Alberta Summer Games Photographer | Opening Ceremonies

Photographing the opening ceremonies for the Alberta Summer Games was such an incredible experience. The energy from the athletes and coaches was off the charts. The volunteers in my hometown of Okotoks went above and beyond to create a wonderful experience for everyone in attendance. Perfect Storm Cheerleading entertained everyone while they arrived. Indigenous drummers, singers and dancers representing the Blackfoot Confederacy wowed us with their cultural performances. The local circus artists from Spectacle Blue Circus Arts took to the field dressed representing all of the different activities. There were even two cranes that lifted the performers representing cycling and canoeing high above the crowd! It was really quite the event.

My job in documenting the event was to try to capture the energy of the athletes arriving and on the field during the event. Not only did I focus on the athletes and coaches, but on the performers and the volunteers. I also had 5 other photographers there that night stationed throughout the event to make sure that we were able to document the audience and dignitaries. Many of the volunteers were seasoned photographers, but there were a couple of young people just starting out on their photography journey and I really enjoyed helping them as they captured some portfolio worthy images. Here are some of my favourite images that I created that night.