Fragments of the Night: My Favorite Photos from Jessi's 42nd

There’s something electric about photographing a party. It’s a blur of colour, laughter, motion—a kind of chaos that, if you’re lucky and a little fast, gives you a flash of something real.

Jessi’s 42nd birthday was exactly that kind of night. A celebration of authenticity, joy, and uninhibited self-expression. The pink streamers glittered like they were alive, the music vibrated through the floor, and the love in that room was impossible to miss. This wasn’t just a birthday party. It was a gathering of people completely themselves—no apologies, no masks, just presence.

As I sort through the gallery of images, a few stood out as personal favorites. They weren’t just well-lit or technically clean (though I’m proud of that, too), but they held something more—a feeling, a story, a flicker of what it meant to be there.

From the portrait with the dramatic light trails and that knowing smirk—to the theatrical kiss under soft, colourful glow. From laughter that spills off the frame to the unapologetic joy of a woman in a red sequin corset and mustache. These images feel like the night.

One of the things I was reflecting on as I drove home was how beautiful it is to witness a group of people who are entirely comfortable in their own skin. Being part of that energy—even just as the one behind the camera—was a privilege.

And yes, this was my first time photographing a party with flash in a true low-light setting. It stretched me. It pushed me to think quickly, to anticipate emotion, to balance light and motion and still make something that felt like art. I’m so glad I did it.

To Jessi: thank you for inviting me in. And to everyone who shared their light in front of my lens, thank you for making my first party shoot one I’ll never forget.

You can view the full gallery and download your favorites if you were part of the celebration. Jessi has the link to share with anyone who'd like to relive the night.

Here's to more nights like this—loud, real, and full of little flashes of joy.