A lot of single people hate Valentine's Day, but I don't mind it. This may be due to the fact that it's always a big work weekend for me.
Valentine's Day Eve was my busiest shooting day thanks to dance parties, Hotel Valley Ho's spectacular Cocktail Carnival, and the Arizona Strong Beer Festival.
MAN-CAT Butthurt Valentine's Party - Photo by Melissa Fossum
The biggest event was the aptly named Butthurt Valentine's Dance Party. The event was organized by Tempe activists A Claire Slattery and Sarah Richie Rich and featured live music from MAN-CAT and Serene Dominic. There was also free candy and Donna Lewis' "I Love You Always Forever." What more could you ask for?
I was the event's official photographer and also posted some photos to AZCentral. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about Butthurt Tempe's events in the future.
A Claire Slattery at Butthurt Valentine's Party - Photo by Melissa Fossum
I bought a wide angle lens on Saturday and got to test it out that evening. Suffice to say, I love it. This lens works great for nightlife.
Butthurt Valentine's Party - Photo by Melissa Fossum
I also took photos of the final monthly Obscura Dance Night. The event will continue periodically in the future.
Arizona Circus School at Cocktail Carnival at Hotel Valley Ho - Photo by Melissa Fossum
I spent most of Saturday overdressed thanks to Arizona Cocktail Week's annual Cocktail Carnival at Hotel Valley Ho. I'm not complaining, this vintage hotel is a the perfect place to go when you're feeling fancy.
Arizona Strong Beer Festival at Steele Indian School Park - Photo by Melissa Fossum
One of my favorite experiences from the weekend was capturing this photo. I managed to talk my way into getting on a highrise (thanks, beer company! I was a little overheated so I forgot which company you were specifically, my apologies). The Arizona Strong Beer Festival was packed, and it was great to get a high spot to take in the crowd.
Deschutes Brewery at Arizona Strong Beer Festival at Steele Indian School Park - Photo by Melissa Fossum
Plus, look at all of that tasty beer! I sampled beer the first year I photographed the event, and I would highly recommend buying a ticket for next year's festival if you are a beer fan.
I rounded it all out by photographing The Yard's Last Slinger Standing Competition in Tempe.
See you in the photo pit.