Nightlife Photographer FAQ (from my perspective)

For the past four or some odd years I have been actively and heavily involved in the nightlife scene here in the Seattle area as a photographer.  I have worked at most of the mainstream clubs in Seattle, and along with a handful of my peer photographers, we have become somewhat of a staple in the local scene.

Occasionally I get together with some of the other photographers, and we talk about our work and the scene from our perspective, and one thing we've all noticed is that we get asked a lot of the same questions, so what I am going to do, just for fun, is to create an FAQ of some of the top, and most common questions I get asked.  The answers I provide our going to be solely my opinion only, as I can only speak for myself.

Now if you see me out in one of the clubs, and you feel like asking a question (even if it is on this list), please feel free to ask away, i'm generally a nice guy so I don't mind conversing with new people, it makes my job more fun.

Nightlife Photographer FAQ (in no particular order):

1. Do you want a drink, or can you drink on the job?

- Yes, although I am working, I am allowed to drink.  Remember this isn't the normal 9-5, so we have different rules and "no drinking on the job" does not apply here, or at least to me.  Plus if I drink a bit i've found I am a bit more outgoing (I'm normally an introvert) and can get some more pictures.  However if I refuse a drink, it isn't because I'm being rude, it is most likely because I have reached my self-imposed limit of drinks for the night and I don't want to get hammered, I do have a job to do afterall

2. Your job is so cool, do you like it? 

- I agree, my job is definitely pretty cool, so yes I would say I like it. 

3. How did you get your job?

- This is different for every for photographer.  For me personally, I started shooting in nightlife through some chance meetings and gigs.  A couple years back I was heavily involved in doing show coverage for the car show culture (think HIN, Formula D, etc.).  One of those years I needed a second shooter for the HIN (Hot Import Nights) in Seattle and I was introduced to fellow photographer and now good friend Jay Rabena.  Jay was connected with many of the nightlife people in Seattle, and he was happy to introduce me and take me around the scene.  From then on, I began shooting nightlife, met a lot of new friends, many of whom I would consider family, and the rest is history.

4. What kind of camera do you use?

- Believe it or not, i get asked this question quite a bit.  I shoot with a Nikon D300s, before that, a Nikon D200, and then before that, a Nikon D70.  In all honesty it isn't the camera that determines how good a photo is, and any good photographer will tell you that.  No doubt having the right equipment helps, but nothing can replace practice and experience.  Also having a good lens helps too, so I to dive a bit deeper (this gets a bit more technical, and is more for the people who really want to know, so if you aren't into photography just skip on to the next question), I currently use a Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens (this is great for general purpose), a 18-50mm 2.8, and a Nikkor 10.5mm (fisheye).

5. Who do you work for? Where do these pictures go?

- This is a very good question, and you have the right to know where your picture will be posted.  Most of the time I work for the promoters at the club, so the photos will be posted onto the promotion companies website, it is also common for photographers carry around business cards with the web URL to hand out, so just ask if you don't get one.  Other times I work directly with the club, or a combination of both club and promoter.  Either way, the photos are for a legitimate reason, and aren't just for my own personal collection...I can make you famous .

6. Do you want to dance? 

- Probably not, again i'm not being rude, but i'm just not much of a dancer...you may catch me in the DJ booth doing the shoulder lean or something similar though...maybe...

7. Why won't you take my picture?

- This answer has two parts.  If you are a girl asking this: I probably just havn't gotten to you yet or I just missed you or your group (honest mistake), so let's take a picture now.  If you're a guy asking this:  It is probably because you want a picture by yourself (won't happen very often), or with your group of guys only.  Remember, these photos are used to promote the night, and in order to do so effectively, we've found it is usually better to show photos of girls, lots of girls.  A good workaround/solution?  Get a few girls into your photo, the more the merrier, not only will that help meet the ratio of girls:guys we want in photos, it will also mean you get to take a photo with some hot girls, and that photo will be forever immortailized on the internet for all to see, for the win.

8. Can I take a picture of you with your camera? 

- No.  My camera is an investment and a source of income for me that I can't risk damaging (I only trust a few people with my camera).  Would you ask the DJ if you can mix the next track?

9. Can I take a picture with you?

- Sure why not, it makes me feel like a celebrity .  I can only take a picture with one person at a time though (if I hold the camera myself).  If someone else that I trust is around to take the picture, then I can take a picture with a group.

10. How much do you get paid? Can I book you?

- About $1000/hour...In all honesty though, that is something I like to keep between myself and the promoters/clubs/clients.  If you want to book me for your own event, just e-mail me or call me and we can work something out, I may even give you a discount off my $1000/hour rate if your cool...just kidding, I only chage about $500/hour now ....jokes

11. I'm so drunk right now, do I look good in my picture?

- Of course you do...

12. Hey aren't you the photographer?  Where's your camera? When are you going to start taking pictures?

- Yes I am, thanks for noticing, my camera is in a safe place, and I usually start taking pictures a little after 11 PM.  This is about the time people start really coming in to the club and then about 30-40 minutes after that is when they start getting drunk, begin losing their inhibitions, and start getting real happy...prime picture taking time.

13. Can you get me in the club for free?

- First off I am not a club promoter, so this isn't really my area, however in the case I decide to help, this still depends on a few factors.  How well do I know you? and again are you a girl or a guy?  If you are a close friend of mine, there is a better chance I can walk you into the club, if you happen to also be a girl, then you have an even better chance.  If I don't know you well, don't expect to be walked in, especially for free, however I will be happy to put you on the guest list.  Remember this is a business, and if the club/promoter doesn't make money, I don't make money, and if I don't make money, I can't keep paying for my Ferrari and private yacht (wishful thinking).

14. Can you take me up to VIP?

- Probably not, VIP is there for a reason, usually booked for private parties or for...VIPs...if you aren't part of any of those groups that night, then you probably aren't supposed to be in there, nor will you know anyone or have anything to really do in VIP. 

15. Hey don't you remember me?

- I'll be the first to admit I am horrible with names, so the chances are yes, I do remember you...at least your face, but as I do meet a lot of people every week, I may have forgotten your name, especially if I only just recently met you.  Don't take it personal, and most times you won't even know I forgot since i'll usually find some clever way to ask for your name again, for example, asking you to spell it for me (yes i've done this and I do find a way to make it work in the conversation), this usually works well for less common names, but occasionally this does backfire when the name is fairly simple, such as Angela, or Jen.  If that happens, please just play along and help me out...oh and i'm sorry in advance...friends?

This FAQ will be updated as I gather more questions to add to it.  Check back often for some new perspective from my point of view.