Nightclub photography?

[JWright]

Since I really don't have any idea where to put this, I'm going to ask the question here...

What's the big attraction with nightclub photography?

I see many posts across the various boards about what the best cameras, lenses and flashes would be for this, but I just don't get what the interest is. Is it because I'm in my 60's and and way behind the times or because I never had any interest in doing this kind of photography before I became an old fart?

Don't get me wrong... I'm not bad-mouthing those that want to do it. I'm just curious as to why. I'd like to hear from those that are actively engaged in it about how they got started and why they keep doing it.

[Ook]

Crushing loneliness!

[tonylong]

John, have you checked out the Night Club thread here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=415099

It's a pretty dynamic field that requires different techniques and approaches, and has some fun shots as well. 'Course, it's been a while since I've been out at clubs and whatnot (these photogs are more of the clubbing age), and Portland clubs didn't have the "pizazz" that you see in a lot of these shots from places like Vegas and Chicago. But, their work has interest to me, it gives a new look to things that I would try if I was in an appropriate setting.

[JWright]

Thanks, Tony.

I guess when I was that age the clubs were different...

[tonylong]

Thanks, Tony.

I guess when I was that age the clubs were different...

Heh! The "voltage" has been upped, for sure! But I remember places like the Whiskey A Go-Go (featuring the early go-go dancers that have carried on in one form or another) that began the trend in the '60s. Flash to the disco days in the '70s and you really see where "clubbing" began to take root. But the music is what has been a driving force -- DJs who know how to put together the right blend of dance stuff really get a crowd going. 'Course it doesn't hurt that women enjoy posing in their "going out" clothes doing various exotic things!

[JWright]

Heh! The "voltage" has been upped, for sure! But I remember places like the Whiskey A Go-Go (featuring the early go-go dancers that have carried on in one form or another) that began the trend in the '60s. Flash to the disco days in the '70s and you really see where "clubbing" began to take root. But the music is what has been a driving force -- DJs who know how to put together the right blend of dance stuff really get a crowd going. 'Course it doesn't hurt that women enjoy posing in their "going out" clothes doing various exotic things!

And that everyone's loosened up with the application of liberal amounts of adult beverages?

[tonylong]

And that everyone's loosened up with the application of liberal amounts of adult beverages?

Heh! I don't know how much that's changed, but I do think that the "standards of appropriate behavior" have definitely evolved, for better or for worse. Most of the time it's people having fun, though, which has always been the aim for the clubs:)!

[CanonXtiDude]

By your question I assume you do photography for a hobby? If youre a pro please forgive me but the draw to nightclub photography is its fun and helps people make a living. I don't think the people doing it run out with cameras to nightclubs to post pictures on their flickr accounts and hope they get some cool comments and help boost their ego.

Since I really don't have any idea where to put this, I'm going to ask the question here...

What's the big attraction with nightclub photography?

I see many posts across the various boards about what the best cameras, lenses and flashes would be for this, but I just don't get what the interest is. Is it because I'm in my 60's and and way behind the times or because I never had any interest in doing this kind of photography before I became an old fart?

Don't get me wrong... I'm not bad-mouthing those that want to do it. I'm just curious as to why. I'd like to hear from those that are actively engaged in it about how they got started and why they keep doing it.

[[Hyuni]]

John, have you checked out the Night Club thread here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=415099

It's a pretty dynamic field that requires different techniques and approaches, and has some fun shots as well. 'Course, it's been a while since I've been out at clubs and whatnot (these photogs are more of the clubbing age), and Portland clubs didn't have the "pizazz" that you see in a lot of these shots from places like Vegas and Chicago. But, their work has interest to me, it gives a new look to things that I would try if I was in an appropriate setting.
I chuckled a little when you said Chicago. heh I've never been to Vegas, but I think it would be a very big slap in the face to compare a vegas club to a chicago one. haha

I did go out for a couple weeks in a row because of friend's birthdays and we had a good time. I checked out some of the photogs and they had some really crazy awesome gear. I guess that makes sense because they were trying to capture people in motion in the worst of lighting situations.
I talked to a few and they said they enjoyed doing it, but it's a hard business to get in to. The best way to get a gig as a nightclub photog is to show that you are 100% reliable and wiling to work throughout the night. They even buy some equipment for you! The guy I talked to had a 5D markII, 16-35 MKII, and two 530EXIIs. That's a great setup!

You can really tell the difference between those photogs though. The best I saw was at OHM, a club in Lincoln Park, Chicago. He was really friendly to everyone and just before he took a picture, he'd get into this clown stance that made everyone smile or laugh. He shot at the hip and used two flashes, one attached to the body and the other held with his left hand. Definately looked like he practiced a lot. I think it'd be fun for me to do it a couple times, but not as a profession. I think all the pizazz would wear off quickly and it would be extremely physically taxing.

I think the reason why so many clubs now have photogs is because most have their own websites and promote through serveral online venues such as facebook, email, myspace, etc. You pay a guy a couple hundred per night and you get pictures that interest the young crowd into going to that club instead of the hundreds of other clubs in the city.

[nez]

yeah, a couple of friends and i are trying to get in this and its all about networking, meeting the right people at the right time.
hopefully we can get some gigs in philly soon...

[JWright]

By your question I assume you do photography for a hobby? If youre a pro please forgive me but the draw to nightclub photography is its fun and helps people make a living. I don't think the people doing it run out with cameras to nightclubs to post pictures on their flickr accounts and hope they get some cool comments and help boost their ego.

Most of my photography is of the hobby variety, but I also contract for a couple of aviation publications doing air show and other aviation related events. I asked the question because I don't understand the attraction for this type of photography. I'm just trying to get some insight into it.

I think a lot of my lack of understanding is due to the fact I grew up in a different era. I'm a leading-edge baby-boomer who, at the age of most of these club photographers, was overseas fighting a war.

I suppose there's some nightclub shooter out there reading this who is wondering why anyone in his right mind would go out and stand in the hot sun and wind to shoot pictures of airplanes in flight. I feel the same way about club photography. It's just a different niche...

The post below has what is probably a very good explanation of the popularity of the genre...

;7831457']I chuckled a little when you said Chicago. heh I've never been to Vegas, but I think it would be a very big slap in the face to compare a vegas club to a chicago one. haha

I did go out for a couple weeks in a row because of friend's birthdays and we had a good time. I checked out some of the photogs and they had some really crazy awesome gear. I guess that makes sense because they were trying to capture people in motion in the worst of lighting situations.
I talked to a few and they said they enjoyed doing it, but it's a hard business to get in to. The best way to get a gig as a nightclub photog is to show that you are 100% reliable and wiling to work throughout the night. They even buy some equipment for you! The guy I talked to had a 5D markII, 16-35 MKII, and two 530EXIIs. That's a great setup!

You can really tell the difference between those photogs though. The best I saw was at OHM, a club in Lincoln Park, Chicago. He was really friendly to everyone and just before he took a picture, he'd get into this clown stance that made everyone smile or laugh. He shot at the hip and used two flashes, one attached to the body and the other held with his left hand. Definately looked like he practiced a lot. I think it'd be fun for me to do it a couple times, but not as a profession. I think all the pizazz would wear off quickly and it would be extremely physically taxing.

I think the reason why so many clubs now have photogs is because most have their own websites and promote through serveral online venues such as facebook, email, myspace, etc. You pay a guy a couple hundred per night and you get pictures that interest the young crowd into going to that club instead of the hundreds of other clubs in the city.

You may have hit the nail squarely on the head with this comment.

[[Hyuni]]

I suppose there's some nightclub shooter out there reading this who is wondering why anyone in his right mind would go out and stand in the hot sun and wind to shoot pictures of airplanes in flight. I feel the same way about club photography. It's just a different niche...
But I think all photographers have a common bond... and that's that we all have an appreciation of photography and we all take the time to learn how to shoot a certain subject.

Photography is all of our passions and what we photograph isn't necessarily as important than the fact that we all love doing it. That would explain why so many different kinds of people are on POTN and why I woke up at 5:20AM on a Saturday to drive all the way downtown to take a photo of the reflection of the sun rising off of the Bean in Chicago.

[JWright]

;7833238']But I think all photographers have a common bond... and that's that we all have an appreciation of photography and we all take the time to learn how to shoot a certain subject.

Photography is all of our passions and what we photograph isn't necessarily as important than the fact that we all love doing it. That would explain why so many different kinds of people are on POTN and why I woke up at 5:20AM on a Saturday to drive all the way downtown to take a photo of the reflection of the sun rising off of the Bean in Chicago.

Well said...

That's kinda why I started this thread. I just wanted to find out why people do this kind of photography.

[CanonXtiDude]

You may have hit the nail aquarely on the head with this comment.

Thats what my clients use it for. Myspace, their website and flyers. Pretty much they only want the most attractive people on the websites and making it look like they are having the most fun. I also hand out my cards for customers to get their pictures for free tagged off my website. They in turn post the picture on their facebook, myspace with my URL on it and people visit my site. They see my other work and hire me for stuff. Its good pay and good for getting referrals. The best part is I get people on the list to come into a hot club plus I pretty much just dance allnight with hot women, free drinks, VIP access and all I gotta do is take a few pictures and get paid for it.

[NorCalNomad]

I don't blame you for being 60 and not understanding the draw of club photog. No lie if I was at a club and saw a 60 something shooting I'd be a little weirded out. My guess (and I'd be willing to put money on it) that club photog is done by the younger guys and gals for a few of the reasons bellow.

Some of the things that draws me (keep in mind I'm just a 19year old punk :p that is paying for your soon coming up medicare ;) )
1. It's a completely different style of photo where a LOT of rules get thrown out the window, so great for experimenting
1a. For myself I know I really don't like portrait/model photog, but I do like shooting stuff like this...I think I'd rather be shooting people doing something (like sports...a fav of mine)
2. You get the rush of being at the club/ party without having to drink, and you can get paid for it.
2a. On that I know after a while you can start to know enough people well enough to get in for free or other kickback things (not what I expect but I know it happens)
3. I know a few of my friends DJ and photog so it's a great way for you to network in the scene
4. Girls dig it ;D
5. One of the many types of music I like is electric/house/club stuff so it's kinda like going to concert for me...although I like mostly euro stuff and I don't hear that much of it over here in the states
6. It's fun, from the limited work that I've done it's just fun