Learn how I almost died trying to save my drone—then found myself in a months-long battle with DJI over a replacement, and the unexpected aftermath that followed. What started as a single accident quickly turned into one of the most frustrating experiences of my career.

With the new season of New York Fashion Week starting today, I wanted to share my personal story of how I went from having no experience and no connections to photographing some of the biggest runway and backstage moments at NYFW. What began with an unexpected invitation to a rehearsal turned into ten seasons of capturing designers, models, and the magic of fashion week

As a New York City photographer, I’m always chasing unique and inspiring spaces—but nothing compares to what I found in Moscow: a studio with a massive aquarium large enough to photograph a model inside. Partnering with my friend Kristina, we transformed this surreal setup into a high-fashion editorial filled with mermaid vibes, cinematic lighting, and bold underwater-inspired looks.