Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Marin.
Hi Jose, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey’s been a mix of technology, creativity, and community. I started out in the IT world, working my way up through roles in engineering, consulting, and project leadership. Today, I’m an AWS Product Manager by day, helping teams across Emory University and Emory Health tap into the power of the cloud to innovate and solve real problems.
Outside of the 9-to-5, I run a consulting practice where I help small businesses set up smart IT solutions — everything from infrastructure to cloud migration. It’s something I’m passionate about because I love seeing tech make a tangible difference for people and their businesses.
But once the sun goes down, I shift gears into something completely different, I’m also a photographer, specifically focused on capturing Atlanta’s underground rave and nightlife scene. Capturing raves from organizers such as BrainWorld, TwistedLines, Club De Vampiros, NetSphere, and others. There’s so much raw energy, expression, and culture that deserves to be documented, and that’s what drives me creatively. You can usually find me late at night behind the lens at some of the most electric events in the city.
I guess you could say I live in this balance, building the future with technology while capturing the present through art. It’s a non-traditional path, but it’s mine, and I’m grateful for how each part of it fuels the other.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has added something valuable to my journey. On the tech side, one of the biggest struggles has been the constant pressure to keep learning. The tech world evolves so fast, and staying current requires nonstop effort. But that same mindset — of always adapting and evolving — has actually helped me creatively, especially in photography. It’s made me more open to experimenting with new styles, tools, and ways of storytelling.
There have been moments of doubt, especially in photography. I’ve felt discouraged, wondering if what I’m doing really matters. But I always come back to this: documenting matters. Whether it’s helping someone answer a tough tech question or capturing a moment from a night out in Atlanta that might’ve otherwise gone unseen — those are the things that push me forward. I want to create artifacts, not just content.
Time has definitely been the biggest sacrifice. Balancing a career, side consulting, and late-night photography means I’ve had to be intentional about optimizing how I spend every hour. But over time, I’ve built systems and rhythms that help me manage it all without burning out.
And creatively, I’ve had moments where I’ve felt in the shadow of incredible photographers like @_angelmx5 and @slowjomedia — but instead of letting that discourage me, I’ve learned to look up to them. Every night I’m out shooting is a chance to level up, get better at post, and develop my own voice. Their work inspires me to keep pushing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The rave scene, like any tight-knit community, comes with its fair share of drama and tension. Controversies happen — whether it’s around events, promoters, or behind-the-scenes dynamics — but I’ve made it a point to stay neutral and focused. I don’t get involved in the politics. My goal is to be a consistent, trusted presence who documents the culture honestly, without bias. That approach allows me to capture the energy, connection, and authenticity that people recognize in my work.
What I’m most proud of is how my photos make people feel seen, whether it’s a DJ reposting a shot that captures their vibe perfectly, or someone stumbling on a photo of themselves mid-dance, fully immersed in the moment. It’s those in-between frames that tell the real story, and I treat every event as an opportunity to preserve a piece of Atlanta’s nightlife culture.
What sets me apart is the intention I bring to every shoot. I’m always working to improve — from how I shoot to how I edit — and I draw inspiration from photographers I admire in the scene like @_angelmx5 and @slowjomedia. I don’t just want to take great photos — I want to create a visual archive that people can look back on and feel the moment all over again
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the creative industry, especially in nightlife and event photography, evolving in big ways. One major shift will be the growing influence of AI and the metaverse. We’re already starting to see AI tools used in editing, curation, and content creation — but I think we’ll see an even bigger push toward creating immersive, memorable experiences that blend physical and digital worlds. People will be able to engage with the energy of a rave or underground event from the comfort of their homes, through virtual reality, 3D content, or interactive livestreams.
For someone like me who documents the in-person scene, it means thinking about how to translate those real, visceral moments into formats that still feel authentic in a digital or virtual setting. I think creators who can bridge both worlds, the raw and the immersive, will stand out.
At the same time, I believe there will be a stronger demand for authenticity. While AI-generated visuals are impressive, there’s something irreplaceable about a human capturing a fleeting moment, the emotion, the movement, the vibe. That’s where I see my work continuing to grow: focusing on telling stories that feel real and personal, while also being open to the tools that help elevate and share those stories in new ways.
Long-term, I think creators will have more power than ever to build communities and preserve culture, whether that’s through an archive of photos, a virtual rave experience, or something entirely new. And I plan to keep evolving right alongside it.
Contact Info:
- Website: HTTPS://nsn.media
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nsn.media?igsh=ZzNxYzBuaXE3MXd5&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josem0909?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/gakWz3yxQ9RiFBa67
Image Credits
@nsn.media
