6/18/2011

Nightclub photography - the basics

By Elijah Dreslen


As a photographer, capturing the atmosphere of a party in a nightclub isn't always easy. When you're there, the music, the people and perhaps the intoxicating substances all combine to produce a unique experience, but doing justice to this in a photo can be challenging. Just like any other form of photography, experimenting and developing your own style is key, but there are a few basics that will start you on the right track.

In a nightclub environment, there are essentially two kinds of shot you will take. There will be some close-up portrait-style shots, with DJs, MCs and general revellers as your subjects, and there may also be some wider shots that give some sense of the scale of the event.

People often love posing for the camera, but many of the best photos tend to come from capturing the action in a less staged manner. If you can manage to blend into the crowd and still get the angles you're after, you might just get a candid shot that makes far more impact than a standard cute girl pouting at the camera.

When shooting in a nightclub, knowing how to deal with the dark conditions is essential. The minimal lighting can work against you, but you can also use it to your advantage to create exciting images. A flash will almost always be necessary - fitting a diffuser will help produce flattering skin tones, whilst a separate flash gun is the ideal solution.

The chances are you've seen light trails in lots of nightclub photography. Creating light trails is easy, and if done thoughtfully and in moderation, it's a great technique to have in your armoury. Try a 1-second shutter-speed and a rear-curtain flash, then move the camera around during the exposure. The flash will freeze your subject whilst the length of the exposure and movement of the camera will create streams and flecks of light.




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