My first NYFW experience.
I never thought a trip that I almost cancelled to a city that I’ve never really enjoyed to begin with, would be a peak in my budding career as a photographer. At first when I arrived to Spring Studios (the location where all the main shows were going on), I was anxious because I didn’t know anyone there since all my friends decided to not tag along. Luckily, a girl walked up to me and we got to talking about our similar passion for photography. We decided to stick together and to conquer NYFW and get the best shots that we could. My first highlight of the day was meeting one of the most iconic people that have ever lived, THE Troye Sivan! He was literally everything my former fan girl persona ever wanted him to be. I even got the opportunity to take his picture for my portfolio. The moment he took out of his time to talk to little ol’ me taught me that if you want something, you have to go after it! So every person I saw after him that caught my attention, I ran up to and was by best self to make sure that they did not forget me. The second highlight of the day was seeing Lauren Jauregui from the girl group 5th Harmony, she was so sweet as well. I even took a picture of her for my portfolio and I proceeded to put her on my Instagram story while exclaiming over her beautiful choice of attire. After my second celebrity encounter, I started walking up to pretty much anyone because my confidence was on TEN! A few of the people I did ask to take pictures of, I got their contact information and I have couple trips planned just because I decided to take a picture of them! I had the opportunity to network with those that were going to the shows without a pass around my neck to do so. It’s important to make yourself known whether it’s your personality or your style, STAND OUT! When people see that you are different from the pack, they will gravitate towards you and want to work with you. The third and final highlight of my entire day of being there at Spring Studios was seeing one of my favorite models, Duckie Thot. I was the first one to see her and then I exclaimed to my mentor on the phone that it was her and I’m not gonna lie but I called out her name and she looked back at me and smiled. Then I ran after her and so did everyone else! I got pushed out of the way but I got the money shot that she posted on her Instagram, but unfortunately I didn’t receive credit for taking the picture on her page ( that has over 130,000+ likes on her Instagram). I’m not even upset that I didn’t get the credit, I was more excited that she saw the photo and liked it enough to post on her Instagram. However, the venue Spring Studios did post my pictures of Duckie on their Instagram and gave me credit! So it is possible to make the most out of what you have. All I had was my book bag, camera, and my iPhone and I was able to have a great time and network. It was one of the best days of my life and I would not take it back for anything. Thank you so much New York, I kinda like you now. Before you were just rats and unnecessary high prices, now you’re my ticket to the industry I always knew I’d be apart of!
Few quick tips for NYFW Street Photographers!!!
Bring snacks because you’ll be out there for hours and food is expensive so save money!
Make friends with the doormen because your phone will die being on Instagram the whole time networking and they can help you with access to an outlet (they also might be kinda cute too).
Don’t be afraid to walk up to people and ask to take their photo because 99% of them will say yes unless they’re running late.
It doesn’t matter what camera you have, no need to be over the top if you don’t have the latest greatest equipment. I have a Canon T6 Rebel and I was able to get great shots, JUST BELIEVE IN YOU!!
Lastly, PLEASE HAVE FUN!!!!!! There is no pressure unless you want it to be. Use this event to build your portfolio for the better and spark relationships that wouldn’t have been possible without it!
Troye Sivan
Lauren Jauregui
Duckie Thot