I have also edited a previous LG post for content, because bless google, from first name only basis, I have dug up a couple of leads and I wouldn't want to spread any gossip :) In my case, I literally searched up a photog's nickname and got not only a facebook page, but an entire work synopsis.
Currently, I resolve to blog more regularly, things are getting stressful with a larger workload and more photog clients.
Here is the post after editing. I honestly just removed some vital bits, and didn't bother editing for grammar just because I feel naff today. It is barely understandable but I intend to put this all in some book one day.
LG Fashion Week Post 1
I would post up pictures but my main PC is down for repairs.
Instead, for fashion week I shall type about being a newbie at the media pit at LG Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010.
Firstly, as media you have to know the rules of the pit
1. Come early and mark your territory
2. Pack lunch and coffee
3. Don't leave your spot
4. Take up as little room as possible
And here comes the ramble.
The first show, VAWK by Sunny Fong, was my first show ever. Naturally nervous I shove down a plate of sushi to calm the nerves. It helps to have a media pass and a 20 pound camera around my neck. Held at the AGO with Frank Gehry's beautiful staircase. Amore.
One important lesson throughout the week : You defend your spot in the media pit, territory worth all costs to personal property and dignity.
I then wait 45 minutes in the pit, along with the other 60 people in VIP and another 200 leaning over glass barriers. The show lasts 5 minutes.
I go later to the opening show and I make strategic alliances with other junior photographers to grab a section of the media pit from the bullies: Random pervy guys with small point and shoot digicams that doth protest too much when we point out that we have as much, if not a greater right to be there, since we are working and they are not.
The second day was more of a blur. I arrived nice and early, only to find that the show has gone on anyway. Luckily I find a spot at the back with some nice people who lend me a stool to stand on. I am in between two monster film cameras, and had someone shooting below my arm and another right above my head.
I spend the rest of the day sweating and standing in a very awkward position for hours at a stretch. You won't believe how hard it is to stand in a crowd, moving as little as possible, and shooting with tense arm muscles holding a camera, extra batteries and a giant lens] Just as all hope seems to be lost, we get free beer from the LG Fashion Week beer fairies. We toast to the camera guy at the corner who is two levels up and out of reach of a cold one.
Then I find out that for love, money or media pass, you can't skip the bathroom line.
The third day? I come extra early in time for rehearsals, and leave at 5 because I have all the shots I need. I get into a small tussle early on when someone shoos me out of a legitimate territorial claim. I end up sitting in a prime spot from sheer stubbornness and get some prime shots today. I schmooze and collect cards, I drink less liquids, I meet Enza Supermodel, and I get backstage.
Fourth day? A media pit full of tired out photographers. Pictures came out alright but most of us feel jipped from some shows that showed remarkably less fashion than the Toronto street scene, which is saying something.
Friday is a rush for the article to get to print with a noon deadline and 8 thousand photos to choose from. Also,keep in mind my pc is still down so the laptop does the job with just 30 minutes to spare before the deadline. TGIF relief comes in the form of Melissa doing my makeup. I bring my posse down to fashion week and we have a ball. Even though it was my 56th show, it felt like the first time for me and I was all excited because this time, I wasn't working or sweating.
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