It's a rough job....but somebody has to do it!

[jetrim]

Miami Beach International Fashion Week opened last night. What a zoo! Over 300 photographers covering the event. Luckily, having registered 6 months ago, my little 1'x2' spot on the riser is directly left of the house photographer, 2nd row. 1900+ images in 4 hours. Here's one:

[hminx]

Are they allowed to smile Jet ?
I take it with 300 photogs flash is out..........

[jetrim]

They smile when they reach the end of the catwalk, it's 70 feet long
No flash allowed, no camera bags, no tripods except video guys. Monopods and long fast glass. The riser is so packed you couldn't bend over to reach a bag if you wanted to. Most guys have card cases hooked to their camera straps like bandeleros so they have pocket room for spare batteries. Will try to get a shot looking back at "the pit" tonight between shows. Surprisingly, everyone was very respectful and cooperative with each other, unlike the smaller events, but it's still chaotic by nature.

[armando_m]

good time to wear a vest with lots of pockets ?

[jetrim]

Armando, didn't see a single vest in the crowd. I'm getting better at these shows, but it's an insanely difficult proposition if you haven't had some practice at it or can afford a really new high ISO body like a D700 or D3x. I shot the entire show with an 80-200 f/2.8 stopped down to 3.2. Out of 10278 shots I had roughly 6000 "keepers". The models walk @ 7mph which is twice as fast as the average person, if you are really lucky you'll get 1 full second when they stop at the end to turn around. You have to keep your focus point on the eyes, but watch the movement of their feet for proper timing of the full length shots, while being bumped and banged by the others around you as you shoot between the shoulders of the guys in front, all while being careful not to get a shoulder, head or hand in the shot. But when you get the hang of it, what a rush! Press check in is at 3:30pm, have to be on the riser by 5:30, first show starts around 7:30 and your heading out the door at 1am to drive home, dump your cards, recharge your batteries and get some sleep before doing it all again the following night.

This shot was taken by the house photographer, a friend of mine, James Eagles as the photogs with reserved positions on the riser were finding their spots, the rest would fill in later in the back...

[jetrim]

A couple more fun shots from different days of the event

[maplestreet]

Amazing shots Jet. It's really cool to get a glimpse behind the scenes and see what it's really like to be in your position. Looks challenging but also looks like a lot of fun!

Thanks for sharing, the pics are stunning!

[Photo-John]

I'm sorry to be so crass, but the crease in that model's butt (first photo) is killing me. In a good way.

Back the photography discussion, please...

[jetrim]

It's not crass, John. Fashion is important coming and going :lol:

[jetrim]

For anyone interested in seeing more of these shots, I've posted a bunch over on Facebook:
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

[GB1]

I really like that pic of the gal with the hat - wild!

[megan]

Wow, and I thought car reveals were difficult! Great work.