When photographing models as they walk the runway at a fashion show, my job as a photographer is to capture every aspect of each design. In this blog post I am going to share with you how I go about shooting a catwalk and what I think about before I take each photograph.
Before I even start taking photos at a fashion show, I think about who will benefit the most from the images I create. Whether I am there on assignment for a client or not, the general goal is to document each design in the show. As a result, I feel that there are three primary groups of people that should be considered when documenting the show:
The designers
The hair stylists and make-up artists
The models
These three groups of people really want their work to shine. And so, I try to capture each design in two different compositions during the show. Firstly, for the designers, I want to capture the full design. A full body framing of the model coming down the runway, with every part of the design visible. These are the most popular images you see and even though it might seem easy, it’s not. Check out my post from the second night of Alberta Fashion Week to read how I go about shooting and creating the full body images.
Secondly, there are the hair stylists and make-up artists. For these people, I want to capture a close-up frame of the model to show off the artist’s work. This is generally referred to as a “detail image” and is easiest to capture when the model is at the end of the runway, closest to me, and has stopped walking. However, before they stop walking, I am already thinking about the shot. As the model is coming down the runway, I am looking for unique items and features around the head and shoulders that I would want to include. Jewelry, stylish make-up, crazy hair, hats, etc. All of that will make a play when I create my final composition. As soon as the model stops, I then frame my shot. Since the composition is a head shot, I have only one target in mind when it comes to focus; the model’s eyes. If their eyes aren’t in focus, the shot generally isn’t a winner; unless my strict purpose is to show off an accessory (in which case I will generally try to crop the eyes). Once I am framed and have focus, I finally take the picture.
I hope this all makes sense to you, because the amount of time it took you to read the last three sentences was more time than I have to do everything you read. Generally, I have about 5-8 seconds, depending on the model. It takes practice to go over all of that in your head in just a few seconds, but it eventually becomes second nature. The results of those two different shots will also benefit the third group, the models. They want to analyze how they walk and pose, so getting a full body image and a detailed close-up can really benefit a model in that respect.
So there you have it. Two different frames that benefit three different groups of people. That is how I go about shooting a runway show. It might be different than you, depending on your goals, but if you have the same goals that I do, then hopefully this will help you with your results.
The final night of Alberta Fashion Week was easily the best (compared to the opening night, second night, and third night). The house was packed and the designs were fabulous. There was even a little birthday celebration for the Director’s mother, complete with sparklers and pink balloons. I had a blast photographing the designs at this season’s AFW, hanging out, chatting with the models, chatting with friends, and sharing the experience with my fellow photographers. My results from the runway at this event are easily my best work so far getting compliments from everyone, who are even comparing them to international fashion shows. *blushing*
Thank you everyone for all of your comments. I really appreciate them. My job was to capture the designs in their moment on the catwalk so that we can share them long after the event is over, and I feel I have accomplished that. Maybe one day I really will get to photograph one of the big shows. Until then, keep your eye open for me at the next AFW (currently scheduled for March 2011).
The third night of Alberta Fashion Week was very impressive. Dianna Martin of Di Designs kicked the runway off with some very impressive outfits, which was followed by Hillberg & Berk’s jewelry line The Lalita Deva Collection. Mealan completed the evening’s catwalk display with some beautiful coats and bright colours. Click on either of the images within this post to view all of the designs from the third night.
The second night of Alberta Fashion Week came and went. Lots of great people and lots of great designs, including the oddly beautiful designs by Nicole Rita Tomney, who gave the crowd a unique view of her line featuring models wearing fencing masks. If you missed my post about opening night, see it here.
As for my photos so far, well, they’re getting a lot of attention, which is fantastic. People love them. As a photographer, it is always a challenge to photograph an event such as this (well, any event for that matter). Varied lighting, moving subjects, and numerous other elements can all play a part in creating photographs that work and photographs that don’t. I’ve had some practice and even though its easy to make a mistake (like accidentally leaving your exposure compensation stopped down 1.5 levels) I am always impressed with my own results. It’s what makes me enjoy doing it.
For those interested, I’m shooting this event with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 at 1000-1600 ISO in Aperture Priority mode with AI Servo on. Those may be my camera settings, but when it comes to fashion and runway shows, consistency, focus, and composition are extremely important in your photographs. When I’m going through and rating my photos from each night, I’m taking a lot of characteristics into account when selecting which photo will make it into my “public” selections (the photos that get presented to the world). If you’d like to know some things I look for, here are a select few.
When a model is walking the runway, I always try to capture them in an elegant and aesthetic pose. This can be tricky since the model is moving, but with practice, you learn where the sweet spots are in a person’s form. Capturing the model in good form in turns shows off the clothing/design. When the model has one foot forward on the catwalk, touching the ground (or close to it), you generally get a nice clean view of the footwear as well as a nice long leg visual on the model. This helps emphasize the fact that they are walking. If you get both legs side-by-side, they look like they’re just standing there. When choosing my final images, I try not to select an image where the model’s legs are side-by-side or one where they are slouched. They just look awkward.
You also want to make sure any accessories like bags, scarves, bracelets or other jewelry are visible. Remember that there is more to the design than just the featured clothing. People want to see everything. Finally, I always only select images with the model looking up (if possible). A model looking at the floor looks bored, tired, and creates an uninteresting photo. If I can get the model to look directly at me, event better, as a photograph with the model looking at the viewer makes the image much more engaging. By taking all of this into account (plus a lot more), I get a nice clean and consistent set of catwalk images throughout the event. As for my post-processing, well, maybe I’ll share that in a future post.
For more information about Alberta Fashion Week, visit them online at www.albertafashionweek.ca, or follow @abfashionweek on Twitter. Remember, if you can’t make it out, there is even a live UStream feed where you can watch all of the action live online. Watch it here.
Alberta Fashion Week kicked off for it’s third showing on Sunday September 26th, 2010. Thankfully, I was front and center again, ready to capture all of the amazing designs and models as they presented themselves down the 65-foot gleaming white runway. Photographing the event is always a new challenge, but it’s something that is definitely helping me grow as a photographer. It’s also always fun to meet new people at the events, from models and industry people to fellow photographers capturing the glamorous action. It is also always great to see people I don’t get get to see as often as I would like.
The event is taking place in Eau Claire Market, located in downtown Calgary, and is running each night until September 30th. If you like fashion even a little bit, I recommend you come and check it out.
For more information about Alberta Fashion Week, visit them online at www.albertafashionweek.ca, or follow @abfashionweek on Twitter. If you can’t make it out, there is even a live UStream feed where you can watch all of the action live online. Watch it here.
This is Nicholette. We met a little over a year ago and we’ve done other shoots in the past. This photo is from a shoot we did last weekend, which I think turned out really well.
Tracey Quo and I met at the last Alberta Fashion Week here in Calgary. After chatting briefly, I gave her my business card. A few months later, with the help of Tracey’s friend and model Rayna McKay, we got together to create some fantastic images for her styling portfolio.
Regarding the theme of the shoot, Tracey says,
My concept for this shoot was to use very soft and wearable garments in a peaceful and picturesque environment. All the clothing had a toned down bohemian vibe and included a fair amount of silk. I had an image in my head of various Greek myths that included nymphs lounging around bodies of water … I think Rayna definitely captures that innocent yet devilish motif here.
A huge high five to Rayna who did a fantastic job that afternoon, considering the amount of mosquitoes that were out.
Here is another image I created during the iStockphoto RetroLypse minilypse event. With the overall theme of the event being retro, roller skates and neon colours were a must-have subject. All of the models were fantastic, as well as the make-up and styling. As for the roller skating, the best place to go in Calgary is easily Lloyd’s Roller Rink. We had a blast shooting there.
This image is available for purchase at iStockphoto. Buy it now. For more information regarding iStockphoto Minilypse events, check out iStockphoto.com’s minilypse forum.
I have finally completed my studio session images that I took during the day for PARKSHOW a few weeks ago. As I stated in Part 1, my goal for these portraits was to focus on the hair and make-up that was so intimately applied to the models of the show. The models were stunning and thanks to the wonderful people who made it happen (listed below), I think that the portraits I produced that day are my best so far. These are three of my favourites from the event. Let me know what you think or have a look at all of my photos from the event including the runway designs.
Oh and, my good friends over at Calgary Fashion wrote a nice little article about the event as well, so go and give it a read.
If you live in Calgary and like fashion, then you’ve heard of PARK. PARK stands for “Promoting Artists, Redefining Kulture” and PARKSHOW Spring 2010 took place this past Saturday, March 6 at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. I love photographing fashion shows and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this amazing event.
With so many wonderful designers and models featured in PARKSHOW, a team of photographers were assigned to capture the day. Each was assigned specific models, but we all had the pleasure of shooting a few others as well. The first half of the day (for the photographers) was dedicated to capturing the models. With my time, I really wanted to capture the artistry of the hair and make-up that was so artistically styled. I set up three lights near the whitest wall I could find and as each model came by, I did my best to produce images that best suited their look (stay tuned for Part 2 featuring some of those images).
Later that night I took a few photos of the building before the doors were opened. When Atu Bedroc Kumi announced start of the show, the whole place was packed with great looking people eager to see the new the designs. I felt a little awestruck when I took my seat at the head of the runway. Whenever I shoot a fashion show, consistency of the images I produce is my top priority because I really want my images to look like a complete series. The show was capped off with an amazing performance by House of Dangerkat and then an awesome after party.
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