San Diego Queens of Nightlife: Lindsay Kramer Napkin Nights Nightlife Photographer

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San Diego, we are in the midst of a nightlife boom. New clubs and revamped lounges open nightly, award-winning restaurants and posh hotels reinvent lifestyle monthly, and the nightlife status quo elevates annually.

These simple facts are by no means secrets - we all walked down the same red carpet to relish the grand openings and taste the new flavors of the town. However, what remains a mystery is: Who is behind the scenes making San Diego nightlife a success? Who plans the parties, develops downtown, promotes to the public, and mixes the mind-blowing cocktails?

While a notable group of men is undeniably responsible for much of the hype, San Diego nightlife just wouldn't survive without the Queens of Nightlife. From behind the scenes planning to behind the desk promoting and red carpet pursuing - San Diego's Queens of Nightlife are the fierce female force behind the nocturnal buzz.

Discover a San Diego Queen of Nightlife: Lindsay Kramer: Napkin Nights Nightlife Photographer.

Q: How does it feel to be a female in a stereotypically male-saturated industry?

A: It feels simply fabulous. People dig chicks with cameras.

Q: As a woman, how do you make a name for yourself in the nightlife industry?

A: I bust out cute shoes and I know how to make people laugh (with me or at me; they're still laughing). It's a choice combination. Oh yeah, and I also smile, a lot. That never hurts - except in the morning when my cheeks are sore.

Q: How did you do it? How did you get involved with Napkin Nights, and how did find success as a nightlife photographer in San Diego?

A: San Diego Craig's List, baby. It's the new Google. Also, the Venga Boys empathize with parties and me. But I don't believe you'll find the word "success" in the lyrics, unless you own a different version of the song than I do.

Q: In your opinion, are there more male or female nightlife photographers in San Diego? Do females make better nightlife photographers?

A: In terms of perks, it bodes well for females that the word "waiting" doesn't need be in our vocabularies. Also, it's not as creepy when a chick approaches a person with a camera, than when a guy does. But, I do know a lot of non-creepy guys that snap that are just the cat's meow.

In candor, there are some incredibly creative and talented male photographers in San Diego. Some of them will even take an hour on the rooftop of the Firehouse to show you how to work your camera correctly. It's quite breathtaking, I suggest you try it.

Q: What makes or breaks a nightlife photographer in San Diego?

A: In short, knowing your limits is ideal and often crucial. It never hurts anyone to be confident and assertive, except the lushes you reject, I'd imagine. And I don't know how you roll, but intoxicated people generally don't take the best pictures.

The public has a very large and perceptive eye. Remembering names is always a safe tool to keep in your back pocket. And don't forget to tattoo your name on your forehead. It works like a charm.

For example, this one time (complete the line here), I remembered the doorman's name and didn't have to claim Napkin Nights status to walk directly in. I made two people ro-sham-bo for their picture selection, and I told a drunky to peace out. It was all in one night and it was all amazing; true story.

Q: What does San Diego have to look forward to in the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008?

A: With the brand-new opening of San Diego Hard Rock and the recent addition of The Ivy, hotel-club scenes have been quite successful this year, and such success will surely waltz into 2008. Also, the Red Circle just received a new facelift, and that place is good. I wanna be friends with it. And mind the dust on Market and 10th; the East Village Tavern's bowling alley is already expanding! Bowl on. By the way, what was my score?

Q: What San Diego neighborhoods are the most up-and-coming? Why these neighborhoods?

A: The East Village is heading towards a brighter day, PB is content to be hugging the bay, and downtown in general is where everyone loves to stay. Downtown San Diego is the Mecca of entertainment; it's the place to be. It has everything from Western Metal Supply Co. in the summer, miniskirts and disco balls in the winter, and tourists throughout the year hoping to find Ron Burgundy with a glass of milk in hand. What more could one ask for?

Q: What makes-or-breaks a new club/lounge/bar in San Diego? What are major nightlife faux pas?

A: No one likes to give up their first born for the cost of a rum and coke. A killer set of music should have a floor of ample size to dance on. Sardine-like qualities, including the smell and the cramming of bodies, is never appealing, never.

My bottom line is service. If you like the people running the venue, you're going to love the venue. It's just that simple.

Q: What is your favorite club/lounge/bar in San Diego?

A: As my heart will always belong to EnDev venues, Stingaree is where my nightlife heart resides. Confidential reminds me of why I adore neon lights and white leather. And East Village Tavern and Bowl has effortlessly become my favorite bar, complete with their signature Crème Sodas and all.