A Fashion Week Adventure in New York City: Networking, Photographing a Runway, and Meeting My Favorite Influencer

I had the opportunity to travel to New York City for New York Fashion Week and it was an amazing experience! I photographed a runway show, networked with some of the top industry professionals, and even met my favorite fashion influencer. If you're looking for some tips on how to make the most of your next fashion week adventure, then keep reading!

My adventure started when I landed at LGA and hopped in a cab to my friend's apartment in the Upper West Side. I unloaded my gear and hopped into another cab to grab dinner at The Carlyle. It was a chic hotel with beautiful indoor decor featuring classic photographs. This dinner was a celebration and toast to the amazing week that was ahead of me. I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. I was photographing my first runway show. I was an outsider to the fashion world. And now I going to be in the center of it.

The next day, I woke up early and made my way to the Prince George Ballroom. This is where the Markarian show was taking place. The designer is Alexandra O'Neill who dressed the First Lady Jill Biden during the presidential inauguration. After a few minutes of waiting in line, I was given my media pass and let into the backstage area. The energy in the room was electric and everyone was moving like worker bees. Models, makeup artists, hairstylists, production assistants. There was a buzz of earphones and walky-talkies everywhere you looked.

I started to make my way down the runway towards the photo rise and I was in awe. The room was lined with chairs for the runway. The tech team was finishing lights and sounds. The fabrics, colors, and textures were like nothing I had ever seen before. I settled myself in the photo riser with the rest of the photographers. The next hour flew by before showtime and the doors opened. We did several rehearsals with the show producer and the models walking to the beat of the music. 1 pm hit and the doors flung open. NYC's most fly breezed through the doors. Anybody who was somebody was at this show. I spotted so many people like influencers, bloggers, and even THE Ivy Love Getty the 26-year-old great-granddaughter of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty.

The lights darkened and the room became hushed. It was only moments before the first model took a step out. I had my camera prepped and ready. My eye gazing through my viewfinder and my finger on my camera button. Then in a flash, the lights came up and the model glided down the aisle. All I heard next was the flurry of camera shutters for the next 30 minutes. I kept my eyes trained on the models and the details they wore. From the dresses to the accessories. Everything had to be captured.

I must have blacked out during this time because before I knew it. The show was over and everyone began shuffling out towards the next show.

I made my way to the next show which was BEVZA at Spring Studios. Spring Studios is the HQ for NYFW. This time I was attending the show not shooting the runway. I still brought my camera with me and photographed fellow attendees.

The next day was more networking and attending more shows and afterparties like Tanner Fletcher and Greedilous. I

At the Markarian show, I spotted my favorite influencer Tenicka B! She’s in the all pink outfit serving face. I sprinted towards her in the crowded room. I was so starstruck and nervous but I managed to muster up a conversation with her. I asked to photograph her outfit quickly before the show. We only had 5 minutes before the show started. Thankfully she said yes and was so sweet!

Overall, my experience at New York Fashion Week was one for the books. If you're looking to attend a fashion week in the future, then here are some tips:

- 1. Reach out to the PR teams 3-4 weeks before the show to get media access. You can find the emails on the NYFW website and the specific brands' websites.

2. Get street photos of people entering and leaving the shows at Spring Studios (this is the main spot for most NYFW shows) Legit everyone wants their photo taken. No need to be shy. Bring an 85mm 1.8 or 35mm for street photos. You can also bring a 70-200 for faraway at shots.

3. Talk to EVERYONE. The whole point is to network and grow. Trade social media, send photos within 24 hours so you stay top of mind.

4. Also dress up for NYFW! Although I was shooting a runway show and attended shows. I dressed up too. Other photographers approached me for photos which helps break the ice to network.

5. Take video, take video, take video. Put that content on Tik Tok, IG reels, Pinterest Idea Pins, and LinkedIn.

6. Follow your favorite brands and creatives on LinkedIn! Another way to network.

7. Shooting the runway: arrive an hour early before call time. You can claim your spot on the riser (photo pit) much easier. Say hello to everyone in the photo pit. Bring a sturdy monopod and a 70-200 for runway and a 35 for backstage. Also, bring a heavy-duty card case to sit on during the show. Otherwise, you’re standing. Also, bring a flash backstage.

Winter NYFW is in February and a little easier to get into. Depending on the show. It’s frigid out here so less touristy and more of the core fashion industry peeps. I met the designer of Cise and several editors and associate editors as a result.

Summer/fall NYFW is in September. Warmer weather, way more people so it will be more competitive.