(Photo: Courtesy of Nicky Digital)

Nicky Digital, 26
nickydigital.com
“I pick the parties I cover based on who’s performing or the venue, and I prefer not to go out with friends or anyone I know (although it’s rare that I don’t know somebody once I’m inside). I’m not really socializing or hanging out drinking when I’m shooting. It’s hard to say who I pick to shoot—mostly it’s just what catches my eye, who looks like they’re having fun. New York can be such a sea of black clothes, so my eye goes to color or someone in a great, interesting outfit. When I started this, I could wait for the moment and go unnoticed, but now the minute I walk in everyone is posing. I try to keep the site community-based. I always take pictures down of people who complain—they think they need to send me these threatening letters telling me they’ll sue me, but I’d take down anything anyone asked. Not trying to offend anyone.”

Interviews by Doria Santlofer

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Table of Contents: Feb 23, 2009 issue of New York | Subscribe!