Within the vibrant entertainment space in western Jamaica there are a number of key elements that contribute to the overall success of an event.

One such component is the event photographer, and arguably the most popular name in the business in the region is Trescott’SnapDat’ Myers.

With partygoers intent on having their fashion choices, and their presence documented and shared, the event photographer is all the more important.

Myers’ love for photography started at a very young age and this passion developed into a career after assisting friends at a party.

“Around age 13 I had a Minolta [film] camera and I would take pictures of everything in sight. My friend Dudley Noble later had a Canon SLR [film] and I borrowed it and really got a chance to hone my skills,” Myers told the Jamaica Observer West.

“Fast forward to 2010, I was partying at Mug Madness at Cornwall Beach and borrowed cameras from photographers LaRue Molyneaux and Geoffrey Berry to assist with shooting, the fire was reignited and months later I had my own camera and ‘SnapDat’ was born.”

The Montego Bay native and graduate of Cornwall College and the University of Technology (UTECH) counts winning the Yellow Pages ‘Click the Cover’ competition in 2013, which saw his entry featured on the front cover of the telephone directory that year, as one of the highlights of his career.

Myers has become highly sought after, and a number of photographers can attest to often being asked by patrons: “Are you SnapDat?”

With over 30,000 followers on Facebook and 20,000 on Instagram, his popularity among partygoers is further fuelled by his quest to satisfy his followers, by posting photos in real time, allowing patrons to share with friends, while fans can keep up with updates as the party unfolds.

Myers has worked at almost all the major entertainment events across western Jamaica, including Reggae Sumfest, BritJam, Dream Weekend, Jazz Fest and Utopia Beach party.

He contends that he has never had a bad job experience and loves the fact that he is able to be part of an art form that captures people and their interactions in their true essence.

“SnapDat is my photographer, he respects his work and people, and you can see his professionalism shining through at all times,” said Marsha Burch, a popular brand ambassador.

Myers said he plans to open a studio, and become a force in the Destination Weddings market, and more importantly, to tutor upcoming photographers.