Having attended the past two Circa Nocturna events in 2009 and 2008, I was eagerly awaiting for this year’s gala to arrive and this time, shooting on an official capacity. The past couple of years I have only been in the audience with my camera and have had restricted view etc. It was hard to get a decent shot.

This year, I was granted an official pass and boy, was it a ton of fun shooting at this amazing event.

Held annually at the gorgeous Fitzroy Town Hall, resplendent in all its gothic charm and glory it proved to be very difficult to get additional tickets to the event as it had sold out. I was so bummed out about this as I couldn’t get a ticket for my girlfriend and I felt guilty as hell going to the event, and having to leave her home. It wasn’t the same without her but alas, the show must go on.

Having survived the tremendous storms that hit Melbourne this afternoon – an ominous, sinister mood had enveloped this city and kinda an appropriate setting for tonight’s event where all the creatures of the night come out to play.

All romantic gothic notions aside, it was going to be quite a trek to get to the other side of town in one piece.

A sea of black leather, spandex, latex, rubber was ascending up the stairs of the Fitzroy Town Hall and I found my photopass awaiting me as I arrived.

I positioned myself amongst my fellow photogs and used the time before the show to get acclimatised with the venue and the somewhat, sombre, dim lighting.

I think I was the only shooter there who shot without a flash (can’t stand using flash at the best of times) – but I set my camera up to use as much of the light available as I could. I prefer the rich, warm tones and color of non-flash shooting and I was pretty pleased with tonight’s results.

All in all, a magnificent night and one that seems to be growing with every passing year.

It’s always a treat getting to shoot a band you absolutely adore! Having been a huge H.I.M fan for quite a few years now, I was greatly anticipating the opportunity to photograph these guys.

Which is saying something. Earlier in the day I won a pass to go and see the incredible Faith No More but I surrendered that ticket to my cousin. Couple that with the fact that also, Meshuggah were doing a show elsewhere – I decided to stick with Ville and the boys and finally get to photograph this truly incredible band.

From the outset, The Hifi Bar was packed to the rafters. I was there about an hour early, made my way to the photo-pit and just could not believe the heat inside this place.

A hot night for rock and roll!

I shot tonight totally with my new 70-200mm – wanting to put it through the ringer and see what I could achieve with it. Granted, I am missing the hell out of my 24-105mm lens which is still getting repaired – but I thought it would be a good challenge to see what this new baby could do. I was pleased with the results. Even without the IS (Image Stablization) I managed to get some good, crisp, sharp results. I also fiddled around with my White Balance tonight and was trying for a more warm, ambient atmosphere.

I didn’t stay past my allotted three song limit in the photo-pit but as far as I could tell, it was proving to be a pretty raucous and fun gig. I’m sure the packed Hifi Bar had themselves a great night tonight.

And as much as I love the band, I was more concerned with my photos to worry about anything else…