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We circle together to educate, discuss topics, showcase new startups and develop strategies and philosophies around this web focused world. And not to ignore, as social media lovers, we are all about friends and spending time with them in these environments. It’s our own little world of work and play. Of purpous AND frivolity.

What is common among the many growing tech/social media scenes (NY, LA, SF, Phoenix, Seattle, Detroit of which I’ve been a part) is documentation in photos and video. The content is meant for archival and entertainment purposes. Pictures of colleagues and friends coming together for startup events, charity balls and panels. The list goes on, and in many cases, different scenes have meshed with other scenes (SXSW, Web 2.0, Internet Week, etc).

LA VS. THE REST OF TECH
LA Tech has become a significant example of a group that is making waves within the emerging media industry, and in style. There is an incredible community of creative startups, influencers, artists, writers and entrepreneurs, and it’s no surprise as the city of Angels is a birthplace of extraordinary opportunity and creativity. As this band of talented and ambitious group swells, there is also development of events and movements spotlighting and opening doors for learning and networking.

TECH CAN BE SEXY
In my personal observation of each group, LA is the most flamboyant and creative. They dress up for every event. Doesn’t matter if it’s a panel or party. It’s all gloss and heels. Jeff Pulver’s #140conf Meetup in LA last week featured speakers talking about the evolution of Twitter. A basic tech meeting where we sit in chairs and listen to the speakers. Yet, it was beautifully riddled with ladies and gentlemen dressed to the nines, ready for their closeup.

WHAT LA MAY BE MISSING
Although the flash and pizazz is fun, it’s not what all of this industry is about. We have a large, incredibly talented group here and yes, people are beautiful. But I think that LA tech photography is missing some substance. I don’t see a whole lot of substantial archive of the action or energy of the people. There’s more static in the photo pool. We need more intuitive photographic work captured of our innovative people and these magical events.

THE CHALLENGE:

Less linear presentation of the community and more eye-witness captures

Yes, we are damned sexy, but we are smart and talented too. The posing is fun, but let’s capture more of the speakers speaking, the startups working, the creatives presenting! Let’s expand on the beauty of this community and the beauty of your photography. And by doing more of this form of capture, you are expanding your creative perspective. Anyone can take a portrait photo. Go above and beyond.

TO THE LA TECH SCENE
Perhaps we have become by habit, inclined to pose for the camera. That is all fun and good. But maybe we are playing too much for the photogs. Perhaps we should concentrate more on what we are doing in this industry and the event itself. This is about people, about the innovations we are creating and the changes it is causing to our culture. Social media is that conduit that is altering the way things work. Pulling down the pedestal and handing the mic over to the audience. So why then, are all the photographs so “Hollywood”? Let’s be more natural…

EXAMPLES OF GREAT TECH SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
These photographers from other great tech scenes are doing just this. Take note, learn from them, be inspired and then determine how you can make this happen in your scene.

NYC TECH

Justine Ezarick - (c) Roger Smith Hotel

Roger Smith Hotel‘s photography is a great example of action photography. From art events to tech meetups, they’ve got it down. Beautiful captures of attendees in the moment, the dining and other visual demonstrations. They catch it all in beautiful lighting as well as black and white.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersmithhotel/sets/

SF TECH

Robert Scoble - Fast Company Party (c)Brian Solis

Brian Solis always knows how to capture people in their most natural state. He can capture people smiling for the camera with the same aura that comes across in his “action” captures. It’s as if the people he captures have rendered their soul to his lens. They are always elegant, endearing and energetic.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/briansolis/sets/

PHOENIX TECH

Gary Vaynerchuck meetup (c) Tyson Crosbie

Arizona’s own tech scene alone has a group of some of the best photographers I’ve seen. What I love about this community is that they even have meetups and events for photographers to learn from one another and develop their craft. Be sure to check out Refocus Phoenix and Creative Connect.

Tyson Crosbie – What I love about Tyson’s work, is that he can bring out anyone’s personality whether the person captured was prepared or not. The colorful energy in his photography of events and portraits alike are full of emotion and energy. I love how he can capture people in the moment.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tysoncrosbie/sets/

Brent Spore – Another Phoenix native who’s a designer and idea maker does photowork that is elegant and quality as well. His work always features other creatives and tech in action doing what they do best. You can see his other photographic work of our Create Live events on his Flickr.