When the line wraps around the block, you know you're in for a good night.
Dustin Nickerson is one of those comedians I was already familiar with long before I had the opportunity to photograph him. A Pacific Northwest local, fellow Mariners fan, and comedy legend, he's built quite the career taking his humor well beyond the Northwest.
This was one I was genuinely excited about and unlike some of my other comedy shoots, this time I did a little homework beforehand.
The art of anticipating the punchline
One thing I've learned about photographing stand-up comedy is that timing is everything. And I'm not just talking about the comedian's timing.
I like to listen to a comedian's sets and specials before photographing them. I want to get familiar with their rhythm, their delivery, and where those big audience reactions happen.
Those are the moments I'm looking for.
The big laugh is an obvious one. But sometimes my favorite frames aren't the ones where the audience is losing it. They're the little moments in between.
The quick smile when a comic laughs at their own joke. The expression right before a punchline lands. The subtle shift in their face when they know they've got the room.
Those are the moments that tell the story.
Anyone can photograph someone standing behind a microphone. I want to capture the personality, the delivery, and the little things that make each comedian different.
Meet Dustin Nickerson
If you're from the Seattle area, Dustin's name might already ring a bell. He's built a national following with appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central, Netflix's Hart of the City, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and After Midnight.
His comedy pulls from the wonderfully chaotic realities of marriage, parenting, family life, and everyday annoyances. He's also the co-host of the podcast Don't Make Me Come Back There with his wife, Melissa.
And if you want another reason to like him, he's a Seattle Mariners fan. Which means he understands that being a Seattle sports fan is equal parts loyalty, optimism, and emotional endurance.
A few frames from the night
There's a melodic quality to comedy. If you listen to the beats and rhythm of their cadence you start anticipating the moments and watching for those expressions you've heard in the recordings.
Here are a few of my favorite frames from Dustin's performance at the New Everett Theatre.
An added bonus: Jordan Casner!
As if the night wasn't already great, Jordan Casner, visiting from Oregon, was also on the lineup as the featured comedian.
Jordan is currently competing in the Seattle International Comedy Competition, and it's always exciting to see comedians putting in the work, getting on stages, and building their audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest.
So while Dustin was the headliner, Jordan definitely deserves a little spotlight of his own.
Go Jordan! We're rooting for you!
From local comics to nationally touring headliners, every performer brings something different to the stage. My goal is to capture more than just the performance. I want to create images that show personality, movement, atmosphere, and the moments that make an audience remember the night.
Dustin, thanks for putting on a great show. Jordan, keep doing your thing. And to the New Everett Theater & Everett Comedy, thanks for continuing to bring incredible talent through your doors.
Looking for a comedy photographer in Seattle or Everett?
I photograph stand-up comedians, touring performers, comedy clubs, live entertainment, and events throughout Seattle, Everett, Snohomish County, and the greater Pacific Northwest.
Whether you're looking for stage photography, promotional portraits, backstage coverage, or a full event gallery, let's make something worth remembering.
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Where to Find Dustin Nickerson
Want more Dustin? You can catch him on tour, revisit his specials, or check out some of his other projects.
Follow Dustin and keep up with upcoming shows:
Website & Tour Dates: dustinnickerson.com
Instagram: @dustinnickerson
TikTok: @dustinnickerson
Facebook: Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans
Watch His Comedy
Overwhelmed – Watch on Prime Video
It Runs in the Family – Watch on YouTube
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – Late-night stand-up appearance.
Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City – Comedy Central.
The Late Late Show with James Corden – Late-night appearance.
After Midnight – CBS.
More Dustin
How to Be Married (To Melissa) – His book about marriage and family life.
Don't Make Me Come Back There – His podcast with wife Melissa.
And if you're a fellow Seattle sports fan, you already know where to find him: somewhere maintaining an unreasonable amount of optimism about the Mariners.
If you were in the crowd and had your photo taken, you can check out the Everett Comedy guest gallery to purchase digital downloads and, of course, reserve your tickets to future shows on Eventbrite.
Producer: Cory Michaelis & Everett Comedy
Venue: Everett Theater
Host: Cory Michaelis
Guest Spot: Jody Carroll
Feature: Jordan Casner
Headliner: Dustin Nickerson
