Rukes’ Top Shots of the Summer

Rukes' Top Shots of the Summer

Some pictures are worth a thousand words but in Rukes’ case they may be worth a thousand drops. The preeminent DJ photographer has spent much of his time on the road with the world’s biggest DJs, documenting the debauchery from an angle few ever get to experience. Whether it’s backstage at festivals or in the booth at international hotspots, Drew Ressler has built a career on capturing every moment of the dance music explosion. As he travels the world, navigating the never ending party that is dance music culture, the photographer better known as Rukes will be showcasing his favorite moments with us.

See through his lens with Rukes’ Top Shots of the Summer

Martin Garrix is really fun to hang around. He pretty much has endless energy and just bounces off the walls. So after his set when I asked him if he wanted pizza, I just told him to eat all the pizza at once.

Photo Credit: Rukes

The roof fireworks at Ultra Europe are always great to capture. I wanted to get a unique angle for the first time, so I positioned myself at FOH and shot straight up, going a bit extra wide on my fisheye and the result was a bit more epic than I expected. The fireworks/roof look like the Ultra U logo!

Photo Credit: Rukes

Day 2 of Ultra Europe was great, especially since Feed Me came by just to hang out, and Kill The Noise brought Bee! I was luckally able to get this mega photo of Feed Me, Erick Morillo, Gareth McGrillen, Ingrosso, David Guetta and of course Kill The Noise with Bee.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Another great roof firework shot, this one just came out perfect for me in terms of lighting and color.

Photo Credit: Rukes

The Steve Aoki group shot shows how diverse and large the Ultra Croatia crowd is!

Photo Credit: Rukes

Yes, Alesso can fly!

Photo Credit: Rukes

When Diplo has a bunch of props like Silly String, you can always count on Dillon Francis to put it to good use.

Photo Credit: Rukes

An overview of Hvar, a beautiful place to have an afterparty.

Photo Credit: Rukes

At Tomorrowland, make sure you cover your drink when going by the fountains.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Dillon Francis and DJ Snake doing a “no neck” conversation.

Photo Credit: Rukes

The fireworks at Tomorrowland are epic!

Photo Credit: Rukes

A great shot of Hardwell passing the mic to Tiesto during their B2B set!

Photo Credit: Rukes

Hardwell is pretty skilled.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Ushuaia is an amazing venue, pretty cool how planes fly right over the venue before landing a few blocks away!

Photo Credit: Rukes

Insanely packed crowd for Steve Aoki at Pacha Ibiza!

Photo Credit: Rukes

This guy REALLY wanted to get caked.

Photo Credit: Rukes

When you have a busy touring schedule, you try to get naps wherever you can.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Dirty South goofing off at Global Gathering.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Krewella caught me spying on them.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Lollapalooza during the day with Above & Beyond.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Lollapalooza at night with Zedd.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Flosstradamus flying thier flag at Hard Summer!

Photo Credit: Rukes

Baauer played at the top of a tower above the FOH for his set, it was pretty unique seeing a huge crowd looking away from the stage.

Photo Credit: Rukes

Hard Summer was insanely packed! Always a good view from atop a lift!

Photo Credit: Rukes

Taco, Tiesto, Dillon

Photo Credit: Rukes