Nightclub Photography Tips

2010-01-23T03:54:00.001-08:00

Welcome! You just found the #1 place on the web for nightclub and nightlife photography tips!

I was searching the web looking for nightclub photography tips and I noticed two interesting things.

The first thing I noticed was the web has a lot of good and bad information out there regarding nightclub photography techniques.

The second thing I noticed was that there isn't a single website that contained all the good and useful nightclub photography tips and techniques in one place. The good info that nightclub photographers could actually use were scattered all over the web.

This where I come in.

My goal is to make this website the most visited with the most useful information when it comes to nightclub photography tips, tricks, techniques, and how to's.

Nightclub photography is about capturing the excitement of the nightlife and the adventures in the party scene! The photos show the guests having a great time and good photos enable the viewer to share that experience.

This site is meant to serve as a guide for making your nightclub and nightlife pictures look professional! I will teach you nightclub photography techniques that will make your work stand above the rest! I will update each section as I learn more so please come back often.

By the way, don't waste your money buying a nightclub photography guide. I'm pretty much covering all the info here for free!

This site covers the following topics:

If you're looking to get inspired, make sure to check out the nightclub photographers I've listed here. These are some of the best work I've seen on the web.

I have also created a Nightclub Photography FAQ site. Feel free to send me your questions using my email form. I will answer your questions to the best of my abilities. I'm more than happy to share my knowledge about nightclub and nightlife photography! Ask away!

Check out my portfolio or look around my nightclub photography blog to see samples of my work. You'll find examples of the results you'd get from using the nightclub photography tips I've written. As the saying goes, "a pictures is worth a thousands words."

If you have any nightclub photography tips, tricks, techniques or inspirational work you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to send them my way!

If you're a nightclub or nightlife photographer in Canada, Australia, the UK, other European countries, or Asian countries, please send me a quick message and let me know what the party scene is like where you live and what kinds of photos you're expected to take.

Last but not least, if you're interested in hiring me to photograph your event or party, please use the email form to contact me for my availability and rates.

Thank you,

-Nightclub Photographer

Nightclub Photography Tips: How to Get Started

2010-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

You've been to the clubs and you've seen these guys with "big" cameras approach some of the hottest babes in the crowd. You see the guy chat with the hot babes for a little bit and then a few quick bursts of flashing lights illuminate the room! Everyone smiles and it's over in seconds. They chat some more, the guy with the camera shows them the pictures and hands them a card. He goes on his way and approaches another set. What you've just witnessed is a nightclub photographer at work.

Obviously you've been wondering how to get started in nightclub and nightlife photography. You've got your camera gear, but how do you get started in this exciting world of nightclub and nightlife photography? I'm going to help you figure that out.

Important Note: you need to have the appropriate equipment. Please see the checklist below.
Camera gear list:
digital SLR
zoom lens
external flash
memory cards
extra batteries for the camera and flash

1) Postings on craigslist.org

The first thing you should do is check out the creative and event gig postings in craigslist for your local area. Do a search on "nightclub photographer" or "nightlife photographer" or "photographer". You may have to keep searching through the postings on a regular basis till you find something. Note that this is how I got my start so I know that it works.

2) Network with DJs, club promoters, and club managers

Do you know any DJs, club promoters, or club managers? Are you friends with any of them? If so, they're also a good way to get your feet wet in nightclub photography. Ask them if they need photos taken at the party they're hosting. You may have to provide your services for free at first, but it's a good way to get started and build a portfolio.

3) Websites that hire nightclub and nightlife photographers

Go to their contact page and inquire if they're hiring nightclub photographers at the moment. If not, ask if you can shadow one of their nightclub photographers at an event and offer your services for free. If your pictures are good enough, maybe they'll call you when they need an extra photographer at a future event. Good luck!

Nightclub Photography Tips: Camera Body

2010-01-21T15:00:00.000-08:00

Whether you're a newbie researching digital SLR cameras to get into nightclub photography or a nightclub photographer looking to upgrade your camera body, I hope to cover the basics of what you need to help you decide which digital SLR camera body to buy.

Please note that I'm a Canon user, but there's usually an equivalent camera in other brands. When I shot film, I used a Nikon SLR camera body, but I chose Canon when I switched to digital because Canon was the first one to have a digital SLR that cost below $1,000.

The first digital SLR camera that I bought was the original Canon Digital Rebel that came out in 2003. I bought it brand new with a kit lens for $950. Looking at it now, this camera didn't have as many features as entry level digital SLRs these days do. I guess one thing to keep in mind is that good photography doesn't necessarily depend on the best camera gear, but the photographer behind the camera. Having better gear does help a lot though! :)

Basically, there are three levels of camera bodies: pro, prosumer, and entry. With all the different choices and different models, how do you find out which one is the best option for you? Let's figure it out.

Let's take a look at the following factors and see which DSLR would fit your needs the best.

Price
Size
Megapixels
Sensor
Speed
Special Features

Choose a PRO level digital SLR body if:

you're willing to spend at least $4,000
you don't mind carrying around 3lbs for long periods of time
you want a lot of megapixels (16 to 21 megapixels)
you want a camera with a 1.3 crop factor or a full frame
you want a camera with a fast autofocus and burst rate
you're going to shoot other types of photography professionally
you plan on keeping the camera for a long time
you want a rugged camera body with weather sealing

If you're just starting out as a nightclub photographer and you're not doing other types of photography (portraits, weddings, events, sports, etc.) professionally, then I suggest looking at the PROSUMER digital SLR camera body instead.

Pro level DSLRs have a lot of features so the learning curve may be a bit higher than the prosumer and entry level DSLRs. They're very rugged and weather sealed so you don't have to worry about them getting banged up or guests accidentally spilling drinks on them. Since pro level camera bodies don't get a newer model every year, plan on keeping it for a while. It will also take some time before you outgrow a pro level DSLR.

PRO level digital SLR bodies and accessories I recommend:

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
SanDisk Extreme 32 GB Compact Flash Memory Card
Canon LP-E4 Battery Pack

Choose a PROSUMER level digital SLR body if:

your camera body budget is between $1000 and $2500
you want an average size camera body
you want a lot of megapixels (15 to 21 megapixels)
you want a camera with a 1.6 crop factor or a full frame
you want video and live view
you're an advanced hobbyist or just starting out as a pro photographer
you're thinking of upgrading your gear within the next couple of years

A prosumer level DSLR camera body would probably meet all your needs for nightclub photography. It's a nice balance between a pro and entry level DSLR.

PROSUMER level digital SLR bodies and accessories I recommend:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 7D
Canon EOS 60D
Sandisk 8GB Extreme CF
Canon LP-E6 Battery Pack (for the 5D and 7D)
Canon BP511A Battery Pack (for the 50D)

Choose an ENTRY level digital SLR body if:

your camera body budget is between $500 and $900
you want a small and light camera body
10 to 18 megapixels is enough for you
a camera with a 1.6 crop factor is okay with you
you want video and live view
you're pretty new to photography
you're upgrading from a point and shoot
you don't have much experience using SLRs

If you have to choose between getting a better DSLR camera body or a better lens, get the entry level DSLR and buy a better lens.

ENTRY level digital SLR bodies and accessories I recommend:

Other accessories I highly recommend:

I use the Black Rapid Strap RS5 because it has compartments for extra storage. It has zippered pockets with a phone compartment roomy enough to accommodate even larger smart phones. The zippered pockets can hold extra memory cards and business cards.

I actually put my extra batteries in the phone compartment instead of my phone. I don't like having a bunch of things in my pockets and I also don't like carrying a camera bag with me when I'm shooting at nightclubs so this camera strap is perfect for me! Get one for yourself and you can thank me later.

Nightclub Photography Tips: Lens

2010-01-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

When you do a search for nightclub photography lens, chances are most of the advice you'd see in the forums suggest using a prime lens because they're fast. Prime lenses are great, but I don't think they're versatile enough for nightclub photography. I prefer not carrying a bunch of prime lenses and I also don't want to change lenses in a packed nightclub where a lot of inebriated people can bump into me. If you accidentally drop a lens, getting it repaired or replacing it won't be cheap.

In a nightclub environment, your lens needs the flexibility to shoot wide shots of big groups and close up shots of one person. I suggest using a zoom lens that at least goes to 18mm on the wide end especially if you're going to be using it on a crop body. Nightclubs can get really packed and there may be not much room for you to move. The telephoto end should go to around 50mm.

The zoom lens should also be fast. The lens should have a fixed aperture of f/2.8 at all focal lengths even though you'd most likely be using f/3.5 to f/5.6 when you're shooting. It's always better to have the option to shoot at f/2.8 if and when you really need it.

To summarize, the ideal lens for nightclub photography is a fast (f/2.8) zoom lens in the 17-50mm focal length for a cropped camera body.

I highly recommend the following lenses for the Canon 7D, Canon 50D, and all of the Canon Digital Rebel series.

If you're using a full frame camera body such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, then the lens of choice would be one of the following:

I think that the best lens for nightclub photography when you're using a 1.6 crop Canon digital SLR body is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS Lens. It's fast and it's in the ideal focal length. It also has image stabilization (IS) that comes in really handy. This is the lens that I always recommend to Canon users and it's also the one that I use!

If the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS Lens is too expensive, my second choice would be the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L Lens. It's not very fast considering it's only at f/4 and it's also doesn't cover as much in terms of the focal length, but I like sticking with the Canon lenses. This is an "L" lens so it's got a pretty solid build. The lens doesn't get longer or shorter when you zoom in and out. This is actually my backup lens.

If you're going with a third party lens, then the next obvious choice would be the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC Lens or the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS Lens. They're both fast and they have vibration calibration (VC) or optical stabilization (OS). They're similar to Canon's image stabilization (IS).

Lens accessories:

I normally don't shoot using a filter, but I do in nightclubs. There are a bunch of people holding drinks and I have to take that into consideration when I'm shooting. People could accidentally spill their drinks and whatnot on the lens. Using a filter and a lens hood is a way to protect it.

It can also be relatively cold outside and pretty hot inside the club, so the filter would get fogged up when I go inside the club. I would much rather clean the filter with a napkin than clean the front element of an expensive lens with just a napkin. I also don't have to worry about my lens getting scratched accidentally.

In summary, use a filter and a lens hood when shooting in nightclubs to protect your lens. Just make sure you buy a filter that fits your lens. Check your lens for the filter diameter that it accepts.

When I have to clean any of my lenses, I use the Hakuba MiniPro II Lens Pen. I think this product is pretty awesome! You'll see what I mean when you use it yourself.

Anyway, here's a lens cleaning tip that's pretty helpful if you absolutely have no choice but to use a napkin.

"Stop at the nearest bar, ask the bartender to moisten a clean, soft cocktail napkin with vodka, and proceed as if you had lens cleaning fluid and tissue." (Popular Photography & Imaging, January 2007)

Nightclub Photography Tips: Flash

2010-01-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

Get an external flash unit where you can tilt and swivel the flash head. You'll need this so that you can bounce the flash off the ceiling or walls.

If you can afford it, get the Canon 580EX II flash because it has more power and it can be used as a master to control other Canon flashes. However, if you're on a tight budget, get the Canon 430EX II flash. The flash head meets the minimum requirements of being able to tilt and swivel and it's also lighter than the Canon 580EX II flash.

Flash

As far as accessories go, you should get the Canon STE2 Speedlite Transmitter especially if you're going to shoot with only one external flash unit. The Canon speedlite transmitter enables you to shoot with the external flash unit off the camera. Try it out and you'll notice a big difference in your pictures!

The other accessory I highly recommend would be the Sto-Fen Omnibounce. It's small, lightweight, and very affordable. I've tried the Gary Fong diffusers and I found them too big and bulky and the quality of light wasn't all that much better than a Sto-Fen Omnibounce.

Accessories

I actually use the Canon Speedlite 430EX II, Sto-Fen Omnibounce, and a Canon STE2 Speedlite Transmitter when I'm doing nightclub photography gigs. I only use the Canon 430EX II even though I also own a Canon 580EX II because of the weight. It can get very tiring holding the camera with my right hand and holding the flash unit in my left hand. The lighter my overall gear is, the better.

Learn more about flash photography from the following sources below.

Recommended Books

On-Camera Flash Techniques
With this guidebook, photographers learn how to create stunning, professional images while avoiding the common pitfalls of using an on-camera flash. Techniques for using simple accessories—such as bounce cards and diffusers as well as how to improve a lighting scenario by enhancing it rather than overwhelming it.
Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set
Scott tackles the most important side of digital photography--how to take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use (and it's easier than you'd think). Each chapter is packed with plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today!

Recommended Sites

Nightclub Photography Tips: Camera Settings

2010-01-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

My assumption here is that you're already familiar with photography and you know how the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect the final image. If not, please read some introduction to digital photography books to get a better understanding and appreciation of how the camera settings work to get the desired final image.

I think that I've figured out the exposures to use to capture certain moods that I want to convey. Listed below are my typical camera settings. Note that these are just guidelines and not rules on how to get proper exposure in a nightclub environment.

Exposure Settings

Mode: M (Manual)
I shoot 100% on manual mode.

Aperture: f/3.2 to f/5.6
I usually shoot at f/3.2 for individuals and up to f/5.6 for large groups.

Shutter Speed: varies (usually somewhere between 1/2 - 1/40 sec)
It depends on the room I'm in and what mood I'm trying to capture.

Play around with the aperture and shutter speed settings till you get the results that you like.

Changing the aperture will adjust the flash output on the foreground subject. Changing the shutter speed will let more or less background show in the shot. (Popular Photography, June 2011 issue, p.61).

ISO: 800
You only really have to worry about noise if you don't get a good exposure. My pictures don't have much noise since I'm getting pretty good consistent exposure. If your pictures are underexposed and you try to fix them later in Photoshop, you'll find that's when you get a lot of noise.

Camera Settings

White Balance: Flash
Nightclubs are typically pretty dark so your external flash unit would probably be the main light source. Having the white balance set to flash would get you accurate colors so that you don't have to spend a lot of time doing color corrections during the post processing.

Quality: L jpeg
I don't want to get into the RAW vs. JPEG debate, but I've always shot nightclub photography in jpeg. I get pretty good exposures and accurate colors so I hardly do any post processing. Shooting in RAW would just slow me down. I usually need to have the photos edited and uploaded the following day.

Color Temp: 5200K
I believe that this was the default when I got my camera and I never changed it.

Color Space: sRGB
I use sRGB since my photos are just going to be displayed on the web. My photos are edited and optimized for web viewing.

Picture Style Parameters:
Sharpness: +1
Contrast: +1
Saturation: +1
Color Tone: 0

I set my parameters to lessen the post processing. I pretty much get good results straight from the camera.

Flash Settings

External Flash Unit: TTL
I don't use any flash exposure compensation. You might want to try rear/2nd curtain sync if your flash/camera body is capable of doing it. The results you'd get would be a bit different from 1st curtain sync.

The flash is bounced off the ceiling or wall at various angles when I'm shooting with the flash on the camera.

The flash is held with my left hand and positioned it at different angles when I'm shooting with the flash off the camera. The flash is pointed directly at the subject and not bounced off the ceiling or wall.

Nightclub Photography Tips: Shooting Techniques

2010-01-17T15:12:00.000-08:00

Nightclub photography moves at a much faster pace than other types of photography so that people can continue partying after posing for a quick second or two.

It's much harder to compose the picture because you've got to keep in mind all the stuff happening in the background. It's also harder to see what's in the viewfinder because it's so dark. It's common to get some out of focus shots here and there because the auto focus was hunting in the low light.

The biggest challenge would have to be figuring out how to get the best light possible. You have to be able to "see the light" and think on your feet more quickly.

Here are a few things you should focus on capturing:

Candid pictures of people dancing
Bartenders shaking and pouring drinks
People taking shots, having fun, laughing and smiling
People lounging in the VIP
DJs jamming while they're mixing
Posed pictures of couples and large groups
Staff's promo shirts, flyers, banners or any other company insignia that are on display

Stay away from:

Ghetto, trashy, or people that are just way too drunk
Anyone making disrespectful gestures

Use the rule of thirds.

Simplify the composition.

Vary the angle.

Pay attention to the light.

Nightclub Photography Tips: Creating a Portfolio

2010-01-16T16:12:00.000-08:00

Your online portfolio is to showcase your work and your photography skills. Creating an online portfolio is relatively easy. I've created a three step guideline for you.

1) The very first thing you need to do is organize your pictures. Go through all your shots and pick out the top 25 to 50 that you want to showcase. If you're questioning whether or not to include a picture, don't even put it into consideration. You should show your best work!

2) Edit your pictures. Don't be afraid to crop so that your subject stands out more. Do some color correction, curves, and levels adjustments. You could also bump up the color and saturation a bit.

Adobe Photoshop is your friend when it comes to editing pictures. I also suggest getting Scott Kelby's book, The Adobe Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers. This book will give you an in depth step by step guide on how the pros post process their digital pictures.

If Adobe Photoshop is too much in terms of price and learning curve, check out Adobe Photoshop Elements. It has many features similar to Photoshop, but at the fraction of the cost.

Many photographers also love using Adobe Lightroom to do their quick edits. It's worth checking out especially since there are a lot of free Lightroom presets available on the web.

3) Display your best work online. There are numerous options you can choose from.

Put your nightclub pictures in a blog or a photoblog.

You can use a free photo sharing website.

Or you can pay a small fee and get a complete flash gallery website.

Another option is to get a domain name, web hosting, and use SimpleViewer to showcase your portfolio. This is the option that I took since I already have a domain name and web hosting. SimpleViewer is also free!

Now that you have a nightclub photography portfolio, don't forget to market yourself! Let the world know that you are a nightclub photographer through tweets, status updates on facebook, email, and blog posts.

It's also a good idea to carry around some business cards that you can give people you meet. You can get some business cards made for free at Vistaprint.

Nightclub Photography Tips: Inspiration

2010-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

FEATURED

Trouni
trouni-photography.net

Check out his nightclub photography portfolio! Double click on the picture to see a bigger size. This guy's work is pretty damn amazing!

Check out these amazing nightclub photographers listed below and prepare to get inspired!

Are you a nightclub photographer who would you like to be featured in this website? If so, please use the email form and send me the following:

Your name and a short bio
A link to your website or online portfolio
Any tips and tricks you would like to share

Nightclub Photography Tips: FAQs

2010-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Got questions about nightclub and nightlife photography? Nightclub Photography FAQs has the answers! Check it out!

Send me your questions using my email form. I will answer your questions to the best of my abilities. I'm more than happy to share my knowledge about nightclub and nightlife photography! Ask away!