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Now on stands, Polite in Public photos from the 944 Drunken Holiday party at Les Deux.

BY LINA LECARO

The most popular fashion accessory in the clubs isn't a bag, or shoes or even a piece of jewelry. It's a camera. It's a sign of the times. Reality TV, YouTube, blogs, MySpace there's no denying it. We're in the midst of a photographic free-for-all.

Which makes the photo booth an appealing alternative. Though its resurgence is definitely an extension of the flash fury, the booths have a more old-school sensibility. You enter them purposefully.

Even more of a treat than a well-lit shot of yourself? How about becoming the centerpiece of an intricate art-directed fantasy environment? That's exactly what Joe Miller and Joe Rubinstein, the duo behind Polite in Public, have created with their elaborate backdrops and digitally enhanced images. The pair, who started out shooting mini atmospheres at parties in their downtown loft about a year ago, have garnered quite a following for their vibrant images, often themed according to the event: An Andrew WK gig at Check Yo Ponytail had a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride theme, while a bash at the Playboy Mansion featured a sexy hospital setup.

Incorporating elements of installation art and performance art, the Joes aim for an interactive experience. "We let the crowd dictate the backdrop," says Rubinstein, who recalls a spray-paint-splattered alley motif they did for a recent night at Club System at the Knitting Factory. "We knew there'd be a lot of cool kids in American Apparel–style clothing, so we went for a street feel."

(These modern photo booths) seem much more in sync with the times and the short attention spans of a new generation. Club photography has a whole new purpose. "It used to be about promoting the club. Now people want pictures to promote themselves." You may not be model skinny, or model tall or even model attractive, but you can still channel your inner Kate Moss.

-Excerpts from The LA Weekly