I was very excited when I was asked to be the photographer for First Night New Years Eve 2016 event in St. Petersburg. I knew it would be a hard job. I was up for the challenge!
First Night St. Pete is a HUGE event! They plan it all year, have hundreds of volunteers, performers, vendors, and a long list of sponsors. First Night uses the entire waterfront area around the Vinoy Basin. The other events happen across downtown St. Pete. On the schedule multiple events happen at one time starting from 4 pm to fireworks at midnight. Because I was the only still photographer working 2016, I had to speak with an organizer to get the priorities of where to be. I couldn’t be in 2 places at one time without a second shooter. But I was going to make it work the best I could for my client. I also had to walk with 15 pounds of gear. At first we thought I would be able to use a bike to get around. We had the bike but I didn’t end up using it.
I really enjoyed the fun and action of photographing First Night. There are all kinds of different people of different ages out with loved ones having fun. I know a lot of the people that volunteer and the organizers so that’s just a plus plus for getting good images. It is an outdoor night event but the low light doesn’t really affect me – even with the speed and action.
rowdies first night st
procession first night st
frist night st pete fireworks
first night leslie curran
first night rowdies
vinoy park
allen loyd rowdies first night
first night museum of fine arts
James Oleson
