CFDA.com: You have found such an amazing niche in the fashion industry as THE team to have at events. Was fashion always the goal?
Neil Rasmus: “Fashion is a fundamental element of New York/Los Angeles events. While we have the most experience in fashion-related events, to be a good event photographer in New York and L.A., you need to be familiar with everything (fashion, art, design, real estate, politics, finance, etc). I don’t think we set out to specialize in fashion, but fashion is part of every event.”
David X Prutting: “ When we started BFA, we knew fashion was a niche we were comfortable in. The arts and entertainment world along with other industries, such as tech and real estate development, all blend within the fashion industry. Fashion was always a focus for us as we expanded our clientele for BFA and we look forward to evolving with it. We have managed to parlay some very strong partnerships with brands and publications, to which we owe a lot of our success.”
CFDA.com: What are the ingredients for an amazing photo at an event (besides amazing photographers, of course)?
N.R.: “Besides the fundamentals of understanding how to take a good photo, unpredictability and a good attitude from the subject helps. Good event design and lighting also help (Thank you, Bronson!).”
Joe Schildhorn: “A nice setting helps, plus great natural lighting if possible, or a lot of white walls to bounce light off.”
D.X.P.: “Great outfits, great characters, lots of free booze and, of course, the best camera equipment.”
Billy Farrell: “Vigilance is a key ingredient. We’re in the business of capturing moments. The moment dictates all. Miss the moment and you’ve missed the point. Everything else; the camera, the lighting, the decor and the subject matter all amount to moments…but without vigilance, you’re liable to miss out on half the action.”
CFDA.com: What are the most unusual hurdles you faced at an event?
N.R.: “Passport control in Moscow, Russia.”
D.X.P.: “Having to photograph people skiing in Switzerland. I just grabbed a pair of skis and went for it (I’m a snowboarder and all they had were skis). Almost bit the dust a few times! The fear of breaking my camera kept me from wiping out!”
CFDA.com: What’s next for BFA?
N.R.: We are focused on further establishing our LA presence and also making sure our video and social content is state of the art.
D.X.P.: “Evolving with the changes in social media and content strategy, as the industry for photo and video is constantly moving. How to better serve our clients and remain invaluable to them.”
CFDA.com: How do you work as a team?
N.R.: “It’s been over a decade since we started working together, so we’ve been through it all. The most important thing is mutual respect and a shared vision.”
J.S.: “We really work well together because we all have different strengths in different areas. Our shared passion and many years of digging in the trenches together have translated BFA into a special group. Also, our CEO Dan Otero has become the glue as we continue to grow every year. He is part of the family.”
CFDA.com: What’s the one thing about Billy that we don’t know?
J.S.: “Billy hiked the Long Trail last summer in Vermont, a very impressive feat.”
B.F.: “I’ll never tell.”
