On my first trip to Paris in July of 2014 I had the amazing experience to photograph the collection from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad at Palais des Beaux-Arts, part of France’s National School of Fine Arts during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week!
I was deeply honored to have been admitted into this very small, intimate show.
I arrived early, but the person who was vouching for me was running late so I had to wait (not so) patiently outside. When I finally got in the photographer area was already densely packed, everyone vying for the best angle. Knowing this was a once in a life time opportunity, I just went to the front of the pack and got as low to the floor as possible, ignoring the grumblings and immune to the French insults that were likely being hurled my way for having the audacity to show up late and try to take up a position in the front and center.
A voice from behind started speaking loudly in French. Although I could not understand, I knew they were talking to me, but I dared not look back. Then in English, “You!” I turned around. “Get down lower.” I complied, “Don’t move.”
Apparently that was the director of photography and my original position was obscuring the video camera’s view. Instead of asking me to leave he helped position me in what was possibly the best spot! Low and right in center line of the runway!
WOW! What an opportunity!