Chingay photo-shooting experience : Feb-16

After being an Angsana member (SSA photographers group) for more than a year, I was given an opportunity to shoot our SSA performance in the Chingay this year.  Prior to committing myself, KX did warn us on the challenges of taking photos during Chingay, nevertheless I took on the challenge and agreed to go for at least two Chingay performances. 

My first experience was the full dress rehearsal at AMK-Bishan park which was a total breeze.  How difficult could it be I thought…

Group photo during rehearsal

However, a week later when I joined the actual Chingay Parade 1 at F1 pit, I finally managed to taste the pain.  It was pouring like crazy then and after sitting at our seats for a short while, my partner (Alex) and I were forced to retreat to the shelter and waited for the SSA event to come.  Our raincoats did not help much and the rain did not go gentle on everyone and continued with cats and dogs.  When our performance was about to arrive, we confronted it regardless, battling the rain together with the rest of the performers and photographers.  Our only consolation was the fact that due to the heavy rain, we were actually able to get very close to the VIP stand, which provided us a good angle for our shooting, but still, it was very very wet.  After half an hour, my camera lens could not continue anymore and caught a ‘cold’ and got condensed… L  Fortunately, I got a backup camera to take a few shots for our performance to ease my disappointment.  The rain also did not encourage us to stay on too long and we retired shortly after our event, drenched down into our underpants and definitely one of a lifetime experience.

Alex and myself

VIP - LHL

Close shoot near VIP stand

Performer drenched

Volunteer helping the media photographer

 Two days later, the Chingay Fiesta was conducted at AMK-Bishan park where our MD choir would be performing.  Three of us went down to take the shoots; Alex, KX and myself.  While there was a brief passing shower, it stopped way before our MD performance commenced.  Due to the crowd gathered at the park, we had to discuss on our strategy to take some good shoots for the event.  I suggested my position to be at the opposite block where I could shoot the performance together with the VIPs viewing them.  So, I recce the place and confirm that it was a viable spot.  At 7pm, we went separately to deploy our mission and I was ready and waiting for our performance to happen at 8pm.  Prior to that, I adjusted my camera settings and fully prepared for that few minutes.  Close to 8pm, to my huge dismay, huge crowd of participant gathered at the performance area with big balloons which obstructed my view totally and then also came the firework in front of me which smoked my entire view.   What an unexpected outcome after an hour of wait, but nevertheless, it lived up to it’s Chingay photography challenge reputation.

Shoot from opposite block

Smokey fireworks