The Photodiarist

The Camera-Slinger

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: During fashion week, I used my only zoom lens -- a 70-200mm f2.8 -- the whole time. It's the biggest lens I own and requires that I work out my arms in order to carry it around for more than 4 hours at a time. While standing around in the bright sun on one of those afternoons, looking for the next fashionista to photograph, I saw my shadow on the ground and it made me laugh out loud. So I took a picture of it with my i-phone and overdosed on the contrast.  Funny, no? A cartoon camera-slinger.

A Checkered Story

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: Even though checkered prints are my least favorite, I admit that I like his shirt. I also like that they mixed and matched their looks - large and small checks. But the checkered story isn't the real inspiration for this photograph. While everyone was huddled under the arched walkway at Lincoln Center, these two were hanging out in the rain and I thought they made a lovely picture, along with their umbrella and the light.

Under the Hood

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: I love wearing hoods. They are practical, mysterious and romantic at the same time. Essential for cold or rainy weather, and when paired with a pair of shades, perfect for dodging people that you just don't want to see at any given moment. Yeah, I know. I have a wee bit of an anti-social streak running through my veins. Just a wee bit.

The Glamour Girl

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: Fashion Week is a dream week for a street portrait photographer like me. Almost everyone who attends (or who hangs out by the door) wants to be photographed (so practically no one says no to a photograph when asked). And almost everyone who attends (or who hangs out around the fountain) has dressed themselves in such a way as to catch the eye of photographers. This Glamour Girl was photographed by so many photographers at any given time that I am actually stunned I haven't seen her show up in more of the blogs and websites chronicling NYFW. She was a pleasure to photograph too because she totally enjoyed it and exuded great energy as a result. For a color shot, go here.

New York Fashion Week: The Quirky School Girl Look

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: There was something quirky and charming about her school-girl jacket, sweater and lacy frilled top paired with shorts (see here for another take on that look). But the look on her face was so austere as to be a little intimidating. Yet, in a way, she reminds me of that John Currin painting, Rachel in Fur, albeit a tougher version. What do you think?

New York Fashion Week: Linda Wells of Allure Magazine

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: In a corner near the subway entrance, away from the madding crowds, I spotted Linda Wells, founding editor-in-chief of Allure, one of my favorite magazines. Surprisingly, none of the other photographers seemed to see her standing there. I asked with hand movements whether I could take her photograph. She nodded while on the phone and gave me this lovely portrait. 

New York Fashion Week: The Piercing Gaze

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: The details of her clothing are stunning - especially the skirt and her Chanel pearl necklace worn over her shoulder instead of around her neck. But what got me about these photos was the intensity of her gaze. 

P.S. Check out The Photodiarist in Color for some new posts.

 

New York Fashion Week: Vintage Chic

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: It was a treat to meet Tziporah Salamon. She's the daughter of a dressmaker and a tailor, so from an early age, Tziporah was surrounded by the art of creating and wearing clothing. In this portrait photograph, she's wearing vintage Chinese from the 1800s. To fully appreciate this outfit, however, you simply must go to The Photodiarist in Color. I insist!

New York Fashion Week: Simple Chic, Pt. 2

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: Again, simple modern chic. Black and cream, leather and linen, Hermes and Elsa Peretti, classic hair and low-key makeup. Okay, her accessories are pricey.  Out of my league for sure. But it's the minimalist silhouette and perfect fit and proportion of her clothing that stand out here. So no matter what the price point, those factors make more of a difference than the amount spent. 

New York Fashion Week: Simple Chic

New York: Lincoln Center

Inspiration: Simple, perfectly fitting, minimalist clothing paired with accessories that are a bit blinged-out or a touch of leopard. That's my favorite way to dress. And she captured that  aesthetic well. Asymmetry can be hard to pull off, but when the look is imbued with architectural structure, the asymmetrical piece can be a show-stopper. Here's another more casual example of my idea of simple chic.