How I Photograph New York Bridal Fashion Week: My Process from Planning to Follow-Up

Photographing New York Bridal Fashion Week requires more than your technical skills, it demands preparation, adaptability and relationship-building. For me, an experienced NYBFW wedding photographer, each season presents a new opportunity to document the artistry of bridal fashion while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment. 

From applying for press access and building relationships with PR teams to delivering emotive, editorial-quality images in record time, my approach is both strategic and creative. In this behind-the-scenes look at my process, I will share what it truly takes to succeed and stand out at one of the wedding industry's most high-profile events.

Planning Ahead for NYBFW

Strategic planning is essential when photographing New York Bridal Fashion Week. It’s important to begin outreach about three months in advance by inquiring with design houses you truly admire and respect. The process of applying for press access is not formal and there’s no single direct path. This is where persistence and resourcefulness come in. 

Instagram is an incredibly effective tool for connecting with PR agencies and discovering the right contacts. Another option is using designers’ websites to track down press emails and reach out professionally. To find the full schedule for each season’s shows, check out The Bridal Council.

Staying organized is key. You should maintain organized email folders, keep records of your outreach and always collect a direct contact number when possible. I rely on a simple but effective spreadsheet (screenshotted below) that I keep easily accessible on my phone. It includes each event’s type (runway or presentation), the designer's name, appointment time and date. 

When running around shows, having quick access to this information as well as communication threads allows you to move efficiently in a fast-paced environment so that nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Understanding Event Types of NYBFW

When it comes to photographing New York Bridal Fashion Week, understanding the different types of events design houses will host. Each one requires a unique approach and offers its own creative opportunities. Whether it be a private appointment, full-scale runway show or cocktail party. 

Apportionments are typically intimate, often one-on-one sessions between designers and buyers. These provide a rare opportunity to capture gowns in a more controlled environment. 

Runway shoes, on the other hand, are high-energy productions where space is limited, lighting is unpredictable and competitions for the best angel is fierce. Don’t be discouraged if you’re pushed to the back or your view is partially blocked, some of the most compelling shots come from framing models through the crowd or catching unplanned, candid moments. 

Cocktail parties offer yet another enviornment, less structured, more social. These are invaluable for networking and offer a different kind of storytelling opportunity. Providing photography coverage in these relaxed settings help establish an artistic and professional presence within the industry.

For those learning how to photograph New York Bridal Fashion Week, knowing the difference between event types helps you set expectations, align your photography goals, and make the most of every moment.

Setting Expectations and Deliverables

When it comes to photographing New York Bridal Fashion Week, speed and reliability are everything. In this high-energy environment, design houses generally want their digital image galleries within three days of their runway or presentation.  

When working at NYBFW, delivering images quickly isn’t solely a professional courtesy, it’s essential to getting your work seen. A fast turnaround significantly increases the chances of your photos being credited, shared and celebrated by both designers and press. 

Technical Tips for Photographing Runway Moments

One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of photographing New York Bridal Fashion Week is navigating the technical demands of a runway environment. It’s crucial to produce photographs that are not only technically sound but also beautiful, emotive and full of depth. 

For those learning how to photograph bridal fashion shows at NYBFW, it's recommended to focus on storytelling. Your goal should be to not simply to capture the gown, but let the garment take on a life of itself. Capturing the essence of the gown will capture the eye of the design house and likely bolster your visibility and photography and content.

Runway shows often take place in low-light settings, so preparation and adaptability are essential. To handle tricky lighting, using a lens with a low f-stop is key. I rely on a flash diffuser when the aesthetic of the show allows for it. While I personally love the drama of hard shadows and shooting in direct sunlight, understanding when to lean into or soften the light is key to creating intentional and compelling images. Check out this article on low-light fashion photography.

The Follow-Up: Building Relationships and Your Brand 

The follow-up is as important as the shoot itself when photographing New York Bridal Fashion Week. After the final look leaves the runway, make it a priority to reconnect with the designers, PR teams and contacts you’ve worked with. 

Consistent communication and follow-through when delivering what you promised not only helps maintain trust but also positions you as a reliable NYBFW wedding photographer for future season. 

If you’re exploring how to photograph bridal fashion shows at NYBFW, know that your reputation is built in the quiet moments after the show, when you honor timelines, provide assets as agreed and express genuine appreciation for the opportunity. Over time, these small actions become the foundation of lasting industry relationships and continued press opportunities.

Final Thoughts

New York Bridal Fashion Week moves fast, but the photographers who thrive in it know how to anticipate, adapt and deliver with purpose. For those wondering how to photograph bridal fashion shows at NYBFW, the answer lies in preparation, professionalism, and a deep respect for the craft.

Whether you're a fellow creative or simply curious about the process, this approach offers a blueprint for making the most of every moment at NYBFW and leaving a lasting impression.

To see this perspective come to life, explore the rest of Atelier Holmes’ Spring 2025 NYBFW gallery [insert gallery link].