Catwalk and fashion show photographers will always be under pressure to produce good photography in a fast-paced high-pressure environment. Catwalk models are usually moving constantly whether it be the strut-walk out to the end of the catwalk or the pirouette at the end. This can make for some out of focus photographs to the new and uninitiated catwalk and fashion show photographer. Catwalk photography is a type of photography that falls within the commercial genres of photography.
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Create a catwalk photography portfolio
Becoming a fashion catwalk and runway photographer may be difficult if you don’t have a great portfolio. If you don’t have an affiliation with a local media organisation, sponsor or one of the fashion houses, photographers or designers then start by joining local modelling Facebook groups. Follow them and other fashion photographers and models on Instagram. This will give you access to snippets of information on catwalk photography and upcoming events.
Camera corporations are sometimes affiliated with fashion shows and fashion events, so attempt to become an affiliate fashion photographer of these organisations. Contact the organisers of the fashion shows and ask them directly how to get access to their show as a fashion photographer. Contact other local fashion photographers and get to know how to break into the industry and how it works.
Catwalk and fashion show photographers will always be under pressure to produce good photography in a fast-paced high-pressure environment.
Prime position at shows
Fashion catwalk show photographers are often situated at the prime position of the long end of the catwalk. This gives the catwalk photographer access to the best vantage point from where to photograph the models as they do their thing on the catwalk. The position of each photographer can either be a fixed allocation, by fashion photographer seniority or a first-come first-served basis.
Once the catwalk photographer has found their position and if it is the perfect position for the photographer, they will most likely stay fixed to that location for the duration of the show. It’s a bit like having the best vantage point and best seats at a fireworks show! As soon as you move away that best position will be taken by the next in line. So, ensure you have enough water and snacks to last the duration of the show.
Know what you are doing
The catwalk photographer will need to know their camera and settings completely because the speed of the show will not allow for this. The photographer cannot waste time fiddling with the camera trying to get the best settings on the run.
Gear
A quality camera is a must, with lens combination enabling continuous autofocus may suit. Camera shot settings are more of a photographers’ preference but would be either single shot or burst mode. Metering will be contingent on the lighting conditions.
Depending on the distance between the photographer and the turning point of the models on the catwalk the best lens may be a 70-200mm, or a 24-70mm where the catwalk is short, and the photographer’s pit is close to the catwalk. The best option is to have two cameras with lens already attached to each so there can be a fast switch between cameras and lenses when needed. Sufficient memory cards are a must, along with spare batteries.
Like metering, ISO and white balance settings will depend on the lighting conditions, but always try to maintain a fixed white balance (to speed up post-processing), maintain a fast shutter speed of around 1/500 because the movement of the models is rapid as they move towards the photographer or away after the turn.
Get the shot
Photographs will likely need to be full length, top half and detail shots. So, having the right lens and settings ready to go across two cameras will get the photographer closer to obtaining the best shots of the day.
One chance in catwalk photography
There is usually only a one-time opportunity to photograph each model so the fashion house or sponsor that is hired the photographer would not be too impressed with an entire collection of out of focus or blurred shots. The rehearsal is the best time to refine the camera settings so that when it comes to the actual show the photographer will be ready to go right from the beginning.
Catwalk photography portfolio
As mentioned above, aim to create a website and online portfolio of your best catwalk and model photography. You can also display your images on your social media accounts at TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
Catwalk photography is a serious business!
Catwalk models will know how to pose.