Behind the Scenes of NYFW: Photographing the Son Jung Wan SS26 Runway Show

Behind the polished runway looks is a world of energy, creativity, and organized chaos — and as a NYFW photographer, I get to capture it all. From the beauty teams working their magic, to the models’ trial walks, to standing in the pit during the grand finale, every step tells a story.

This blog takes you backstage and onto the runway, showing New York Fashion Week through a photographer’s lens.

The Show: Son Jung Wan at the IAC Building

This season, I worked with Son Jung Wan, one of my favorite designers to photograph. I’ve had the honor of covering six of her shows over the years, and each one is a masterpiece. Son Jung Wan, a celebrated Korean designer, is known for her bold use of texture, fluid silhouettes, and statement-making details that embody modern elegance.

The runway show took place on September 13, 2025, at the iconic IAC Building in New York City — the third time her show has been staged at this venue. The building itself is a striking piece of architecture and provides an incredible setting for fashion week.

Arriving Early: Trial Walks and Preparation

I arrived about 1.5 hours before the show — and the first thing I walked into was a rehearsal. Models were doing their trial walks down the runway. For photographers, this is an essential moment. It’s not just for the models to practice — it’s for us to adjust our camera settings, test the lighting, and make sure we’re ready to capture the runway perfectly once the real show begins.

This preparation time is where the technical side of fashion photography comes in. Getting exposure, focus, and framing right under runway lights is critical — because once the show starts, there are no do-overs.

Backstage: Where the Magic Happens

Backstage is where I thrive as a photographer. It’s less stressful than the runway itself and gives me space to be more creative and observational.

This is the main location where all the hair & makeup magic happens before the runway. Teams of professionals work on models — sometimes up to five people at once — doing hair, makeup, and nails simultaneously. The pace is fast, and the energy is high. As always, the backstage beauty was led by Bobbi Brown makeup artists and professionals, and it’s funny — I even recognized some of the same faces from the very first backstage shoot I did for Son Jung Wan years ago.

I love photographing backstage because it allows me to capture raw, unfiltered moments that feel real and human. The laughter, the focus, the final touch-ups — these are images that tell the story behind the glamour.

Shooting the First Looks

Another part of backstage photography is capturing the “first looks.” These are the very first moments when models are fully dressed and styled before stepping out onto the runway. Photographers gather in a designated spot to capture these images, which are often used by press and designers for immediate coverage.

For me, shooting first looks is exciting because it combines the intimacy of backstage with the elegance of the runway. It’s that first glimpse of the designer’s vision fully realized.

The Guests

Of course, no NYFW show is complete without its guests. I always make sure to take photos of the audience arriving, and sometimes that includes some pretty famous faces. (Do you recognize anyone in my gallery? 😉) Guest portraits add another layer to the story — fashion week is as much about who’s watching as it is about who’s walking.

Into the Pit: The Runway Begins

Once backstage photography is complete, it’s time to head to the photographers’ pit. This is where dozens of us line up, cameras ready, lenses poised. I took a deep breath as the lights dimmed, the music began, and the runway came to life.

From the first model to the finale, the show was breathtaking. The garments moved beautifully under the lights, and my job was to capture every detail, every step, and every expression.

Final Thoughts

The runway is always spectacular, but for me, it’s the combination of backstage chaos and runway perfection that makes NYFW unforgettable. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to capture the Son Jung Wan show once again — both the hidden moments behind the curtain and the grandeur of the runway.

📸 Watch the video below to experience it all with me — and scroll through the galleries to see the photos I captured during this incredible day.