Nightlife photography: Cool New York photographers

Feast your eyes on some of NYC’s best nightlife photography, and hear from the people behind the lens.

By Nadia Chaudhury Tue Jan 8 2013

Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Diplo at Eyebeam 2011
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

DJ Mehdi, Busy P, A Track, Boyz Noise; 2011
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Eats Everything at Cielo, 2012
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Julio Bashmore at Le Poisson Rouge, 2012
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Nicolas Jaar at MoMA PS1, 2012
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Photek at MoMA PS1, 2012
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Pillow Talk at WIP
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Rick Ross at Vice Magazine Party, 2011
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

The Rapture at Le Bain, 2011
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Brodinksy and Busy at Le Bain, 2011
Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

The Martinez Brothers at the Rivington Penthouse, 2012

Photograph: Charles Roussel

Nightlife photography by Charles Roussel

Diplo at Eyebeam 2011

Charles Roussel (charlesroussel.com, onenightshot.com)

Roussel was known as the camera guy among friends, taking photos of everything, but only as a hobby. When he lost his job in 2008, he decided to go full-time. He started taking party photos for friends who were promoters, which, he says, “was a good way to experiment with extreme settings.” He shoots for the Standard Hotel, MoMA PS1 and Autobrennt, among others.

His approach
“I act as an invisible witness—which means not interacting—to keep the scene intact and report its spontaneity. I think the point of taking photos is to report the energy that was there, seen from the eyes of the crowd as much as from the eyes of the DJ. In nightlife, a good picture makes you think ‘I wish I was there!’ ”

His favorite parties to shoot
“I follow music, and I go to events with a good lineup of indie DJs: MoMA PS1’s Warm Up, Ete d’Amour, Autobrennt, Dog & Pony, Sheik ’n’ Beik, KDC and others. I also like going where I come across people I know: Le Bain, Le Baron; and I miss subMercer.”