Photographer Courteney Frisby has spent the last few years chronicling the hedonism of London’s underground queer scene. Candidly chronicling the hedonism and uninhibited self-expression of the city’s club nights, her photographs are colourful, vivid, and brimming with riotous energy. 

After studying photography at Westminster Uni, Firsby began her career in March 2020 – her very first assignment was a rave which took place right before the first lockdown was introduced, which she shot with a £10 digital camera (her friends still tell her these are the best pictures she’s ever taken). When nightlife returned, she started working with Sticky Plastik – a record label which runs regular parties – and DJ and producer Josh Caffé. While she was already involved in the queer scene, she didn’t start working in it until two years ago when she met Michelle Manetti, who runs Fèmmme Fraîche –  an east London club night which caters to queer women, femmes, butches, trans and non-binary people. Frisbey has been shooting the event ever since, along with a number of cutting-edge parties both queer and straight. 

The beloved east London queer venue Dalston Superstore is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year and invited the Hackney-based photographer to put on an exhibition as part of its celebrations. Ahead of the launch party tonight, we had a quick chat with Frisbey about her work, her influences, and the state of London’s underground queer scene. 

You started out working with a cheap digital camera – what do you shoot with now?

Courteney Frisby: It really depends on the event. With Dalston Superstore, I always shoot on film because it’s too small a space to bring a big camera. There are also so many spontaneous moments in queer spaces, so I like to bring a point-and-shoot and then whenever I see something I’m ready to capture it.  But then, with other big events, like when I do Body Movements, I usually shoot on a Canon 5D with a 24-70mm. 

In terms of the vibe you’re going for, is there a difference between digital and film for you?

Courteney Frisby: I personally prefer digital, because I like seeing my own images, and I like setting a challenge for myself when it comes to the editing process: I love how the film aesthetic looks, and I love trying to make digital look like film – it’s almost like painting in Photoshop. But it really depends on my mood.

How did you curate the exhibition? 

Courteney Frisby: It’s basically just all my favourite shots from different events. I do Fèmmme Fraîche every two months, so a lot of the photos are from there. There are also pictures from Gay Agenda, Bottom Heavy and Dolls vs Twinks, which is a new party.  As a photographer, promoters always pick the photos that you wouldn’t pick yourself, so I think it’s really nice today that I’ll show everyone what I think is the best of my own work. 

People are always complaining about the state of underground nightlife in London. What do you make of it today?

Courteney Frisby: That’s a tricky question. There’s nothing really new right now and I think that’s what we’re all searching for. I went to a queer event the other day that was really great; it was called Club Are, they had installations and performances, and I thought, ‘Oh my god, there’s finally something new on the horizon!’ But then you see people wearing the same outfits as always and you’re like, ‘Hmm, I don’t know…’. But the queer scene is still so special, so it’s hard to say. 

There was a big party that’s now gone called Big Dyke Energy, and I think that’s left a massive gap, especially for lesbians and FLINTA people [an acronym, originally German, which refers to female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people]. I know that my friend Michelle who runs Fèmmme Fraîche wants to step in and do something for us. 

What is it about queer nightlife you’re trying to capture in your work? 

Courteney Frisby: I’m trying to capture the colourfulness of everyone’s individuality… people being free and letting loose. A lot of queer people can’t walk out in the streets and be who they want to be, so it’s beautiful to go into a space where everyone is themselves – it’s like a whole different new reality. I also love taking pictures of people kissing. Often people will ask me if I can send them these pictures so they can give them to their partner as an anniversary present. 

What are the biggest influences on your style?

Courteney Frisby: Ewen Spencer will always be the GOAT. I just love his work – even when it’s just people sitting down at the table having conversations, it doesn’t seem like a big thing but the way that he captured that was just amazing. And right now, I would say I’m most inspired by international photography, especially in Spain and Argentina – I feel like they’re a step ahead. 

Courteney Frisby’s exhibition launch party at Dalston Superstore is on Thursday April 4 from 6pm – 9pm. Details here.