I want to document my life, show off my pictures, and share the cool things I get to photograph. Taking the photos is already a lot of work, so I’m experimenting with lighter posts that still feel fun to scroll through, with the photos doing most of the talking.
This year’s highlight: a New Year’s Eve party inside the Utah State Capitol. My friend (the DJ) has been doing these parties for probably 5–6 years, and even though I’m usually in Oregon and miss it, he convinced me this year.
Walking into the night with the camera ready.
One of those “this place does half the work for you” scenes.
Energy building in pockets all around the room.
One of the coolest places for a dance party. My friend (the DJ) has been doing New Year’s Eve parties here for probably 5–6 years. I’m usually in Oregon so I can’t photograph for him, but he convinced me this year.
The Utah State Capitol
Utah state capitol building is pretty amazing.
Interesting Insight: The Utah State Capitol was built in the early 1900s (construction began in 1912 and the building was completed in 1916). Its design came from a competition won by architect Richard K.A. Kletting.
Source: State Capitol History
Quick portrait moment before the next wave of people came through.
Gear and edit
- Camera: Sony a7R V
- Lens: 24mm f/1.4
- Light: AD200
- Editing: Lightroom
Portraits and party energy
This is the kind of frame that makes people laugh when they see it later.
Same night, different vibe. I kept these as singles because one is portrait and one is landscape.
Obviously I like to focus on really great portraits during party as i see them as being the ones that bring most value to friends who may use them as profile pictures or dating profile pictures etc.
When you catch someone right in the middle of having fun.
Anyone listen to music by Alex Boye?
Interesting Insight: Alex Boyé is a British-American singer known for African-infused pop and big, uplifting performances. A lot of people found him through collaborations like The Piano Guys’ “Peponi (Paradise),” where he’s featured as the vocalist.
Source: Alex Boyé (official site) and The Piano Guys: “Peponi (Paradise)”
Slow shutter + flash experiments
Cool technique with flash and low shutter speed and turning the camera as i take the picture.
Why this technique works
- The slower shutter records ambient light and motion, so the scene feels alive instead of “flash-flat.”
- The flash pops and freezes the subject, so you still get a sharp moment inside the blur.
- The camera twist turns background lights into arcs, which adds energy without needing heavy edits.
- A good starting range: shutter around 1/8–1/20, ISO 800–3200, aperture around f/2–f/4, flash power low-to-medium and adjusted to taste.
- Common mistakes: shutter too slow (everything turns to mush), flash too strong (background goes dead), twisting too early (the face smears).
- The easiest fix: have the subject hold still for a beat, and do a small twist near the end of the exposure.
Another slow shutter flash frame, and the room gets to be part of the portrait.
More movement, more light, more chaos in the best way.
A couple selfies
A selfie
Another selfie
Staircase moments
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Two quick staircase portraits that feel like they belong on a poster.
When the light hits right and you just take it.
End-of-night intensity.
Before the party started
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Set of 3 men’s portraits before the party started.
One more frame from the night to close it out.