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When dusk falls and temperatures drop, Waco comes alive in surprising ways.

Soon after community photographer Justin Hamel moved to Waco, he began exploring the city, camera in hand, capturing vivid after-hours imagery of night swimming, mosh pits, and pyrotechnic revelry. 

If you’d like to see more photos and learn how some of these images were made, subscribe to our newsletter. 

Starting Sept. 9, the Tuesday newsletter will feature visual journalism, alternating between photo features and the Waco Voices series on community change-makers.

People dance the night away on the patio of Truelove Bar in downtown Waco on the Fourth of July. Credit: Photo by Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Will rests on his BMX bike with his friend at the Sul Ross Skate Park on Aug. 11. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
People swim around a pontoon boat on the Brazos River as The Boys From Oklahoma play at McLane Stadium on Aug. 23.. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America
A group of teenagers shoots fireworks in front of a house on Mitchell Avenue on the Fourth of July. Credit: Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America

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Justin Hamel is a visual journalist for the Bridge through a partnership with Catchlight and Report for America. He’s excited to help shape the Bridge’s visual journalism by ensuring every story includes...