How I Became a Runway Photographer at New York Fashion Week
With the new season of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) starting next week, I wanted to share a personal story with you—how I went from having no experience in runway photography (and no connections at all) to photographing major NYFW shows both on the runway and backstage.
I’m sharing this because when I first started, I honestly thought becoming a NYFW photographer was impossible. I admired the photographers in the pit like they were celebrities, capturing models as they walked toward them in breathtaking looks from a brand-new collection. I never even imagined I could stand there one day.
Back then, I didn’t even know that backstage photography was its own world—a place full of energy, creativity, and behind-the-scenes magic. But more on that later. Let me tell you how it all started.
A Totally Unexpected Beginning
As some of you may know, I have a photo studio in the Times Square area (literally called Times Square Photo Studio haha). The studio shares a floor with a barbershop, and one day in February, one of the barbers called me. He said the man in his chair was a big name in one of the New York Fashion Week shows.
Of course, I immediately started asking questions—anything to learn something about the world of runway photography. Instead of just telling me about it, he casually invited me to a rehearsal for the show. Imagine that!
When I showed up, it felt surreal—like I was about to uncover a big secret. I took a few photos, and to my shock, they invited me to photograph the actual show. No portfolio, no references… just me, my camera, and a huge rush of excitement.
That show was my first step into the fashion world. It was beautifully organized with multiple designers and absolutely flooded with photographers. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t impossible to get in. I just never tried before, because I thought it was out of reach. That single opportunity became the beginning of my fashion photography portfolio.
Growing Into the Official NYFW
I kept photographing that same show for a few seasons, but eventually, I realized I was ready for more. I wanted to be part of the official NYFW schedule—to photograph the major runway shows. That’s when my portfolio started to open doors for me.
Fast forward to now: I’ve been photographing seven NYFW seasons, capturing runway moments for designers like Son Jung Wan (my favorite), Tiffany Brown, Frederick Andersen, Dennis Basso, and many others.
Why Backstage Feels So Special
Runway photography will always be iconic, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: I think I love backstage photography even more.
The atmosphere is completely different. You see the makeup artists, hair stylists, designers, and models all working together to make the magic happen. You have freedom to be creative, to tell stories, and to capture moments nobody else will. Unlike runway, where shots often look similar, backstage photos are unique—and the vibe is just incredible.
The Addiction of Fashion Week
Of course, New York Fashion Week isn’t all glamour. It’s fast-paced, overwhelming, and exhausting. Sometimes you shoot multiple shows in one day, come home with thousands of photos, and stay up all night editing because images need to go out immediately.
Every season I promise myself I’ll take a break. But I never do. Because the truth is, I can’t. NYFW has become an addiction I absolutely love.
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a runway photographer or getting access to backstage fashion week photography, let my story be proof that it’s possible. You don’t need connections or years of experience—you just need passion, persistence, and the courage to say yes when opportunity shows up.
MY MEMORIES
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MY MEMORIES 〰️
RUNWAY
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RUNWAY 〰️
BACKSTAGE
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BACKSTAGE 〰️
