keep a cool head and most of the negative stuff won't happen. Very rarely do people ask to delete images, if it happens - make sure they see you do it and move on. just be part of the scene not a sore thumb. Take flattering pics and get the crowd involved when you can. you'll need a good flash and a modifier.
If its a younger crowd, you may have to be a bit more smooth with the rowdy folks, when all else fails, the bouncers are going to help you out. So don't worry.
is this personal or business? either way I'd make sure it was completely obvious that i was shooting. if you look like you are trying to be sneaky it wont go over well, look and act like you are supposed to be there and you probably won't have any trouble.
i'd let the bouncers know your intents and if its a paid shoot make sure you look like the club hired you. you may even ask the patrons for permission and depending on what the intent of the images are you may need to get model releases.
In terms of gadgets, definitely a flash. I wouldn't dare take a tripod unless you were shooting from someplace where only staff go, they have to stay sober while on shift and will be better at manoeuvering around you and any gear. Drunken partiers could too easily knock it over. I'd call and talk to management before you go, explain what you're doing and maybe they can provide you with a safe-ish area to shoot from. Have fun and good luck!
"wonderful shots are yours for the taking, especially from the restroom line, or under the DJ booth" - Nightclub photography monthly, Issue 43,Jan 2011
Has anyone tried putting an infra-red filter on a flash and using it with a camera modified to capture IR photos? That might be more subtle, although I think you'd have to end up with B&W images.
