As we have perused hundreds of albums to compile the best 150 photos from the past three years to celebrate the blog's anniversary, there have been a few shots that have been ... well, interesting. For your viewing pleasure, here is an album of photos from QC After Dark that will make you laugh, cry, scrunch up your face in confusion, or simply go, WTF?
Welcome to the third week of celebrating the anniversary of Creative Loafing’s nightlife photo blog QC After Dark. Finally, we've finished compiling the best 150 photos from the past three years, with the below batch from 2010. (See photos from 2008 and 2009!) Thanks to everyone who ever let one of our photographers photograph your mug — you rock!
Camera: Sony Digital Camera
Used to being in front of the camera, Debra Renee Seth enjoys switching roles to become the photographer. The Sumter, S.C., native and recent college grad is a freelance writer for Creative Loafing in addition to shooting nightlife photos for QC After Dark. As the first black account executive at WRHI AM 1340/FM 94.3 radio in Rock Hill, S.C., Seth adds the title of ambassador for the York County Chamber of Commerce to her already lengthy responsibilities.
What’s some of the most exciting aspects in shooting for QC After Dark?
Partying for free and getting paid to do it is always great, but meeting cool people is my favorite part about being a photographer. I tend to enjoy events that are sophisticated and laid-back, but working for QC After Dark has given me the chance to experience different types of nightlife I wouldn’t necessarily frequent, like Bass Church at Neighborhood Theatre.
How did your interest in photography develop?
As a child my father was always into photography and made my siblings and I take pictures to capture our memories. But it wasn’t until I began to study photography and video production in school that I enjoyed the craft. I learned how to frame, capture different angles and that it doesn’t matter the type of camera you use as long as you know the basics.
How do you become an ambassador for the York County Chamber of Commerce and what are your duties?
You can only get the position through a nomination from a committee member. I serve as a liaison for York County where I introduce business leaders to events and overall represent the chamber. My position is still new and I’m excited to see where things go because this is an honor.
— text by Johnathan Cruse/photo by Jasiatic
Camera: Canon 7D
When Renaul Hill isn’t gracing ballroom dance floors with his funky footwork, traveling or roller-skating, you can catch him behind the camera capturing the beauty in all things. As a photographer with QC After Dark since its creation three years ago, Hill has certainly played a pivotal role in keeping nightlife photos up-to-date. Since moving to Charlotte 11 years ago, Hill has taken on photography full-time, along with his brainchild Cushin Magazine.
Do you find it fairly easy to get partygoers to agree to take pictures when you tell them it’s for QC After Dark?
Yes, they are always willing to take a photo. Creative Loafing has a large readership in Charlotte with a lot of respect, plus people want to be featured in photos that usually end up on Facebook or other social networks.
Do you classify in a specific genre when shooting photography?
I enjoy shooting nightlife and event photography, but I am also a photographer for hire. Shooting portraits that display different forms of beauty, I may also come across a subject that I wish to shoot and I will pass on my business card.
You currently have an online magazine called Cushin Magazine. Can you explain the name behind the magazine and its purpose?
Cushin is a name that is flattering to women of different sizes seen online bi-monthly. The women in Cushin are larger, voluptuous and curvy women portrayed in an edgier and confident manner. It wasn’t created to combat any societal norms but to display the different kinds of beauty not seen in other magazines. The magazine contains mostly photos but also has articles from nutritionists and events around the country.
If interested in getting in touch with Renaul, e-mail him at renaulhill@gmail.com.
— text by Johnathan Cruse/photo by Jasiatic
Camera: Nikon d90
If you catch Justin Driscoll without his Nikon in tow, immediately assume something is wrong and run to help immediately. The 24-year-old graphic designer, marketer and photographer found his love for photography at an early age with the influence of his father who did the craft professionally. Although he's only been shooting for QC After Dark for a few months, the diverse range of photos he's brought to the site is telling. With the style of getting weird angles and in your face photos, Driscoll, the once introverted personality, credits photography for his change in attitude. When you don’t see Driscoll behind the lens of a camera, executing a logo, website or branding ideas — you can find the UNCC alum rocking out with his band Scapegoat.
When is your favorite time to shoot and what type of genre do you enjoy shooting the most?
I always take my camera out with me everywhere so I shoot anything that’s engaging, but since childhood I enjoyed rock 'n' roll concerts, which is why capturing bands and audiences are so fun. I love going to concert spots like The Milestone, Snug Harbor and Tremont, where I know I can get an array of photos. Having posed pictures can become very boring, so I prefer to catch the moment when people don’t realize I am there — that’s the most truthful image.
Scapegoat has gained a national following over the years; what was a big moment for the band?
Scapegoat has always done American touring but after getting signed to an indie label in Japan in 2008, we did an international tour there. Our album sales doubled in Japan than in the U.S., which had been a highlight for our band. We can’t wait to return when things get back in order there from the tsunami.
Aside from you playing with your band, you seem to stay pretty busy with your many different job titles, how do you balance your time between work and play?
I don’t sleep and I drink lots of energy drinks. It does get overwhelming for me at times, but when I have free time I get lost in the wilderness instead of being behind a Mac or guitar. But I love doing all the things I do on a daily basis, like the thrill of playing live music, taking photos and creating art or brand ideas for clients. I couldn’t just pick one.
To get in contact with Justin, visit http://thejustdesign.com.
— text by Johnathan Cruse/photo by Jasiatic
If you've ever wondered who's the guy (or gal) behind the camera when our QC After Dark photographers are out taking your photos, here's your chance to find out. As we continue celebrating QC After Dark's three-year anniversary, we sat down with our folks to find out what inspires them, where they like to shoot, and most importantly, if they love their jobs.
Camera: Nikon D200
As one of QC After Dark’s veteran photographers, it’s all about capturing the “precise moment” for Jeaumane McIntosh. After discovering photography in high school and his parents purchasing him his first interchangeable camera, McIntosh’s new hobby became a short-lived reality — and then his camera was stolen. For seven years McIntosh went without shooting photos until he was able to purchase another camera and fall back in love with the craft. Quickly, a hobby turned into an obsession and a full-time career began. While McIntosh has been doing photography full-time for 15 years, he still enjoys learning new concepts and practices, as he is currently finishing up his bachelor's degree from the Art Institute of Charlotte.
What’s some of your favorite nightlife spots that you enjoy taking photos at the most?
I love spots where people can have fun and party, which all nightlife spots don’t offer. I enjoy going to and taking photos of partygoers at places like Suite, due to the mixed crowd it offers, which adds to the different kinds of photos I can take. Other spots I enjoy are Buckhead Saloon and Bar Charlotte.
Is there a certain artist or photographer’s work that inspires you or wish to emulate your work off of?
Henri Cartier-Bresson is a photographer that inspires me through his concept of capturing precise moments on film. Cartier-Bresson believed that you only have one chance to capture a person’s expression or action on film because it will never happen again. I have adopted this concept for myself.
Has shooting for QCAD make your nightlife experience better?
I don’t wait in lines anymore to get in clubs — most doormen know me as that guy from Creative Loafing. If I didn’t shoot nightlife photos, I probably wouldn’t go out as much, so this gives me a chance to experience new nightlife places.
To see more of Jeaumane's work, visit www.timelinephotographync.com.
— text by Johnathan Cruse/photo by Jasiatic
Here we are, into our second week of celebrating the anniversary of Creative Loafing's nightlife photo blog QC After Dark. Below you'll find the best 50 photos from the year 2009, including shots of fabulous drag queens, zombies, Waldo from Where's Waldo, and mini-Britney Spears. Keep checking back for more features!
In May 2008, Creative Loafing's photo nightlife blog QC After Dark was born. In the past three years, we've been to various costume parties, black-tie fundraisers, concerts, fashion shows, art exhibits, ladies' nights, Alive After Five's, college nights and so much more. Our photographers have snapped shots of Jersey Shore cast members, straight-laced businessmen, well-knowns like LL Cool J and Erykah Badu, local bands, drunken party girls, artists and even your occasional bum.
In doing so, we've created more than 750 photo albums for your viewing pleasure. And to commemorate QC After Dark's three-year anniversary, we're reaching back into the archives to showcase each year's most noteworthy photos. Below, you'll find the 50 best photos from 2008. In the coming weeks, check back here to see what shots we deemed to be the most memorable from 2009 and 2010. In addition, you'll get the chance to read up on the folks behind the scenes, with interviews with our photographers, and we'll reveal a special "superlatives" album.
But enough chatter ... on to 2008's photos!
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