New Year's Eve came and went leaving me feeling like I'd run a marathon while playing Jeopardy.  Physically, mentally drained and happy as can be.

The day started off with a pre-dawn walk around Glenbow ranch.  After two 3:30 am wake up calls for mountain trips the previous days, I was not looking forward to another early morning.  A quick check of my weather sites while laying in my comfy bed convinced me otherwise - partly cloudy, low ceiling and a good strong wind.  The near perfect conditions had my feet touching the cold bedroom floor before I had time to protest.

I had the entire park to myself as I set up my tripod around the old Glenbow Store at first light.  A chinook wind was threatening to blow through the valley, but it wasn't trying hard enough, by the end of my walk I was shivering and my water bottle was frozen shut.  The sunrise  over the city was beautiful enough to provoke a text from Mr. Bastard making sure I had made it out of bed for the occasion.  I haven't had time to fully review the mornings captures but at first glance, I'm not entirely happy with how my own photos turned out. They're missing that "something" still so I'll have to keep exploring the area and visiting until I get it right.

I can't be upset about the early morning wake up, a location has to have it's first photo run through and they can't all be wildly successful.  It would have been nice with a few more hours of sleep though, because a few hours later I was host to a few friends at my place and soon we were off to the Stetson for a 10 band New Year's Eve show. The culmination of the Calgary Beer Core's Punk vs Metal tournament (props to Thrashadactyl who won this years competition)

I can only compare the amount of physical and mental exertion of shooting a 10 band bill to shooting a wedding in high speed.  Bands are on and off the stage within 25 minutes leaving little time to get the required shots for each act. Especially since I try hard not to impose on the band or the fans experience, it ends up being a lot of crouching and sneaking through the crowd trying not to be a giant douchebag with a camera.  Operative word is try, as it's sometimes difficult to be discreet. 

By the end of the night, I had turned into a roving portrait photographer capturing groups and couples in their blissful states as well as the usual slough of incriminating photos that come with the territory. One friend even remarked how impressed she was at my ability to make people look good, and refrain from posting the embarrassing photos publicly. I may not be able to exercise self restraint around a Havarti cheese sandwich, but I can bring myself to hit the Delete button.

As the clock struck 12, I found myself balanced on top of a PA system trying to catch some of the celebratory action, completely forgetting about the tradition of kissing someone at midnight (read: Husband-guy)  I can officially say that I rang in 2015 with my camera.  Oops - sorry Mikey!

Here's a few photos from the night. If you enjoy seeing these, make sure to come to my exhibition at Verns (622 8 St SW Calgary) for this year's Exposure Photography Festival.  My show runs February 20 - 28.  The opening night will feature some great bands and joyful hugs from yours truly.