getting started in nightclub photography

[Blender7]

Hey all,
Just wondering what everyones input is on getting started in this. I have literally no experience with shooting clubs. But it is something I think I'd be interested in doing. Do I call up clubs and ask if they are looking for shooters? Call promoters? How do I find promoters if that's the case? How much do they pay?


Thanks for any help guys,

Nick

[bluesmap]

you can start browsing this thread http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=415099&page=76 especially the last page (page 76) gives you an idea on how SOME people get paid. but you can ask questions there its been pretty solid with information.

you can probably try yap'in s thread too at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=494417

sorry i dont have any specific answers to your questions. but if you have no experience you definitely need to do some test shoots before you jump into it. get some friends a few times in a week, go out, take your camera, take some photos.

you will need a wide lens if on a crop body you definitely need something wider than 25-30mm range. if you have the kit lens that will work. you also will need a flash and diffuser or a flash and bounce card.

good luck. hope you get some more information

[Stoosh]

I shoot 6-8 clubs a week as my main income source, in the nightclub industry (same as all industries, i suppose) its all about networking and getting to know the right people. Just go out there, start talking and meeting promoters, clubs etc and eventually you will find someone that admires your work.

It is long, and hard and involves ridiculous hours (sometimes from 11pm - 6am), but I couldn't imagine a better job, great environment (for some people atleast), free drinks (that comes later!), gorgeous females and just a great all round job.

To start off with I would recommend and this is how a few people I know got into the industry including myself, is do a few contribution shoots. There are many websites out there looking for galleries of nightclubs, in Australia the main website is InTheMix and every week they send out an event list for photographers to contribute to. It's a great way to improve your skills and your portfolio as well as when your out and about you will meet club owners/promoters who will enquire about you and what you do.

If you put in the time and the effort, it will pay off however just don't expect to get paid straight away.

As for equipment, I find that most people that get paid for nightclub photography will have either a 17-55 f2.8 or 24-70 f2.8 with a xxD body. That's just from what I've seen however many shooters out there are simply there with a 400D (aussie model), kit lens and 430ex flash. You will also find out that lighting in nightclubs is just unbelievably frustrating, especially jumping from club to club and getting your settings for each one. Some you can't bounce because of high ceiling, some you can.

Research your flash photography, it will make or break your photos in a nightclub environment

Feel free to PM me & I'll give you more info on payment, techniques n things

Regards,
Michael

[SnapLocally.com]

If you put in the time and the effort, it will pay off however just don't expect to get paid straight away.

That pretty much sums it up.

Some clubs will act like they're doing you a favor by letting you shoot and paying nothing. Others pay quite well; I get paid $200-400 per event at one venue, which averages out to $75-100 per hour. But, as it was stated, don't expect great pay to begin with.

[sspellman]

Nick-

In nightclub photography there are generally a few types of clients-venue owners, event promoters, performers, print media, and web media. Developing a good business depends entirely on networking and is generally far more important the the photography. There are many pay ranges in my market, from free to about $150 an hour, in general averaging about $100 an event. You will have much fun, but not get rich. In fact if $$$ is your goal, setting up a club photo gallery website with revenue from advertising is probably more profitable than just photography.

-Scott

[SnapLocally.com]

In fact if $$$ is your goal, setting up a club photo gallery website with revenue from advertising is probably more profitable than just photography.

Here's one such site from my area: http://www.twincitiesnightclubs.com

And before anyone asks, no, I didn't do any of the "photography" on that site. I was contacted by them, but it turns out they don't offer pay most of the time, and I'm not particularly interested in being the "official photographer" without official photographer pay.

[elysium]

You will need to learn to nail pretty much every shot and make them count. You rarely get second chances when it comes to this.

I would start by practicing when it comes to friends birthdays etc or phone a few bars to start with rather than clubs. Find out what works for you. Once you have shot enough to be confortable, then start thinking about clubs. Call around rather than email.

[sandro9mm]

usually never works out for me, if hired in the club, I go dumb drunk and get kicked out pretty soon :)

[elysium]

Nah I stay sober until im done shooting. Works so much easier :) Never been kicked out yet.