Democratized party photography turned nightlife antics into public performance

Evidence

Madonna, ever the cultural barometer, made a surprise visit to Misshapes in October 2005, drawing such massive crowds that the party needed larger venues moving forward. The arrival of digital cameras and web pages democratized party photography, turning private nightlife antics into public performance. Photographer Mark Hunter, a.k.a. the Cobrasnake, emerged as the medium’s first breakout star. Hunter, an assistant to street artist Shepard Fairey, shot blown-out candids of wild party scenes, launching his teenage girlfriend Cory Kennedy as “the internet’s first ‘it’ girl.” — W. David Marx, Blank Space, 153