One of the days during the Perth Fashion Festival, I decided to try my hand at being a fashion catwalk photographer. I had my media pass, and there were several fashion parades lined up in the city.

I turned up early to the first event and found a spot on the media stand – a platform at the end of the catwalk. I discovered that the prime position (middle centre) of the stand was usually reserved for the “official photographer” and for the rest of us, it was first come first serve.

Image: Vivien Models dressed by Dotti

I met lots of photographers and I found it really interesting to chat to them. Some worked for major media outlets, while others were freelance photographers who were building a fashion portfolio.

They were all really nice and helpful. Giving me photography tips and advice, letting me in on some parade tips and photographer etiquettes. And teaching me a few things about what makes a “great” catwalk photo – model centered in the frame, two feet on the ground, looking at the camera, you should be at the same eye level as the model, etc.

Image: Some finalists for the WA Student Fashion Awards that caught my eye.

I discovered that since I was short and small, the other photographers were happy for me to position myself at the front of the stand. Which worked out quite well for me, because when the show started, the stand was too squashy for my liking – imagine 9 people standing on a small platform for 1 hour, lifting a big camera to their face every 45 seconds. There are elbows everywhere!

This is at one of the smaller catwalk parades. There are slightly less media people on the stand than usual.

After the show, I walked across town to another parade, found a spot, sat around, waited, then took photos for another hour. Then walk to another parade, take more photos. And another.

By the end of the day, my body was aching. My arms and shoulders were stiff. My legs were killing me. I had been 7 hours on my feet and it was the end of a long day for me.

But for some of the other photographers, they were headed off to another big function in the evening. I don’t know how these professionals do it!

This is the camera I used. My Nikon D80, with a 18 – 135mm lens and lens hood. I don’t have an additional flash at the moment, so I was shooting without a flash in very low light.

Anyway, I’d like to send a big hi to some of the photographers I met. Thanks to Stefan for letting me backstage! Thanks to John for all the great advice! Thanks to Bob for the memory card. Hi to Songy, Nathan, Marita and David!

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