Saturday, May 3rd was one for the books. I had the chance to shoot the lively “Dem Mans Crib” event at Boxpark Shoreditch, and it was nothing short of electric. From prepping my gear to capturing DJs spinning magic and the crowd vibing all night long, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my experience. I left my country-side peaceful, Hertfordshire to meet the business and organized (or maybe not so organized)chaos of London.

Event Prep – Gear, Scouting & Getting in the Zone


Every great shoot starts with solid prep, and this one was no different. My first move? Scouting the DJ lineup. I always like to know who’s bringing the sound so I can anticipate key moments. For “Dem Mans Crib,” I knew I had a range of music styles coming my way, so timing was going to be everything.

As for gear, I packed my go-to setup:

  • Sony A7R IV – sharp, reliable, and perfect for fast-paced nightlife action. In all honesty I had the extension pack so I could carry 2 batteries at the same time but maybe let's not do that next time!
  • Sony G Master 24-70mm f/2.8 – a real workhorse lens that lets me stay flexible, from tight crowd shots to wide scenes. Very wide aperture because once it gets dark inside, I want the in-camera sensor to be able to focus without the help of the flash autofocus assist light.
  • Flash gun & diffuser – since lighting can be unpredictable in indoor venues, this combo helps soften and control my light, especially when faces are my focus. Speaking of faces everyone here needs to hook me up with their skincare routine. So many spotless, smooth skins in one place.


Having the right tools meant I could focus on the energy without worrying about tech slowing me down.

The Location – Boxpark Shoreditch in Full Swing


Boxpark Shoreditch is always a vibe, but shooting there comes with its own set of challenges. Based on the crowd and layout, things got packed pretty quickly. Maneuvering through tight spaces while keeping my shots clean wasn’t easy, but that’s part of the game. Half-way though the event I wished I had brought an extra-shirt. Let's just say summer warmth, tight crowds, human heat and a very active photographer don't make for a very sweaty combo.

The lighting was a bit of a rollercoaster. Some areas had rich purples and reds—perfect for mood—but others were dim or overly washed with stage lights. My diffuser came in clutch here. It helped me balance harsh flashes and keep the colors true, especially when shooting faces up close. My setting the flash zoom to manual and 105mm i kept a narrow beam which went spread out by the diffuser, beautifully lit whatever i wanted and spread just a bit of light onto the background to make the subject standout.

The Vibe – Music That Moved the Crowd


If I had to sum up the night in one word, it would be versatile. Each DJ brought their own flavor, and the crowd responded with pure energy. In all honesty I was there because I regularly work with DJ Tana but i ended up staying for the most of the event because of the vibe. You know that feeling when everyone is moving and the DJs are just hitting the right spot of high-energy, nostalgia and vibe.

  • DJ TANA came in with smooth Afro-Beats, shifting into some Amapiano and Afro-House. His transitions were seamless, and people were locked in from the jump.
  • DJ Skrillz took it back with a more nostalgic set—think old-school Afro tunes blended with classic rap. The reaction? Everyone went wild. It was like watching the room transform with each beat drop.

No matter where I pointed my camera, there were smiles, movement, and moments worth freezing in time.

Wrapping It Up


Dem Mans Crib brought the heat, and Boxpark Shoreditch provided the perfect stage. As a photographer, this shoot reminded me why I love capturing live events—unpredictable, full of character, and loaded with moments that tell real stories. If you were there, you know how much energy was in that room. If you missed it, the photos speak for themselves.

Want to see the full gallery and relive the night?

Check it out now at ShotsByPNI – and don’t forget to book if you want your next event captured with this same energy.