Aberdeen Freshers Week brought plenty of energy, colour and atmosphere to the city, and I had the opportunity to photograph one of the busiest periods at Prohibition Aberdeen.

This assignment was about more than simply taking photographs. It was a chance to challenge myself, experiment in a difficult environment and continue developing my nightclub photography skills.

Working in a challenging environment

Nightclub photography can be demanding. The lighting changes constantly, the dance floor is busy, and there is often very little time to react. One moment the room can be lit by bright flashes of colour, and the next it can be almost completely dark.

Freshers Week added even more movement and atmosphere. With packed crowds, energetic dancing and groups of friends enjoying their first nights out in Aberdeen, I had to work quickly while trying to capture natural, engaging moments.

Improving my technique

One of my main aims was to improve my ability to balance flash with the existing club lighting. Rather than overpowering the scene, I wanted the images to retain the colours and atmosphere of Prohibition while still keeping people sharp and well exposed.

I spent time experimenting with different flash angles, exposure settings and compositions. I also focused on timing—waiting for moments when people were laughing, dancing or interacting naturally instead of relying only on posed photographs.

Every venue presents different challenges, so learning how to adapt quickly is an important part of becoming a better nightclub photographer.

Capturing the atmosphere

The best nightclub images should show more than just individuals looking at the camera. They should communicate the atmosphere of the night and give viewers a sense of what it was like to be there.

During Freshers Week, I looked for a mixture of:Groups of friends enjoying the night.Candid moments on the dance floor.DJs and performers creating the atmosphere.

Colourful lighting and venue details.Reactions, movement and spontaneous interactions.These elements helped create a broader visual record of the night rather than a collection of individual portraits.

Learning from every event

There is always something new to learn when photographing in a nightclub. Reviewing the images afterwards allowed me to assess which techniques worked well and where I can improve.

I paid particular attention to flash intensity, background exposure, focus accuracy and composition. Some images worked because they captured a genuine moment, while others showed me how small changes in timing or positioning could produce a stronger result.

That process of shooting, reviewing and adjusting is helping me build confidence and develop a more consistent style.

Looking ahead

Photographing Freshers Week at Prohibition Aberdeen was a valuable experience and another step forward in my photography journey. I am continuing to push myself creatively and technically, with the aim of producing images that capture the energy of Aberdeen’s nightlife.

I would like to thank everyone who made the night enjoyable and who allowed me to photograph them. If you spot yourself in the images, feel free to tag yourself and share the post.

I am looking forward to continuing to improve and photographing more nightlife, events and live experiences across Aberdeen.