Capturing the chaos: behind the lens at fashion week

The energy at fashion week is electric—fast-paced, unpredictable, and utterly relentless. As a photo editor, my job is to capture the essence of each show, from the grandeur of the runway to the fleeting, unscripted moments that happen behind the scenes. But in the midst of flashing lights and hurried footsteps, there’s little room for error. Every second counts, and missing a shot isn’t an option.

From the moment I step into a venue, the pressure is on. Photographers jostle for the best angles, editors bark last-minute instructions, and models glide past in a blur of couture and chaos. The challenge isn’t just about getting the perfect shot—it’s about adapting to the ever-changing environment. One minute, I’m crouched in the pit, dodging elbows from rival photographers; the next, I’m sprinting backstage to catch a designer’s final adjustments before the show begins.

Lighting is another battle entirely. Some venues are bathed in soft, golden hues that make every frame look like a dream, while others are dimly lit, forcing me to push my camera to its limits. There’s no time to fiddle with settings—instinct takes over. I’ve learned to anticipate the rhythm of a show, predicting when a model will pause at the end of the runway or when a designer will step out for their final bow.

But amidst the chaos, there are moments of pure magic. A model locking eyes with the camera, a designer beaming with pride, or an unexpected candid shot that tells a story no words ever could. These are the images that make the long hours, the stress, and the occasional near-disaster all worth it.

Backstage battles: the highs and lows of photographing models

Backstage at fashion week is a world of its own—an organised frenzy where models, stylists, and designers move in a carefully choreographed dance of last-minute adjustments and high-stakes transformations. For a photographer, it’s both a dream and a nightmare. The access is unparalleled, but so are the challenges. There’s no second take, no time to ask someone to pause. Every shot has to be captured in the moment, or it’s lost forever.

The biggest hurdle? Space—or rather, the lack of it. Backstage areas are notoriously cramped, with racks of clothing, makeup stations, and teams of people squeezed into every available corner. Finding a clear shot without knocking over a tray of foundation or stepping on the hem of a couture gown is an art in itself. More than once, I’ve had to contort myself into impossible angles just to get the perfect frame, all while dodging hairstylists wielding cans of hairspray like weapons.

Then there’s the tension. With minutes to go before showtime, emotions run high. Models are being hurried into their outfits, designers are making last-second tweaks, and production teams are barking orders over the din. Not everyone is thrilled to have a camera in their face at that moment. I’ve been shoved aside, yelled at, and given more than a few death stares. But I’ve also captured some of my favourite images in these moments—raw, unfiltered glimpses of the fashion world at its most real.

Of course, there are highs to balance out the lows. When a model catches my lens with a knowing glance, or when I manage to document a quiet, intimate moment between a designer and their muse, it’s magic. These are the shots that go beyond the polished perfection of the runway, revealing the human side of fashion. And in an industry that thrives on image, those fleeting, unscripted moments are often the most powerful of all.

Near disasters: when everything almost goes wrong

Fashion week is a carefully orchestrated spectacle, but behind the scenes, it’s a different story. No matter how much planning goes into it, something always teeters on the edge of disaster. As a photographer, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected—because when things go wrong, they go wrong fast.

One of the biggest near-misses I’ve had involved a memory card failure mid-show. I was shooting a major runway event, everything was running smoothly, and then—suddenly—my camera flashed an error message. My heart stopped. I had just captured some of the most crucial moments of the show, and now, there was a real chance they were gone forever. With no time to troubleshoot, I had to swap cards in seconds and keep shooting, hoping that the lost images could be recovered later. Thankfully, they were, but it was a brutal reminder that technology can betray you at the worst possible moment.

Then there are the physical mishaps. I once found myself wedged between a lighting rig and a group of models rushing to change outfits. In the scramble, I nearly knocked over an entire rack of designer garments—worth more than my entire year’s salary. Somehow, I managed to steady myself just in time, but the glares I got from the stylists could have melted steel. Lesson learned: always know your escape route.

Weather is another wildcard. Outdoor shows are stunning, but they come with their own set of risks. At one particularly high-profile event, a sudden gust of wind sent a backdrop crashing down just metres from where I was standing. The models barely flinched, the show went on, but I had to fight the urge to check if my life had just flashed before my eyes. And don’t even get me started on rain—nothing tests your reflexes like trying to shield thousands of dollars’ worth of camera gear from an unexpected downpour.

Despite the chaos, these moments are what make fashion week so exhilarating. The unpredictability keeps you sharp, forces you to adapt, and sometimes, even leads to the best shots of the season. Because when everything almost goes wrong, that’s often when the magic happens.

Capturing the chaos: behind the lens at fashion week

Fashion Week is a whirlwind—an electrifying, high-stakes spectacle where every second counts. As a photo editor, the challenge isn’t just about snapping the perfect shot; it’s about navigating the relentless energy, the unpredictable lighting, and the ever-present pressure to deliver. One moment, you’re elbow-to-elbow with photographers, fighting for the best angle. The next, you’re sprinting between venues, camera in hand, hoping to make it in time for the next show.

Backstage, the atmosphere is even more intense. Models rush from one fitting to another, designers make last-minute adjustments, and makeup artists work their magic in record time. Amidst the chaos, the job is to capture the raw, unfiltered moments—the smudged lipstick, the hurried whispers, the fleeting glances before models step onto the runway. These are the images that tell the real story of Fashion Week, beyond the polished perfection of the catwalk.

Lighting is a constant battle. One show might be drenched in moody, dim hues, while another is a blinding spectacle of strobes and neon. There’s no time to adjust—only to adapt. The key is instinct, knowing when to click the shutter at just the right moment. A second too late, and the shot is gone forever.

Then there’s the unpredictability. A model trips, a garment rips, a designer has a meltdown—every show brings its own drama. But that’s what makes it exhilarating. Fashion Week isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about the energy, the movement, the fleeting moments of beauty amidst the madness. And for a photo editor, capturing that essence is the ultimate challenge.

Backstage battles: the highs and lows of a photo editor’s job

Backstage at Fashion Week is a battleground of creativity and chaos. It’s where the magic happens—but also where tensions run high. As a photo editor, you’re constantly weaving through a maze of models, stylists, and designers, all moving at lightning speed. There’s no room for hesitation. One wrong step and you’re in the way of a hairstylist perfecting a sleek ponytail or a designer making a last-minute stitch.

The pressure is relentless. Everyone has a job to do, and no one has time for distractions. You learn quickly that patience is a luxury you can’t afford. There are moments when you’re met with sharp glares or even a few choice words—especially when space is tight, and tensions are high. But that’s part of the job. You have to be assertive yet invisible, capturing the raw energy without disrupting the flow.

Then there’s the unpredictability. A model running late, a missing shoe, a makeup artist frantically blending out a last-minute smudge—it’s all part of the backstage ballet. The challenge is to document these moments without interfering. Some of the most striking images come from these unguarded seconds—the flicker of nerves in a model’s eyes, the quiet concentration of a designer adjusting a hem, the camaraderie between dressers as they pull off impossible quick changes.

And let’s not forget the lighting—or lack thereof. Backstage is often dimly lit, with harsh fluorescents casting unflattering shadows. There’s no time to set up the perfect shot; you have to work with what you’ve got. A fast shutter, a keen eye, and a little bit of luck are your best allies.

Despite the madness, there are moments of pure magic. When a model steps into the light, fully transformed, or when a designer sees their vision come to life—it’s these fleeting seconds that make the chaos worth it. Fashion Week is a test of endurance, but for those who thrive in the fast lane, there’s nothing quite like it.