Izabela Rachwal is no stranger to the big city – the Winnipeg-based photographer hails from Kraków, Poland. So, she of course loved the hustle and bustle of New York City when she visited last summer. It seems New York was a great big magnet for Winnipeg artists last summer, bringing in models, photographers, make-up artists and more, coincidentally all at the same time.
“New York City’s fashion industry is the largest in the world.
It was a challenge that I was ready for. I was aware it might not be easy… but ‘easy’ doesn’t make you grow. I became much busier than I have ever been in Winnipeg. The community of models is smaller here, whereas in New York I got to work with models from the top agencies in the world, and that recognition felt nice,” she says.
The photographs from her trip are stunning, and we’re thrilled to share them with our Poster readers. That being said, there were just too many we liked to fit into one post. So, consider this a two-part series.
What do you like about New York?
“Hmmm…what don’t I like? I grew up in big city so I’m used to busy streets etc. I love the fashion industry, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, cafes, museums, architecture …I can go on and on.
I love that every part of New York City is so different and unique, and I love the laid back, chill atmosphere of Park Slope, Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights. I spent lots of time there in local coffee shops editing photographs for clients and enjoying some of the best coffee I have ever had. Soho, Greenwich Village and Meatpacking District are also amazing.”
You are a well traveled girl! What do you like about travelling and photography?
“I love travelling, getting to know different cultures and meeting interesting people. As a kid I wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic. Now, I’m learning a lot about myself as a photographer. I know that trip to New York influenced my style and I’m sure that future trips will keep developing it. I dont know what will come next. I have few places on my list and I know that I will keep traveling and capturing beautiful people and great clothes.”
What was your favorite model to shoot in New York and why?
“That’s a tough one. I worked with so many great personalities and talents. I think Natasha Remarchuk was probably the most interesting one to shoot with. She had barely started modelling and already hit all major runway shows. Also she was a little curvier and more feminine then all the other models I shot. She is Belorussian and I’m Polish so I think that this culture similarity kept me more interested in her.”
What Winnipeg faces did you work with in New York? There were so many Winnipeggers there when you were. Did you have the chance to work with anyone?
“I went to NYC with Michael Kovalik (www.michaelkovalik.com). We planned that trip together. He is the most talented make-up artist in Winnipeg so I knew I had to convince him to come with me. We worked together on all the photoshoots. Michael has an incredible personality and it was so much fun to live, work and party together. I can assure you that we had some of the best and funniest times of our lives.”
