All submitted comments are subject to the license terms set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Photo: Theano Nikitias
Fashion photographers are road warriors, traveling from New York to London, Milan, Paris and other points east and west to capture the latest runway looks. Yeah, it sounds glamorous but, in reality, shooting fashion shows can be challenging and there are no second chances. Before you hit the photo press pit, here are a dozen tips to help you bet the shots you need. Couldn’t get a pit pass for fashion week? Don’t worry. Most of the tips still apply to even the smallest show.
Streamline your gear: There’s barely enough room for photographers let alone a ton of gear. Your camera, a telephoto zoom (70-200mm, with a teleconverter for full-frame cameras), and a monopod should be all you need for a runway show (backstage and presentations are another story—see next slide). You might want to bring a plastic folding step-stool (often referred to as a Turtle) or a small hard case to stand on if you’re behind other photographers or to sit on if you’re positioned at the foot of the photo riser.
