The night still belongs to lovers in London. Lakiya Butler-Kania has been documenting youth culture in the capital after sunset, particularly squat party, rave and queer scenes, for four years. In an exclusive Valentine’s photo series for Cold, she compiles moments of passion immortalised through the eye of her camera between 2023 and 2025.
“People have always been my main interest, especially how we interact with each other and how the pure euphoria of music brings us together as a community,” she tells Cold. “I strive to capture this connection no matter where I am, and feel so lost if I haven’t got my camera with me on a night out.”
Nightlife, she says, is where she found her chosen family. “It’s crazy to think Corsica Studios was where it all started – at a UCL society night where @jazimsky was playing,” she recalls.
Places that make an appearance include Fèmmme Fraîche (an East London FLINTA club night) at Dalston Superstore, Queer House Party, Super Sonic Booty Bangers in Leeds, a Sexy Lady Massive fairies rave and the classic: a secret location on a boat. She adds: “Seeing the raw connection of two loved ones looking at each other is how my ‘kiss cam’ project came about.”
Butler-Kania’s project brings to mind the club culture photographer Derek Ridgers’ latest book HELLO, I LOVE YOU (2025), which highlights scenes of kissing taken during the 1970 until the 1990s.
