, where you jostle for position with other photographers - Norwich photographers are a friendly bunch so there wasn't any pushing and shoving though! Then I set up my camera and waited for the show to begin.
The first show I photographed was sponsored by Dipple & Conway and featured the work from a collection of talented hair and make up artists from East Anglia. Lowestoft College, Paintopia, Atelier, CODE Hair Consultants, Example Hair Salon, Hairsmiths, John Olivers Hairdressing Group, Millie Rose Hair and Beauty, Posh Salon, Salon-66, The Cottage Hair & Beauty & The Norwich School of Beauty were all involved.
The second show I worked on was The Vintage show sponsored by Zak's Authentic American Diners. Vintage is one of my true loves, so I was in my absolute element here. The theme this year was Studio 54, so disco glamour with a fabulous soundtrack. With collections from The Stylist and The Collector, Crafty Stitchers, Kooks Vintage, Sue Ryder Vintage, Bridewell Alley, Prim Vintage Fashion, Attik & Seller, Retreat Vintage Hyde Johnson, Couture Clothing, Butterflygirl Vintage, Super Queenie Retro, Wake Up Little Susie and The Frock Spot, we were entertained with some fantastic outfits from all eras. I must admit I found this show really difficult to photograph as I loved the outfits so much I wanted to watch the show, but professionalism prevailed and I have some amazing shots.
The creations that walked the runway that evening were spectacular. Here are a few of my favorites.
This year’s Norwich Fashion Week was held at OPEN in the city. The OPEN Youth Trust (OPEN) is a charity which relies on grant funding and donations from trusts, companies and individuals to raise the funds needed to support our work with young people. OPEN was established in 2005 to provide opportunities for young people in Norfolk, including those who are most disadvantaged, with the longer term aim of making a positive difference
Top fashion photographers travel from New York to London, Milan and Paris to capture the latest runway looks of the top designers and yes, it sounds glamorous but, in reality, shooting fashion shows can be challenging and there are no second chances.
Would I do it again? Definitely! Would I travel worldwide to do it? Of course!