Last year I was lucky enough to score an assistant position with Image Consultant and Stylist Sarah Shah at Fashion Houston. It was my first time attending Fashion Houston and the first time in a very long time attending such an adrenaline filled event with so many people to see, photos to take, things to Tweet, Instagram and Facebook (the life of a social media addict–).
It’s funny because even if I didn’t have to assist Sarah at Fashion Houston I still wouldn’t be able to keep my hands still and just enjoy. That’s why I’m a photographer because I love to document events through my photographs and look back on them and remember how I felt when I saw Chloe Dao’s collection or Rolando Santana’s feminine silhouettes. I think it’s the “curse” of being a communicator and wanting to always be in the know. Having said that, if you’re going to be doing social media like crazy, you better prepare yourself with my list of things you need:
Business Cards
Have your business card ready because if you do happen to bump into one of the designers, celebrities or bloggers at the runaway show or afterparty, the probability is you might not be able to stay and chat. But, give them a memorable business card and create an impression.
Fast Flats
These are my lifesavers and even though I will not carry these in my purse at Fashion Houston, they will be waiting for me in my car. After weathering your heels at Fashion Houston, trust me, you’re going to want to drive in these comfy flats. These are good enough to drive in your car or in any you-broke-your-heel emergency but they are very thin so don’t think you can change into these and walk all over downtown because it will hurt (I did this once, ouch!). These are available at Wal-Mart.
Tripod
(This item is not a must! Besides I can hear you all saying Where am I going to put this? How am I going to walk the red carpet with this?) This might be applicable only to photographers but bloggers out there, I want you to think about this for a minute. If you find a good angle to shoot the runway from,it’s easier that you set your camera on a tripod and have your hands free to snap pics with your phone and do some social media. That’s what I’ll be doing. If you don’t have one, borrow one or run to Houston Camera Exchange and get one!
Mophie Case
I didn’t know about Mophie cases until I assisted Sarah last year and these have literally saved my life (Ok, at least my social media life). You very well know Fashion Houston will be a social media frenzy and you do not want to be hanging out by the power outlet charging your IPhone. I I bought one of these and it gives me 11 extra hours of battery life for my IPhone. These are available at the Apple Store and are a little pricy but they are an investment.
An External Portable Battery
I hope this isn’t overkill but I’m carrying more than one extra source of power for my Phone because I like to be safe. These are super handy and small and fit in the tiniest, most stylish purse. I saw some really cute ones at Marshall’s and Ross for like $10 in all the colors of the rainbow. Actually, if you don’t have the budget for the Mophie, I would buy 2 or 3 of these.
Comfy High Heels/Boots
The great debate: look fashionable or be comfortable? This is the deal, if you’re there as a photographer or blogger you’re going to want to be in action capturing the red carpet, runway and anything else you have access to so you must, even for a second consider wearing comfortable shoes. I know I have one pair of boots, just one, that I can withstand all night, run in and look super fashionable with pants or dresses so those are definitely going to be part of one of my outfits. And if you do find comfy heels, please let me know where!
More than a Point-and-Shoot Camera
This should be an obvious one. It’s a fashion event and you want to get quality images specially because you’ll be posting this on your blog or photography page. Also, I don’t know if Fashion Houston let’s you use flash when photographing the models down the runway but if they don’t then you could always set you camera on your tripod and your images will be sharp and clear. Versus the alternative which is you holding your camera and trying to take crisp photos with no flash which is very hard. Big plus: take some HD video and post it on your blog later on!
Extra Camera Battery
This one should be a no brainer but what you have to check is that it is actually charged before you take it to Fashion Houston. One time I took an extra battery to an event but t wasn’t charged so just make sure.
Extra Memory Card
Just in case your phone memory hits a limit and you snap photos like crazy with your camera, an extra memory card is always handy.
What are you taking to Fashion Houston? Do you think there’s anything else I should add to the list as a “must” for bloggers and photographers?
Let me know in the comments below!
