When I was approached to start a blog for SceneStL, I had two immediate reactions:

1.     That sounds like fun
2.     I could get in a lot of trouble doing that
There is really no way to do this but to be honest. So, let’s start at the beginning.

I have no formal training in photography.

I score medium on the cuteness level.

I have above average intelligence and below average self-belief and expectations.

On a scale from 1 – 10, my social rating hovers, sadly, around the 3 level.

So, it might come as a surprise that I make my living as a nightlife photographer. My work frequently doesn’t start until after ten at night, and rarely ends before two in the morning. That does not include the hours of post-production and next morning deadlines. If you take those factors into account, you’ll find me slipping into bed around five in the morning most nights.

Charge the batteries. Check the memory cards. Grab the business cards. Double check for the ID. Tuck some cash away; those late night RedBulls are essential. One last look in the mirror…reapply the lip gloss, and head out the door.

It could be a bar, or a club or a casino tonight. Wash Ave, The Landing or somewhere new. I have to be prepared for anything. Enough gas in the car? Am I going to make it the whole night in these shoes? If I don’t wear a coat, am I risking losing a limb to frostbite? (I have yet to discover a convenient way to carry a coat in this job.)

But all of the questions, doubts, worries and fears fall away into the deafening pounding of the house music and the blinding display of lights dancing around the club. I’m on the clock now, and I have the best job in the world.

But I have good news…I’m taking you with me.