Rawalia spilled a few secrets on how to make it into a night's photo highlights, or at least avoid the common pitfalls that'll get you cropped out faster than you can say "cheese!"
From seeking out good lighting to avoiding photo faux pas, here’s the inside scoop straight from the source:
Find the light
Rainbow-coloured lights illuminate the face of someone on the dancefloor at Complexe Sky.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
"Stay lit! Not how you might be thinking — actually stay in well-lit areas if you want to get noticed," Rawalia told MTL Blog. Lighting, they point out, is critical for getting you into that coveted club night photo gallery.
"If I can't see you, I can't shoot you," they said, adding that one common blunder many partygoers make is vanishing into dimly lit corners and wondering why they're ghosted by the camera.
Rawalia shared a pro tip for those aspiring to be captured by the camera, "If you stick to the shadows, that's probably why you're never in the photos." They suggest positioning yourself near the bright lights of the dance floor or close to the DJ booth, where flashes are frequent. "You don’t need to dance on the table, but hovering near the action under good lighting increases your chances of being seen... and snapped."
Phone etiquette
Not a phone to be seen among the upraised arms of partiers on the dancefloor.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
Rawalia's biggest pet peeve is a modern one: "Phones on the dance floor," they said, shaking their head. "You're staring at your phone, lost in it while something amazing is happening around you. That doesn't make for a good photo."
It's a common scene — people at a show so absorbed in their screens they miss the actual vibe of the night. Rawalia explains, "A photo of someone on their phone is just someone on their phone. It doesn't capture the energy or the excitement that makes club photography come alive."
They have some practical advice for those who can't resist sharing the moment. "Take your shots, but wait to post until you're grabbing your next drink. You don't need to share on socials right away. Enjoy the moment."
Dress to impress
A Hunter S. Thompson dupe at a Halloween party at 100 Génies.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
"Your outfit can play a big role," Rawalia notes, pointing out that themes or special occasions like Halloween can impact whether you catch the camera's eye.
"Dress according to the theme of the night. It makes you stand out and, honestly, it makes my photos look better," they admit. Choosing attire that fits the vibe of the event can increase your chances of being featured in an event's memory reel.
Photo requests
Five friends pose together at Bâtiment 7.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
"It’s not narcissistic to ask for a photo; it's actually helpful," Rawalia clarifies. They encourage partiers to express enthusiasm by asking for photos: "It shows you’re really enjoying your time. Never be afraid to ask for a picture of yourself. It helps me capture the energy of the night."
If you don't want to be in the pictures, never hesitate to voice that either, they said. "Even when the shots are posted, if you want me to take them down, I will, no questions asked. If I picked that shot, it's because I think you look amazing but maybe it's not your 'good angle.'"
"Or maybe you don't want your boss to know you were out dancing all night because you called in 'sick' the next day… Either way, I got you," said Rawalia.
Spatial awareness
Mundo Disko performers hug on stage at Montreal Pride.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
Rawalia stresses the importance of being aware of one's surroundings, especially when near photography equipment. "Try not to bash my pretty expensive camera while you're dancing," they half-joke. Giving photographers enough room to work prevents accidents and ensures that they can move around an event safely and capture the best shots.
"If you see me moving through the crowd, it’s not because I want to steal your spot, but because I’m trying to capture a great shot from different angles,” they explain.
David offers a tip for club-goers: “If I'm squeezing through, it's just for a moment. Hold your pose, keep dancing, and let me find that perfect angle. It’s these spontaneous, unscripted moments that make for the best photos."
Stage diving etiquette
Metal band UNITYTX performs at Théâtre Fairmount in Montreal.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
Stage diving near photographers is a definite no-go, according to Rawalia. "Don't stage dive on the camera guy. It's just not cool," they said.
"I was positioned right by the stage, camera in hand, when this guy decided to launch himself," they recount. The diver narrowly missed David, but the camera wasn’t so lucky. "He clipped my camera as he went by. It swung around my neck, and for a moment, I thought it was going to smash into the ground."
The incident thankfully ended without injury or serious damage, but confirmed the risks involved. "This is why I always say, don’t stage dive near the camera folks. It’s risky for the equipment, sure, but also throws things off when you have to dodge bodies," Rawalia said.
Respect the space
Drinks piled by the DJ booth at Bar La Shop, while people dance nearby.
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
"Keep drinks off the DJ booth," Rawalia insists. Bottles, cans and other debris around the front of the dancefloor can detract from the party ambiance and photo quality.
Spilled liquid not only poses a risk to expensive equipment but also creates clutter in the background of shots. "This is the only time you'll hear me say not to 'disrespect your surroundings,'" they said with a laugh.
Natural vs. posed shots
A person at Montreal Pride wearing a rainbow flag as a scarf holds up a multi-coloured fan that reads "Jamais sans ma fierté" (Never without my pride).
@davidwallyrawalia | Instagram
Rawalia offers straightforward advice on how to handle the camera at the club. "If I’m shooting from a distance, I’m likely capturing the vibe of the crowd, so just act naturally. If I’m up close, feel free to pose if you want," they explain.
Next time you spot the camera, remember these tips to make sure you look your best in every shot. Rawalia says interacting with a photographer can make sure you're actually in the snaps you want. So don't be shy, step up, ask for that photo, and make sure you're not just a background character in your own night out.
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The club's DJ booth is a revamped church altar.
A lamp illuminates an empty gilded frame on a black wall.
Coffin Joe stands behind the bar at Cabaret Berlin.
A gold glitter bar catches the light.