How to capture the magic of parties after dark

Alma Rosaz is a campaign and kids photographer based in London, known for her wide-angled, bold and joyful aesthetic. She creates her own atypical world by capturing kitsch and humorous images.

I’ve always been drawn to people – their energy, their stories, their style. As a London-based photographer, I focus on creating bold, vibrant and inclusive images that make people feel good. I grew up surrounded by colour and culture and my French roots and international upbringing (I lived in Nigeria, Norway, Indonesia and New York) shaped my eye early on. Watching Nigerian women in their colourful Sunday church outfits still inspires the richness in my work today.

I’ve been freelancing in London for years now, with clients including Adidas, Swatch, New Look and Universal Music, but at my core I’m still that teenager putting together outfits for friends, staging little fashion shows and capturing candid moments. Photographing parties feels like a natural extension of that – it’s about joining in the flow of the event and catching the spark of joy as it happens. Here are some of the ways I approach it.

Follow people’s energy

I’m an extrovert, so I thrive in crowds. At a party, I don’t stand on the sidelines, I move with people. I study how they interact, where the laughter is, who’s at ease. If I see a group, I’ll focus on one or two people at a time, letting them forget I’m there. I often introduce myself or at least make eye contact and smile because it helps guests feel comfortable with me and, in turn, with the camera. Those are the moments when candid images happen.

Play with the lighting

Lighting can be unpredictable at events, but that’s part of the fun. I never rely on on-camera flash – it’s harsh and flat. Instead, I bring a speedlight and bounce it off walls or ceilings if I can, or use a diffuser. I love experimenting with colour and motion blur, especially in bars or clubs, slowing down the shutter speed, adding flash and letting neon lights streak across the frame. It gives a sense of movement that mirrors the atmosphere.

Stay unobtrusive but present

For me, event photography is about balance – I want to capture moments without intruding on them. A zoom lens (24-105mm) helps when the room is packed so I can step back and still get close. I also take a minute before shooting to scan the space, notice who seems happy to be photographed, and who might prefer not to. Reading body language quickly allows me to stay respectful while still catching great shots.

Look for the little details

I believe the atmosphere of a party is in its details as much as its people. I always make time to photograph cakes, drinks, decorations, gifts, menus and even the fun props or accessories people put down while dancing. Outfits are another big one – I love capturing the textures and colours people choose to celebrate in. These details become anchors for the memory of the night.

Keep groups playful 

Group photos don’t have to be stiff. I usually bring reference images, crack jokes and keep the vibe light so everyone relaxes. I’ve learned that stress is contagious, so if I’m tense, people pick up on it. Staying calm, smiling and reminding myself that the client values the memories more than technical perfection always helps. The best shots happen when people feel at ease together.

Use flash thoughtfully

Flash can be your best friend or your worst enemy. I always bounce it when possible, or use a small softbox or dome if the venue is dark. Even a simple bounce card can transform the light. The goal is to illuminate without flattening, and to keep the mood of the party alive in the photos.

Capture the festive spirit

I want people to feel the joy of a party when they look back at my photos. That means waiting for genuine smiles, bursts of laughter or moments of connection. At Christmas parties I’ll sometimes add a playful twist – tossing fake snow into the air for extra sparkle. It’s about encouraging fun without interrupting it.

Edit for vibrancy, not perfection

In editing, I like to lean into colour. Saturation is my signature, and I’ll adjust brightness, contrast or curves to bring depth. But I never want to lose the reality of what I saw. Editing is there to amplify the atmosphere, not to distort it – the final image should still feel like the moment did.

Remember why you’re there 

For me, the most rewarding part of party photography isn’t just creating sharp, beautiful images – it’s when the client thanks me before they’ve even seen them. That tells me I’ve been present without being intrusive, and that I made people feel comfortable. In the end, that’s what matters most: being part of the celebration and preserving the joy for everyone to look back on.