Nightclub Photography - Where It all Began
"a great amount of enthusiasm needs to be thrown into every group as you push a camera into their personal space"
I started my professional career as a nightclub photographer in various clubs in Salisbury, Wiltshire where I shot images for their websites. This gave them the opportunity to sell their clubs vibe and show the antics of their patrons from the previous night to attract a greater clientele.
"Your kit also takes a good beating"
Nightclub photography presents it's own challenges, alcohol being top of the list. Dealing with and photographing drunken men and women can go one of two ways and a great amount of enthusiasm needs to be thrown into every group as you push a camera into their personal space, while at the same time trying to not be overwhelming.
"Sigma 28mm 1.8D EX DG Macro lens"
Your kit also takes a good beating, from the crowds on the dance floor to the beer and sticky cocktails that they manage to spill onto your camera most nights that you are there. I started off with a D700 and moved quickly onto a D3 with a Sigma 28mm 1.8D EX DG Macro lens and SB-600. The Sigma is the perfect lens for the clubs, it's light weight and does not stick out far from the camera body.
Unfortunately one of the clubs where I started my career no longer exists since the Great British Recession however I am pleased to say that the Chapel Nightclub, Salisbury's main club, is still going strong. www.chapelnightclub.co.uk
Here are some portraits taken at the events the nightclubs ran during my time there. Skepta is among them.
