The F1 circuit is back in Singapore for its 9th year, and I've always longed for a chance to photograph it one day, given that the event is literally the most prestigious among all the other sporting events held locally.
Thanks to the AP, I finally got the chance to photograph the event this year. Covering events of such scale require lots of planning and teamwork, and credits really go to Maye-E and Mark, who gave me lots of pointers and helped set me up for the coverage.
To me, F1, unlike other sports, was daunting and had an extremely steep learning curve. Prior to event days, I did as much research as I could on what I could do, what I could not do, the types of pictures that could be made, the different photo positions, and getting to and fro point A to B. Despite preparations, things can also happen unexpectedly and one has to adapt accordingly.
In my mind of course, I just wanted to do the job properly, but at the same time, I wanted to make sure that I could take away one decent action and jubilation picture. While I did want to try shooting some feature stuff at the pit lane areas, stuff like these takes some good planning and practice and the time wasn't right. Still, I was really glad to be in the positions and situations that I got to be in.
Throughout my assignment, I'm also extremely grateful to Edgar, Jeremy, Wallace, Mark and Diego for their daily valuable tips. If it weren't for them, I would not have been able to pull it off either. To top it off, shooting with friends, and many newfound friends made the whole experience even better.
During the first and second practice sessions, I found myself really learning and trying to get used to everything and needless to say, it was difficult.
As the days went by, things were slightly better and I gradually got the hang of it. And to further add to the experience, I was extremely fortunate to have witnessed and photographed Nico Hülkenberg's crash right at the start of the race. Beginner's luck I guess! Overall, the experience was an unparalleled one and I would definitely love to do it again. It is honestly quite addictive!
I know I've said this countless times, but thanks again to Charlie and Maye-E for trusting me enough despite my absolute zero experience in motor sports.
And of course, thanks to Matthew and the Canon Professional Services team, who were always super kind and patient with whatever that I needed.
Here are a few of my takes from all three days. To see more of AP's coverage of the event, visit: http://bit.ly/2de1WBe
The Singapore Grand Prix's Marina Bay City Circuit taken with a fish-eye lens at dusk from a hotel suite in Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore is seen on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
McLaren driver Fernando Alonso of Spain steers his car during the second practice session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the second practice session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany steers his car during the third practice session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Renault driver Jolyon Palmer of Britain steers his car during the third practice session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Haas driver Romain Grosjean of France steers his car during the third practice session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Manor driver Esteban Ocon of France steers his car during the qualifying session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Sauber driver Felipe Nasr of Brazil steers his car during the qualifying session for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany sits in an open top car during the drivers parade ahead of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg of Germany walks from his car after crashing at the start of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Track marshals clear debris from the track after Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg of Germany crashed at the start of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
The car of Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg of Germany is taken from the track after he crashed at the start of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany, followed by Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, steer their cars during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany steers his car during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany jumps off his car as he celebrates after winning the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates with his team after winning the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany sprays champagne as he celebrates after winning the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates with his team after winning the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates with his team after winning the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany celebrates after winning the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix on the Marina Bay City Circuit Singapore, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim)