A side of New York City’s nightlife that usually remains out of clear sight, obscured by dim lights and club doors, is brought into full view in this series. Taking an approach that blends reportage with nightlife photography, these photos invite a viewer’s thoughtful reflection into a fast-paced and chaotic environment. Between loud music, alcohol, and close contact, this series—Noct. 9 to 5—sheds an unexpected light behind the scenes of a New York City night of partying at the Taj Lounge.

Balancing the dark corners of a rowdy dance floor with the illuminating eye of a camera lens, this series is an experiment in capturing decisive moments in an unlikely environment. The quick-moving, energetic atmosphere of a New York City lounge illustrates the way timing in photography can tell a story in a single image.  Eye contact with the camera or the motion of a dance move caught midway can convey a moment of self-consciousness or exuberant freedom.

In the diverse and multicultural city of New York, I sought to capture the essence of this energy and excitement of diverse group of individuals moving together in harmony. I aimed to convey the sense of motion and rhythm that characterizes the city’s nightlife, and to showcase the rich variety of cultures and backgrounds that coexist within it. I aimed to celebrate the strength and vitality of diversity by capturing different bodies, skin colors, and cultures in a single space.

In Noct. 9 to 5, the unpredictability and fleeting pleasure of a party are frozen as a moment in time.