Just a quick background setting question: How did you get into photography?

I started taking photography more seriously after my paternal grandmother passed. When my sister and I were kids, she used to always visit and insist on taking photos of us. One day, when I was visiting her house, she asked me to follow her down to the basement because she had something to show me. I remember walking down the stairs in a huff because I wanted to get back to playing, but when I finally got down the stairs, I saw photos hanging on a clothesline–this woman had her own darkroom! It wasn’t until years later after she passed that I started to become more interested in it. In some ways, I think she passed that love on to me and I’ve been obsessed ever since. 

Compare your interest in photography storytelling vs. video/film?

On my way to becoming a filmmaker, I found photography–or it found me. I think film/video offers you a chance to tell more sides to a story than photography can. You can certainly tell a story in a series of photos – it’s what I always try to do whenever I’m at an event. My interest in both is always in telling a story, but I’d say I tend to lean more towards film/video when there’s more that I want to expand on. 

What inspired you to cover fashion and how does it feel to cover NYFW for the first time?

Over the past year or so, I feel that my focus as an artist has shifted. In being an entrepreneur who specializes in portrait photography, I felt that, for the most part, I was only able to be so creative in my work. I wasn’t offered a lot of chances to really take my creativity and run with it working with clients. I saw an ad for applying to become a press photographer for NYFW and decided to take a chance. It was completely on a whim because I didn’t think I’d get in. At that point, I wanted to do something different. About a week after applying, I got in! Covering NYFW felt like a step in the right direction–I felt like I could breathe for the first time in a long time. No one was telling me how to take the shot or how they wanted to look. I’m always advocating for people in how they want to see themselves all day every day, but this was a chance to be more in control of how I shoot. In the midst of all of the chaos of NYFW, it was a breath of fresh air. 

What were your expectations going into NYFW, and how did the experience compare? Were there any surprises?

I’m not sure that I had any expectations going into NYFW other than to expect chaos, which I definitely got. I didn’t want to put so much weight into NYFW only to come back with crushed expectations. My assistant and I had a mantra on the trip–BE OPEN. With keeping this in mind the entire trip allowed for some pretty cool experiences. My assistant was Cocoa Rae David who is an incredible visual artist, storyteller, and photographer. I was there on my own for the first three days and in that time I covered the casting call, where I got to meet other photographers, videographers, and designers. I connected with one designer who I took behind-the-scenes photos for at the fitting, which I technically wasn’t supposed to be at but showed up to anyway. (Again, the mantra was to be open, my media pass DID get me in, and I was invited so—haha!) Someone here in the community connected me to a friend of hers who agreed to host us in Brooklyn. Cocoa and I owe SO MUCH to this woman. She’s truly a revolutionary. She had her basement apartment set up for us, to which she mentioned Fred Hampton staying there at some point. I may have blacked out for a second after she said that because she mentioned other names that I’ve since forgotten because I was so hung up on the one. There was SO MUCH history in this one space and I had to ask her more questions. Throughout our stay there, she was in and out of demonstrations and calls with organizers. I could’ve stayed and talked to her for hours and had to constantly cut our conversations short due to our schedule with Runway 7, the independent fashion show that we were shooting for. 

I’d say moments with our host were definitely the biggest highlight and surprise. I would’ve never guessed connecting with a Black elder who made us feel so welcome and in whom I felt so seen. I definitely want to be her when I grow up. As for right now though, I think I’m going to need to plan another trip down to Brooklyn either before or when I go back to NYFW in September! 

Overall, the experience was fantastic. It was definitely chaotic–none of the shows started on time, it’s a small venue and that room was constantly packed, shifts that are provided to media make no sense given how many media are allowed in (seriously, there were more media personnel than guests), and at some point we all had to be evacuated out of the building because someone’s camera dropped and exploded. Despite all of this, we were able to connect to some amazing and incredibly kind photographers and videographers. Seriously, all of the media people were super friendly and accommodating. I’m connected to several of them now via Instagram and they are amazing artists. That only added to the experience of seeing designers and models do their thing on the runway. Some of the pieces were absolutely breathtaking and I’m not just saying that. I had to catch myself a few times because my jaw was on the FLOOR.  

What challenges did you face getting to this show and while shooting the runway show?

Funds! When I got the email back saying I’d been accepted, I went from celebrating for a few seconds to panic. “How are you going to get there? You don’t have any money!” This was my thought process for a couple of weeks and then I remembered my community. I figured it was a risk worth taking and I couldn’t pass this opportunity up. This is NYFW we’re talking about, so it’s certainly worth the risk. I tallied up how much it would cost to get there providing a base amount for what we’d absolutely need and then I made my announcement on Instagram.

Our community raised what we needed in less than 3 days — it was WILD! It wasn’t that I didn’t think they could do it; it was how fast it happened and how much support we were getting from people–some folks that I’d hadn’t heard from in years. (Thank you algorithm for ONCE.) 

As far as challenges shooting the runway show, it was definitely the first half of the day that we started shooting. We got there a few hours before our afternoon shift and the place was already packed. When I say packed, I mean I was sandwiched between a few other photographers and barely had enough room to reach into my bag to grab my other lens. Plus, I’m short which means any photographers who are ahead of me have a better vantage point, so I was definitely shooting through elbows and over shoulders when I could. Eventually, an older photographer who was looking out for us, saved us a spot later on after we returned from being evacuated. That’s where most of the shots that you see are coming from. Plus, we learned from the first day and ended up in a good spot for the second day. For September, I’m trying to see how we can get in the media pit right in front of the runway — haha! 

Which designer or collection stood out to you the most, and why?

I’m OBSESSED with Ravishing Couture. They definitely live up to their name as far as design. When they came out, you could feel the entire crowd watch in awe.  I’ll let the photos speak for themselves because I’m not sure I can come up with the words. 

What camera gear and settings did you use to capture the fast-paced runway action?

I used my Nikon Z6ii, a 24-70mm f/4 lens, a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, a lens hood and Cocoa’s monopod. My shutter speed varied anywhere between 1/320-1/500 with an aperture of f/7.1. There was lots of light for the shows so I didn’t have to push my ISO all that much. I was able to keep that low for the shows. 

Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments with models, designers, or other photographers?

I was able to take photos at the fitting for the collection, Diamonds and Pearls. That scene was pure chaos – models being fitted and/or trying to find their designers, designers trying to pick a spot away from everyone else while there was a team building the runway. We were crammed into a spot in the back in the corner. I had to push my camera to the absolute limits with this one, but I got some decent photos thanks to the designer’s assistant. She had this big light she was using to get shots for social media and it came in clutch. 

What advice would you give to other photographers attending NYFW for the first time?

Be OPEN – don’t come down with expectations; embrace whatever opportunities and show up early to the shows. Have those business cards ready and do not be afraid to approach models and designers to connect and collaborate outside of the shows. 

Having pricing ready! If a designer loves your photos, they may reach out to do a photoshoot outside of the show. It’s totally up to you whether or not you want to charge them, but if they ask what your prices are – be ready with that number!

If you connect with any designers, get their contact information and when you’re done with their photos, send the link to the photos directly to them. You may not get a response from everyone because they may be getting a ton of photos from so many other photographers, but the ones that do reach back out will really appreciate it.

Go in with an idea of how you want to approach taking photos. What are you looking for? What do you want to get? Are you focused solely on the clothes or the entire experience? 

Connect with models – they’re always looking for photos to build their portfolios too. Don’t be afraid to arrange time to take photos with them outside of the runway shows. It’s a great way to build both of your portfolios. 

If you can, try to bring your laptop with you to edit your photos if and/or when you have any downtime. 

Try not to overshoot. You will thank me later when culling your photos. This is why you go in with a plan for what you truly want to capture for the entire event – from any performances to runway to any backstage images, if allowed. I’m still sorting through photos. I’m learning the hard way so that you don’t have to. 

How do you plan to use the photos from this experience—social media, portfolio, publications?

I’m planning on sharing more images on social media and I’m currently using a few in my portfolio. I definitely want to print a few – there’s nothing quite like holding your photos in your hand seeing the images up close. Ultimately, I’m still exploring all that I’d like to do with the photos. 

What’s next for you in fashion photography, and do you see yourself returning to NYFW?

I’m definitely exploring more in this genre. Right now, I’m reaching out to models to plan projects and styled shoots. I’d love to do shoots with local clothing designers who want to build their portfolios for sure! As for NYFW, I’ll be returning in September. Given what I know now, I’m hoping to connect with more designers and possibly document more shows at other venues. I’m also focused on getting more of us down to NYC to document NYFW, especially amongst our Black Women Photographers group that I co-lead with Cocoa Rae David and Erica Jae. I’d love to see us attend as a group – we’ve already heard from one photographer in our group who just got accepted! To follow me on my journey, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and Tiktok.