Context clues

Usually my shots of the overall environment are bad, because it's a high ceiling space and it's easy to be too bright or not have enough details. This reflection shot off the balloons is a rare favorite of the club itself.

Casual Shocker

Meredith took over DJing Emo Nite (along Mike) once Megan left. Her hair and vibes never fail to deliver.

Spotter

I hate it when people react to me taking photos most of the time. But occasionally the reactions are gold.

The mixes

Adam, once of the original DYC DJs and Seattle friends. He left DYC and took with him the last vestiges of DYC pull. I love especially love his movement captured in this shot.

On brand

These folks are properly bringing it.

Open/Closed

Some of my favorite shots from behind the DJ both, sinking to as close to eye level with the crowd as I can get with my lens at max "zoom" which I think is all of 35mm (aka still quite wide). I get some really delicious shots of folks interacting with the DJs. It's always great when the front of the crowd is the most expressive.

Of two minds

The moment of romance juxtaposed with the rest of the screaming crowd just gives me the biggest smile.

Can't hibit

Two regulars from DYC. Part of the fun of shooting an event over and over is the familiar faces you see. Some folks it's just a nod of recognition while others exchange names and chats. These two (face and hands) came to DYC more than about anyone else I can remember and always had the most amount of fun possible. Real light up the dance floor pleasures to shoot.

All 4 one

A good Emo Nite scream is hard to beat. Morgan (foreground, blurry) is one of the founders of Emo Nite and made a reappearance at PDX to the crowd's delight.

Branded

Bryce (wife to Scott, the other original DYC DJ) would often dance behind the stage. I love her moment of being lost in the music with the static projector lights anchoring her in place.

COVID lit

Emo Nite with masks on is a funny vibe. I keep mine on as I shoot, because why not? I'm not doing anything else with my mouth. The rule is to "keep masks on unless sipping" which is followed maybe 40%. Mostly it's funny the folks who pull their masks up when I take a photo (I'm following the rules!) or pull their masks down (the picture is better with my face!) You're in a club, whatever makes ya happy!

Yes we can

It's rare that basically everyone in a large group of people (who aren't posing for you) are doing the same thing. A rare treat.

Same note

Synchronized screams are great.

Not a cheer

Megan started DJing Emo Nite PDX (with Mike) until moving during COVID. A friend, and soon to be our wedding DJ, Megan always helped make the shoot a blast.

Softly now

I love love love sneaking around to capture tender moments on the dance floor. There are so many and when I actually get the good shot of one (they don't notice me until after, my focus is good, other random people in the background don't kill the image etc etc) it's a delight.

Low key rage

The bouncers immediately break up any crowd surfing. But you know I'm rushing to get that shot before they do.

this time with conviction

Just a classic feeling the vibes.

Church of Royalty

The only repeat - this one showed up in my best of 21' catalogue. Occasionally Holocene gives out my name to other acts coming to Holocene. This was for one of those (Church of Royalty). Frankie Simone and her partner Che Che Luna are always a joy to shoot. I can feel the wide grin plastered on my face while taking photos of their performance because the fun they're having is infectious. I like this shot because it feels so still even though they're constantly in motion. It's somehow both intimate and bombastic.