Last year, she landed in NYC with a camera and a big maybe. Fast forward, and Paige Powell is shooting runways and living her dream, making waves with her own signature style. From her first NYFW to now, with her own crew, she opens up about those quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that usually go unnoticed and shares her personal favourites. Paige's story is a snapshot of passion, growth, and the hustle behind the lens. It's the real, unfiltered scoop on chasing what you love and making it in the big city.
21 February, 2024
Paige, take us back to the very beginning—your first encounter with NYFW through the lens. What was it like?
In February 2023, I arrived in NYC telling myself that if I could capture just one runway, I would go home happy. I was a girl with zero proof that I could shoot a runway - a field dominated by burly men. I walked away with five shows under my belt, and proof that my signature sweeping motion wasn’t too wild to be loved by mainstream designers.
And how did it feel compared to photographing this year's event?
What a difference a year can make! I now live full-time in NYC, so I have a home base. All of my equipment. An assistant. An understanding of what I was in for - which is a week of creative warfare.
Can you share a memorable behind-the-scenes moment that most people don't get to see?
On the first morning of NYFW, I recall two models squealing with joy as they reunited, talking fast in a foreign language. We live in a unique orbit where you may only see your friends two times a year, flying from one show to the next. But you will have a friendship for life.
I know it's tough, but do you have a favourite 24’ NYFW show? What about it really captured your heart (or lens) more than the others?
Helmut Lang. When I die, please ask Peter Do to dress the entire room to see me off.
Following up on that, out of all the fashion shows you've photographed, which one holds the title of your all-time favourite?
Mirror Palais. I had many friends (models and photographers) on location, so to see everybody there, to support Marcelo’s vision, and cheer my girls on as they walked the runway, meant the world to me.
In all of your experiences, who have you absolutely loved working with? Is there a designer, model, or creative team that really made an impression on you?
If you hire Ella Snyder to walk your runway, you WILL get the show of a lifetime.
With digital photography everywhere, do you still find something special in shooting with film? What do you think film adds to a photo that digital can't?
With film, you get one shot. One chance to line up your subject, to capture the mood. My love of photography is rooted in film and polaroids, a practice that begs you to make mistakes and learn quickly. In a way, runways are the exact same.
What's something about the life of a professional photographer that most people don’t understand?
Your most valuable, fragile and unique piece of equipment is your body. Use it wisely.
What’s on the cards for you next? Any exciting projects or maybe another fashion week in your sights?