I had the opportunity this year to photograph St. Louis Fashion Week. Thanks to Dwight Carter and Attilio. This would be my first fashion show and I was quite excited and eager. The show was held at the Lumier Place Casino on the St. Louis River front. The casino was beautiful and the runway was amazing. At the end of the runway was a very small marked off area for photographers. It was no more than 7 or so feet wide and maybe 7 or so deep. It was a first come first situation. The earlier one got there the better spot you got. The ideal spot was directly in the center. All 5 nights I was there I was slightly off to the right or left. I was usually the 3rd photographer there each night. As soon as I was finished teaching each day I would rush home, change and head out.
Generally I arrived about 2 hours before each show. That was the only way to get our spot. So for two hours I sat and watched the models do their dry runs down the runway. There was a flurry of activity before each show began. Models were racing up and down the stip. The DJ was working with his music and timing. Attilio was all over the place making sure everything was perfect. None of the audience was allowed in until everything was ready. Once the doors opened everyone would be escorted to their seats by an attendant.
When it was time for the show to begin the lights would dim, that designers logo would be displayed on the screen and the music would begin. The funny thing about a fashion show is that there is either no or very little commentary. The show starts, the models walk, the designers take a bow, the next show starts.
I did this for 5 nights straight. The camera was like a machine gun. I did this for the experience and the exposure. I learned a lot. Different designers have the models walk with a different attitude or emotion. One designer had his emerging model stop and glare at the exiting model before she started her walk. The audience got a thrill out of that. I saw maybe 1 or 2 series missteps that entire week, so the models were well trained. The entire event was well executed from my point of view. The lights were dazzling and everything to the after parties in the casino were filled with beautiful people, neon lights and buzz and excitement. The entire week was like some huge caffeine high. Needless to say when Sunday came around I caught up on sleep. Consider that each day I taught for 8 hours and shot the entire evening, not making it to bed usually until midnight.
Once again this was a test for my new 5dMKII. When I looked over the shots from the first night I was thrilled. The keeper rate was probably at 99% or so. It simply did not miss any shots. And I was not always using the center focusing point. The camera passed with flying colors. I used SRAW to conserve space since I was shooting so many shots and the files are still huge, clear and full of detail.
So this was a fantastic learning experience for me. Would I want to do it again? Likely yes.
Fashion week links:
St. Louis Fashion Week web site
This is the spot for information, video, photographs, etc of the entire week.
Dwight Carter
Check him out for your promotions
St. Louis Alive
If its fashion and in St. Louis, then St. Louis Alive is probably involved.
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