Whether it’s the streets of Milan, Paris or New York, where she is based, Melodie Jeng is a familiar face on the street style photographer scene. Through her beautiful pictures, Jeng captures the energy and trends of the season—see the campaign she shot for New York Fashion Week: Men’s this past November, which is now on view all over New York City. Her work has also appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, and she has counted the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Burberry, Gucci, and Amazon Fashion among her clients.

Here, Jeng (aka @melodiejeng)  talks to CFDA.com about her preparation for fashion week, her competition and what she is most looking forward to this NYFW: Men’s.

CFDA.com: How do you gear up each season for Fashion Week?

Melodie Jeng: “Rest as much as possible. Buy any last minute gear or hard drives needed. Try not to think about the whole month too much or else I’ll get stressed and overwhelmed!”

CFDA.com: When did you start shooting street style?

M.J.: “I started shooting street style in New York in 2011 officially. I shot a little bit of street photography around 2008 and 2009 when I first moved to New York.”

CFDA.com: What has changed from the time you started shooting street style and now?

M.J.: “There are more street style photographers, bloggers, people, etc. It’s a little bit less authentic and less personable. It’s become much more about movement and candid photos. I do miss being able to stop someone, have a conversation, and take a nice (semi) unique photo of them.”

CFDA.com: How do you handle the competition between street style photographers?

M.J.: “I don’t think about it too much. If you do or if you compare yourself to others, you won’t get anywhere.  I’m just trying to make the best images I can.”

CFDA.com: Do you have any tips for people being photographed?

M.J.: “Not really. Just be yourself. You shouldn’t really ‘want to be photographed.’ It’s a bit of a turnoff for me.”

CFDA.com: What are you most excited for this coming NYFW: Men’s?

M.J.: “I’m excited to see my campaign photos around the city! It’s the second season so I know how things go. I’m excited to just focus on street style and backstage images I really like.”