Karya Schanilec: Fashion & Street Photographer in NYC
Karya Schanilec, a fashion and street style photographer, photographs what people are wearing around New York City and occasionally the rest of the world.. Her photos provide daily fashion inspiration to thousands of people. She has accumulated over 47 thousand followers on Instagram, while her Pinterest has nearly two million monthly views. She has photographed a variety of bloggers, influencers, celebrities, and models. Some stylish celebs she has captured include Vanessa Hudgens and Alexa Chung.
What inspired you to become a street style photographer?
I’m originally from the Seattle area and started shooting fashion photography and influencers while working in retail. I had the chance to go to New York Fashion Week in 2018 and instantly fell in love with capturing show goers' looks outside the venues. In 2019, I decided to make the big move across the country and permanently relocated to New York City to pursue opportunities only available here. From there I’ve built my business doing street style photography for fashion weeks and everyday NYC style, as well as contract photography projects for creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the city.
When you travel to different fashion weeks, do you notice an enormous difference in how people dress from city to city?
While style is globalized at this point (thanks to Instagram and TikTok), I see differences between cities in the details. How people accessorize, brands they choose, and certain trends they choose over others.
What street style trends are you noticing this summer?
European chic (flowy linen, neutral palettes, effortless mini dresses, basic tops) and y2k (low rise baggy pants, baby tees, rivet belts, chunky sneakers) are the two biggest trends I see people wearing this summer.
What is your current favorite trend?
I’ve been into platform Crocs. I just bought a pair and accessorized them with gold chains, which make them feel pretty contemporary and chic.
Besides your fellow New Yorkers, who do you look to for fashion inspiration? Is there any designer or celebrity whose style you’re currently loving?
I’ve always loved the designs of Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab, and more recently Balenciaga and Loewe. Celebrity/influencer style I look forward to seeing on my Instagram feed comes from Alexandra Guerain, Kristen Bateman, Ashley Ballard, Kellie B, and Karen Blanchard.
You also photograph live events. Now that it’s summer, there’s countless concerts and festivals going on. What are some festival fashion trends that you've noticed?
Huge festival fashion trends so far this summer include butterfly motifs, rhinestone fringe, western wear, vintage t-shirts, halter tops, and cargo pants.
What is your favorite part about being a photographer? What’s the biggest challenge
My favorite thing about being a photographer is all the amazing creative people I meet through projects or just on the street. The biggest challenge is setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy work life balance while freelancing.
What tips do you have for anyone wanting to become a photographer?
Just start networking and reaching out to people you’d love to work with! Instagram is a great space to connect with other inspiring and established creatives.
Do you prefer New York Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week?
New York Fashion Week will also have a special place in my heart as my first fashion week and now my home fashion week, but there’s just something so magical about Paris Fashion Week: the energy, the people, the designers, and the locations.
How about pastels, neon, or neutrals?
Neon for summer, especially bright pinks and oranges.
Do you prefer a statement bag or statement jewelry?
Statement bag, I’ve been loving beaded bags and bright pink bags.
Social Media.
Instagram and TikTok: @karyastreetstyle and on Pinterest @karyaschanilec
Interview by Taylor Houston, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Coordinator, PhotoBook Magazine
