My fallen angel. Love you forever.

Blackout.

16 hours in New York

Soon after I shot the Runway Dallas fashion show on Oct. 24, I was invited by William Michael Reid to cover the Fashion Avenue News and Model World Magazine release party at Toshi’s Living Room in New York. Without hesitation I told William I’d be there. I mean, who wouldn’t turn down a trip to New York. Plus this is the second time I’ve been invited since August; I figure it may be some kind of calling. The opportunity presented itself and I took it. So what sue me! 

I have to admit I was nervous about where I would stay and the entire outcome of the trip, but by mid week I had my mind made up, I was going to New York. I wasn’t going to let fear, doubt, and anxiety stop me from an amazing experience. The only thing I would change is the amount of time I was there, a total of 16 hours that cost me $426; you kinda want to get your moneys worth when you spend that much on anything. The money is small talk so we won’t dwell on it much longer. 

My cousin picks me up from JFK and we ride the train to his crib in Queens. Along the way I’m in awe of what my eyes are seeing. Everything looks EXACTLY how it does in the movies. The bodegas, the close houses, the rats in the subway, trash piled on the curb, taxis everywhere, etc. This place is a street photographer’s dream. We grab some Chinese food and chill before we head back out. 

By 7pm we’re at the event, 1141 Broadway. The second I walk in William greets me with “Hey here’s my guy all the way from Dallas fresh off the plane! Everyone this is Nick Weaver!” I don’t even get an introduction like that when I’m home in Dallas, feel like I need my own theme music after that one haha. Dude, Toshi’s was so packed. I seen about 15 photographers all loaded with gear, strobes, and brackets. One guy had a legit battery pack strapped to his waist. I never seen anything like that before, especially for this kind of event, it was a little extra to me but as long as his shots came out great who cares. 

As the models begin to stroll in the stop and pause in front of this elegant 2 story aquarium for all to admire. That was our cue to shoot. 15 photographers all bunched around like crabs in a barrel competing for ONE shot, the same shot even. I was overwhelmed bc it was my first time experiencing a situation like this, honestly I thought it was stupid for everyone to be huddled together to take the same exact photo as everyone else. You literally had to elbow your way into position. People we screaming, “get down” “take your shot and move!” “I’m shooting for a magazine, I don’t care!”. Quite a circus. I frequently took a break and reported to my cousin who was standing near, we both agreed the scene was a wild one. 

Truth be told, by this point I was over the whole thing, if the night was going to continue this way it was going to be a long night. My spirits were low. It wasn’t long until I finally hit my groove. From then on it was business as usual. Sometimes you need to sit back and realize where you are in the moment to fully appreciate what is going on. Every time someone walked in they were greeted with hugs from whomever they knew. I don’t see that very often in the south. The south is pretty homophobic so you won’t see too many men hugging unless they’re, even then it wont be as welcoming. I find that to be a huge difference between american culture and others around the world, our interactions with one another are more reclusive whereas in other areas of the world it is normal to openly display your feelings toward others. Americans are full to the brim with hypermasculinity. Men can’t do anything that looks the least bit feminine without feeling too umm….gay. 

After the event ends my cousin and I took a stroll towards Time Square. I was uber hungry and didn’t want anything other than some authentic food truck food from NY. Our bellies replenished, we continue down the block and soon we are engulfed in LED lights, and the weirdos were out heavy. I seen a group of Anonymous supporters gathering at the table next to us, it seemed to be a planned meeting. One guy caught my attention was wearing True Religion jeans, idk how that meshes with the whole Anonymous thing but I found it to be some sort of oxymoron. Another member was prancing up and down the plaza screaming, “I love my country but I hate my government. That’s what a true patriot is! We have to put an end to this fascist regime…” Two streets over I ran into a man dressed in a Batman costume, cookie monster, mickey mouse, and other sesame street characters. On every corner there were about 3 hustlers selling something, this night it was ticket to a comedy show. 

The saying goes NY never sleeps. It’s true. My cousin and I didn’t get home until 1 and people were still out and about. Our night ends on a full stomach and laughter. 4 hours later I’d be up again on a 6:15am flight headed home. 

And that was how I spent 16 hours in New York…