Welcome back to this desolate landing page, also known as my blog. We’re fashionably late, but still doing this annual recap dance once more, where I share a few short tid-bits about my 2025 and what made it great.
I often feel like I should be posting here more often so I can reach folks who aren’t following along on my primary social media platforms, but then again… That’s how people who share images often get “discovered” these days. So if you’re one of the few folks who DO watch my blog for new posts, I’m truly sorry that this page has been underwhelming. And if you’re not one of the aforementioned types… I’m most active on Instagram and semi-active on Facebook. TikTok and the rest is for the birds. I said what I said.
There are plenty of highlights to mention when looking back at 2025. I had a handful of great opportunities to photograph some banger shows over the year, and had the pleasure of doing a few super fun press shoots with some pals. I grew my marketing sole-proprietorship to capacity, and best of all, I married my favorite person! And don’t worry… I may have changed my last name legally… But I’ll always be ZukShoots.
2025 hosted a number of wicked shows over the course of the year. Some of them being historic (like, actually). Notably, Acid Bath making their triumphant return to the stage, and choosing Edmonton as one of the few cities they played while making this return. Speed and Whispers venturing all the way across the planet to play North America and putting on (arguably) one of the craziest shows at The Starlite Room that I’ve ever seen. The resurgence of Creed totally gripped Rogers Place, and I’ve yet to be at another concert that had THAT much crowd sing-along moments. Holy shit.
The second installment of Infest was, once again, nothing to sneeze at; bringing some crazy underground bands into town for the weekend, and capping the whole shebang off with Midnight was some insane work that I think people will talk about for many years to come. I’m already chomping at the proverbial bit to see what’s in store for Infest 2026.
For the most part, 2025 had its fair shares of ups and downs, but I really only want to spotlight the positives of the year. Yeah, I didn’t shoot as much as I probably would have liked to, but finding balance so I don’t lose my mind has always been a struggle for me, but we’re learning to take it easy over here! It may have been yet another year that tested my patience and forced me to grow in many ways, but I’m coming out of it feeling good and ready to take on whatever bullshit (and good shit) 2026 may want to throw at me.
So, before I fade back into the solitude of hermit-mode (and sink more hours into Ghost of Yotei), I’d like to thank everyone who has been a positive contributor to 2025 for me. Whether you were someone who hired me for your show or press photos, someone who took the time to say hello, or simply someone who likes and follows my posts: THANK YOU. You really have no idea how much it means to me. So, without further adieu, please enjoy these few favourite photos from 2025, in no particular order, and remember to make 2026 your bitch. Happy (late) New Year!
