One of my wedding clients invited me to her bachelorette party last Saturday and I just couldn’t resist taking out my camera. At Venus Karaoke in the International District you can rent out your own private room with your own private karaoke machine. Secure a banquet permit ahead of time ($10 at any liquor store) and you can bring in your own alcohol and food. I had the best birthday of my life at this place a few years ago (for those of you that don’t know me, I’m a bit of a karaoke lover).

Lately I’ve been setting up a strobe by the DJ/band at wedding receptions and triggering it via wireless receiver to get some great off camera light for dancing photos. I thought these shots would benefit from a similar effect so I strapped a Pocket Wizard to a Sto-fen covered Canon 580exII speedlight and placed it on top of a speaker hanging from a high corner, aimed where the majority of the action would be taking place. The real magic started to happen when one of the girls grabbed a fan from the hallway.

As I was heading up to do old standby, Fame by Irene Cara (below for your solid golden pleasure) I gave my camera to one of the girls and told her to shoot whenever I came between her and the light. She nailed it!

My buddy Amy Stevens is showing her photographs of the crazy colorful homemade cakes she makes, set on various patterned backgrounds at the PCNW this month. They’re like Martha Stewart on mushrooms. Seriously – you have to click that link.

These days she’s living in Philadelphia (they give her grant money to do this!) but she’s here tonight for the opening reception from 6-8pm. Come early and you’ll be treated to a firsthand explanation of her methods.

Alex Prager and Susan Anderson are also showing, as part of the “Sugar & Spice” theme.