Party at Dolby, SXSW 2023 – Austin, Texas

For the last post in the Dolby series, I’m doing a photo essay — scenes from the party-like atmosphere at the event. Of course, it wasn’t a real party per se. However, people had a good time between the LED lighting, the glitzy demos and exhibits, and the drinks, including myself.

I left the exhibit and was ready to go to my next SXSW event, but as I indicated yesterday, I had dropped my favorite water bottle. So I went back to see if I could find it. Luckily, they had it — it had fallen out of my bag when I was experiencing the Maybach audio demo. So, relieved and happy, I decided to stay longer and had another drink.

I ran into a couple of old Brits around my age, and we talked about technology — mostly old tech from the early days of the Internet. I had great fun and bonded with these guys. We were probably the most senior people in the building, surrounded by youngsters born after the modern Internet started.

I started documenting the others at Dolby, enjoying the festivities. The lighting was dark and colorful. However, a modest shutter speed at f2.8 with my 24mm equivalent lens did a great job. The focal length creates a smartphone aesthetic, and I shot these pictures casually, effectively capturing groups. I stayed there until the end until they kicked us out at about 9 pm.

Several days ago, I did a post on this LED and mirror-covered room, and now we see it in action.

Nowadays, my get-togethers are most often quiet affairs with close friends. Gone are the days of flashing lights and exciting environments. So perhaps that is why I go to SXSW — to experience, only for a brief time, youth and optimism. Dolby threw a great exhibit, and being a part of it for a few hours was entertaining and blog-worthy.

Next, I was off to Rainey Street for the next set of SXSW festivities.

Blog readers, you’ll love my free monthly photography magazine. Signup for the free magazine to get articles and topics not discussed on the blog.