Art Hearts Fashion: Behind the Scenes

Farrah Abraham prepping to walk the runway for Two Gypsea Souls

I first heard about Art Heart's Fashion last year in 2016 when my good friend Saffeya sent me an invite to attend the show as a spectator. I was used to shooting fashion shows since 2012 as a runway photographer. Being elbow to elbow with 20 other photographers, trying to nail the shot as the models would turn and the lighting would change, all while the shutters were clicking away. I'll admit, I was never a huge fan of this type of photography, but have always been a lover of all things fashion.

When I first entered Angel Orensanz Foundation, an old cathedral now remodeled as an event space, I was in awe of the colors, the excitement and the fashion that surrounded me. As a first time fashion show spectator, I witnessed the show from a comfy seat on the side. An angle I certainly was not used to, but was quickly getting accustomed to. I watched as the photographers positioned themselves, arguing over who arrived first, comparing equipment and testing their lighting. I sighed a breath of relief, a relief that I was finally able to enjoy the show instead of preparing myself to capture it. And it did not disappoint.

This year, I had the pleasure of being hired to shoot solely behind the scenes. Something I had always secretly wished to capture. To go from "average" to glammed up is an interesting story line to capture. It's the chaos behind the beauty. I entered the event space and made my way downstairs to an enormous area where the hair and make up artists were fervently straightening hair, curling the tips, sorting through eye shadows and applying layers of lipsticks.

Kadu Giacomini preparing to strut the runway for Mister Triple X

I coughed as I walked through a cloud of hairspray, mesmerized by the way these worker bees were so focused, never looking away from their artwork, that is until another brush or additional colors were needed to complete their masterpiece. There were children at the show, and to see the contrast of these seasoned runway models next to children who were first timers was quite a scene to capture. 

The atmosphere was unlike any other. It was as though I was let in to an exclusive and elite club, where only those deemed suitable were permitted to enter. I acted as a fly on the wall, silently observing while positioning myself, waiting for the right moment. 

Tips that I would have for a photographer shooting behind the scenes at fashion week.

Sometimes, it's good to stay in one position for a bit. Especially if it's super crowded and active. 

Madeline Stuart getting ready to rock the runway for Two Gypsea Souls

Try to be as minimally invasive as possible. These artists have a limited amount of time and a ton of models to work through.

Don't take anything personally. You will deal with a ton of different personalities, some will be polite and want to help you, and others may even purposely try to sabotage you. Take it with stride as you want to be invited back to shoot next year.

Get down low. Sometimes those low angles make for panoramic like shots that can really showcase the chaos of it all. 

Frame your subject. There were moments were I used bottles of hairspray and blow dryers to create a border around my subject. But always ask if it's okay to move anything so you don't disrupt the artists.

Ask for a smile or a recreation of a moment if you think it will make a great shot. Most of the time, people will comply, but if they don't, you didn't lose anything in asking.

Give others a chance. If you see other photographers clamoring behind you to get a shot, get the shot and walk away.

Overall, it was such an exhilarating experience. To see the artists at work, models effortlessly floating by and the directors bringing each piece of the show together like an orchestra. If as a photographer you have the opportunity to shoot behind the scenes, I highly recommend it. 

Want to see more behind the scenes images?

Click here