Okay, here's the basic run down before any large catwalk shoot I do.The Camera
I take two cameras, the main camera is my Fuji S5 Pro and the backup is a Nikon D50. Everything is zeroed-out and ready to go (memory cards formatted, White Balance set to cloudy (but more on that in a minute) ISO set to ISO100 for the S5 and ISO200 for the D50 and the mode is put to AP (Aperture Priority).
Make sure:
- Memory cards are formatted
- Lenses are clean
- White Balance is usable (we don't want 300 pics in lovely blue cast, do we!)
- Batteries are fully charged and bring the fully charge spares (if you have them)
Catwalks vary from place to place. Some have no platform, some do. Lighting varies immensely as well and I try to make a few phone calls and get some information a few weeks before the show happens. With Foyle Fashion Week for example we met in the location and ran through setups, where the runway was and access etc. Whatever the weather, no flash on catwalk please. Get the fastest lens you can afford. I carry a 50mm f1.8 prime lens religiously in my bag. I borrowed a 50mm 1.4 for the very first catwalk I did, the press guys thought I was mad until they saw the pics. No platform, have steps from the local DIY store.
The Client
Got a pass? All depends on the event. Some events just love photographers kicking about. I'm booked as the client's sole photographer so I get free dibs where I'm going to stand (the press will have work around me). On this one it's head on at the end of the runway and at eye level with the models who are walking down it. The best catwalk shots have protocal behind them. Personally I don't like the looking up the nostril of the model shot, I know I've done it myself a few times but I didn't have the choice or the reputation at the time (no one had seen my stuff or heard of me). Now it's a little different.
Keeping FFW as an example, I caught noise of the fashion week in June. I was on the phone the next day, already sorting out press photos for the local paper and booking myself in with the directors of the company putting it together.
I attended the launch party (I don't really do parties that well, not good with the noise anymore, rather be in reading a book with a cuppa). Did loads of shots there, did some others as well. Put a gallery of stuff up. Next thing the phone is ringing the next morning asking to meet and quote.
Sometimes it's not that easy. The quotes get passed back and forth and things have to be reshaped but as long as we get a win-win then I'm happy.
On the day
Be early. The first Belfast Fashion Week I did was all over the place. The car wasn't acting right, I got lost, the police followed me, I needed to park, I needed the toilet, I went to the front instead of the stage door and I looked like a nutter when I arrived backstage clutching to myself.
Be as early as you can. Bring water, don't assume that the client will pay for everything. I'm not pally pally with the models either, they are doing their job and I am doing mine. I didn't get into catwalk photography to look at models. During BFW I didn't speak to anyone apart from the organiser, Cathy Martin (and that was for literally 30 seconds to say hello), and a few other photogs during the break.
Most of all, enjoy yourself, it will show in the pictures.
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