Nightlife photography has been the key to my success in more ways than one. In 2004, I was at a crossroads in my photographic journey, having photographed, at that time, all of the pictures that were floating around in my head. I was at that “What do I do now?” stage when I found that nitevibe.com, an Emagazine that focuses on the nightlife of San Francisco, was looking for photographers to take photos in clubs, concerts, music festivals and similar events.

It seemed like a great fit, because before I’d picked up a camera, I had been a DJ for 22 years. The opportunity was right up my alley! I put together some examples of nighttime shots I had taken on my recent travels and submitted them. To my surprise, I was hired. I became Nitevibe’s senior photographer, a position I held for over three years.

The benefits of club shots

Nightclub photography has helped my portfolio immensely by adding diversity. I learned long ago that I don’t like shooting flowers, sunsets, babies, mountains, animals, or elderly social functions. I knew that young, hip people were what I was interested in shooting, and well… young, hip people go to clubs and concerts, don’t they? Different people, weird people, colorful people and silly people all attend these soirees, and I was blessed to have had full access to all of them. It gave me a chance to glimpse their world through my camera. I also love shooting weddings, portraits, layouts and non-club events. When I began using the techniques I gained photographing nightclubs, it helped me think outside the box. Every client I’ve shown my work has commented on the edgy youthfulness it displays. Shooting nightlife photos also helps attract my target clientele: young, forward-thinking adults ages 25–45.