New York Bridal Fashion Week Photography

Eight shows, two days, a bag full of film, and a lot of running around Manhattan. I came home tired, sore, and already wanting to do it again. If you’re looking for some New York Bridal Fashion Week photography inspo, you’re in the right place!

I’ve wanted to attend New York Bridal Fashion Week for years. I love fashion, and the dress is always one of my favorite design details to photograph on a wedding day. Getting to spend a few days surrounded by bridal collections, watching presentations, and creating just for the joy of it? Pretty much my dream.

This trip was a personal creative project, with room to explore different techniques, poses, and film stocks. My New York Bridal Fashion Week photography event took me from full runway shows to backstage moments to a gorgeous suite at The Plaza. Every stop gave me something different to work with.

A Little Room to Play at NYBFW

On a wedding day, I’m following a couple’s story and making sure I capture the moments they’ll want to remember. I love that responsibility. It’s the reason I chose this career. But occasionally, it feels so good to pick up my cameras with the freedom to follow whatever catches my eye. (And it’s good for my couples, too, as I discover new ways to capture details and body language!)

The shows certainly kept me moving, but my photography had room for experimentation. I could try a different approach, linger over a detail, or see how a particular film stock interpreted the scene. That kind of creative exercise always leaves me excited to keep making things. Every creative needs outlets and new experiences to combat burnout or visual “writer’s block.”

Bridal Runway Photography: A Different Energy at Every Show

My first stop was Hayley Paige, whose work I’ve loved for such a long time. Photographing the presentation and runway show was the perfect way to begin. There’s something special about finally seeing work you’ve admired for years right in front of your camera.

Then, Berta brought a full runway show with dazzling lighting and stunning dresses. With runway photography, so much comes down to timing: watching the model’s movement, the way a gown falls, and what happens as it passes through the light. Playing with light is one of my specialties.

Day two began with Justin Alexander Signature. A late start meant I had to leave early for my next show. Bridal fashion week apparently doubles as a very glamorous cardio workout.

I made it to Lee Petra Grebenau just in time, where intricate dresses and an equally beautiful building made the rush worthwhile. Caviar and a perfume gift were lovely bonuses, too. No complaints there!

Tanner Fletcher’s Runway Love Story

Tanner Fletcher ended the first day with a show in a church, complete with its own love story.

In a flutter of ruffles, arabesques, and pliés, the main character met someone at a party, but his love interest left before they could say goodbye and left his jacket behind. In Cinderella fashion, models then tried on the jacket until he found his man. Storybook vibes made this show so much fun to capture.

I loved having a narrative to follow alongside the clothing. The interactions and anticipation gave the presentation its personality, and photographing that story became part of photographing the collection. It was such a memorable way to experience the designs.

Editorial Moments with Jaclyn Whyte at The Plaza

My time with Jaclyn Whyte was probably my favorite overall experience. The presentation took place in a stunning suite at The Plaza Hotel, and I loved the dresses.

Between client appointments, we were able to pose and photograph the models. Having that time to create together was invaluable and brought extra movement and personality to the images, letting me incorporate some of my own cues. I could give direction, try different poses, and explore how the setting worked with the gowns.

Those opportunities are a big part of why I want to do more bridal fashion photography. I love paying attention to how a pose changes a dress’s shape or how a composition draws you toward a particular detail. A little time to experiment opens up so many possibilities.

Behind the Scenes and Between the Big Moments

Sareh Nouri was primarily a buyer presentation, with some opportunities for behind-the-scenes photography. I absolutely love her dresses, so getting that closer look was a treat, and I got to capture a different story as they worked their magic in runway preparation.

I finished the second day with Odylyne the Ceremony, photographing backstage before the presentation. The models then held their places while guests observed the collection, giving the experience a different pace from a runway show. Because they stayed still, I could play with different angles, focus, light, and film formats.

I enjoyed shifting between those formats. The gallery moves from sweeping runway views to close dress details, smiling models, and black-and-white backstage moments. Sometimes I was anticipating the next movement; other times, I could take a little longer to observe.

Photographing Bridal Fashion on Film and Digital

I used both film and digital throughout the trip, including a wide variety of film stocks. Exploring those different interpretations was part of the fun: seeing how color, texture, and atmosphere could change the feeling of an image.

When it was all said and done, I left Manhattan with new friends, so much inspiration, and photographs I’m excited to share. I can’t wait to do the whole exhausting, wonderful thing again.

If you’re a bridal designer or fashion brand looking for runway coverage, backstage photography, or an editorial collaboration, I’d love to hear what you’re imagining. I’m based in Chicago and available to travel—and I’m already looking forward to my next trip back.

Get More Info

Instagram Highlights ➡️

 

SAREH NOURI

BERTA

TANNER FLETCHER

DAY 2

JUSTIN ALEXANDER

 

LEE PETRA GREBENAU

JACLYN WHYTE

ODYLYNE THE CEREMONY