We caught up with Leah McQueen to discuss her career as a photographer and what it was like to work at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.
How did you get into photography?
It all started 14 years ago when my art/photography teacher told me: “Photography is your niche”… I studied photography in high school and pursued it as a hobby for many years. I moved to London in 2005 and started my own photography business, focussing mainly on weddings and events. I had the honour of photographing Princess Anne in 2008. I also had my ‘first taste’ in fashion/runway photography during my stay in London and knew it was something I wanted to pursue when I moved back to Adelaide at the end of 2008. I attended Rosemount Australian Fashion Week for the first time last year as a freelance photographer and I haven’t looked back since!
Tell us about a typical day as an official Rosemount Australian Fashion Week photographer.
A typical day as an official RAFW photographer for Miro House is very exciting! This year I had access to areas that other people wouldn’t normally see, which included backstage, hair & make-up and all the offsite shows. The first show starts at 9am and the last show finishes around 10pm-11.30pm every day, for the whole week. There are around 13 main shows each day, one after the other. Lunch is whenever you can find time between shows to quickly eat something. Dinner is the same as lunch, but with a glass of wine/champagne! By the end of the day, your head is buzzing and you can’t sleep from all the excitement. It’s amazing seeing the whole event unfold through the eyes of a photographer… Watching the transformation of the models getting their hair & make-up done, to walking down the runway… Seeing everyone working together to transform The OPT and Cargo Theatre (and all the offsite locations) into something special for each designer. It is fabulous working for Miro House as they play a huge part in organising the whole event.
What’s the art to good fashion/runway photography?
Make sure you “mark your spot” if you’re in a media pit with lots of other photographers and film crew. It’s very important to have a good position to shoot from. Usually at the end of the runway with the models walking straight towards you is the best. Familiarise yourself with the lighting – this is one of the most important things to consider. Know your camera. Use good lenses. Make sure you have enough high speed memory cards. The rest is pretty simple…
What is your advice for young photographers wanting to get into fashion/runway photography?
Find your niche… It is really important to find your niche in photography. If you are passionate about a certain subject, not only will you be able to take good photos, but your photos might also tell a story. If you absolutely love fashion/runway photography, then look for opportunities to follow your dream! Start locally – there are heaps of fashion shows here in Adelaide throughout the year, check out Glam Adelaide for all the latest events. There are lots of great fashion designers/labels, boutiques and modelling agencies that you can contact. Register early for RAFW if you’re interested in attending as a freelance or press photographer.
What were your favourite designers to shoot during RAFW?
My favourite show this year was definitely, without a doubt, Romance Was Born. It was the most amazing fashion show I have ever seen at RAFW. I also loved Alex Perry, Bianca Spender, Camilla & Marc, Anna & Boy and Miss Unkon, to name just a few!
Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
I’m planning on going to London in September this year for London Fashion Week – so that’s the next thing I’m looking forward to!
To contact Leah McQueen or view more of her photos, please visit her website.
(Selena Battersby)
