The Flag

22nd May

Today was the KL Photo Essay workshop organized by Sony for the Alpha users. The task was quite straightforward: go in a group of 3, take 6 photos that best describe the title "Uniquely KL".

Alas, I sucked pretty bad when asked to shoot free style. I don't know... I just need to have a defined target when I shoot. That's why I can pretty much shoot anything; portrait, macro, concert, cars etc but not free style. I have zero ideas for a compelling storyline..

Instead, me and a few friends ended up having lunch and drinking Teh Ais. On the way back though, spotted this sorry looking flag hanging out a window.



In one of the busiest street of KL, with the DBKL HQ just less than 1km away. As we walked back towards the workshop venue, there were more flags in such conditions. In plain view of the thousand of Malaysians passing by everyday.



It really makes you wonder: what's the meaning of the flag? A symbol of our nation, a source of pride and inspiration or just another piece of decoration we put up in August but never bother to take back down....

AFOS 2010

15th & 16th May



The Asian Festival of Speed returned to the Sepang circuit for the 2010 season opener. The event brought back great memories as the 2009 edition was the 1st time I had the chance to go in as a media photographer. This year, a good friend managed to secure media pass again for us and there was no way I'm gonna pass this up.

The day started earrly on the 15th as we had to collect our pass by 9am. After getting the paper work, I started the day with a quick tour around the pit garage..

The GT3 Asia practice session was under way and cars were going in and out off the pit..






In the mean time, the Formula BMW Pacific drivers were getting ready for their turn to go out on track..




Catching a little Zen time before things get hectic..


Wished I had a ND filter with me so I could have used a even slower shutter speed. Really wanted to capture the energy, actions and movements during the pit stop...


It was time to head out to the track after the pit session. The GT3 qualifying session was just getting started. Time for some action shots..








Next up was the GT4 series comprising of the Aston Martins cars..




A handheld slow shutter attempt at 1/20sec speed..


An interesting category this time is the classic car series. It's not often that we see these classics going all out on the track..






GT3 Race 1 was up next.






Another slow shutter attempt. This time tried using 1/10 sec to get that dreamy look..




Final race of the day was for the Formula BMW Pacific series. By now, half of our group had already left and I myself was dead tired..


Finally something happened. The Petronas car spun under braking and was tagged..


A little push to get it back on the road..


Day 2 started at 10am. By the time we reached Turn 1, the cars were just exiting the pit for the formation lap..


Race start and it's a mad dash to Turn 1..


Couple of near misses as cars fight for positions going into Turn 2..


Trying to find a way pass through Turn 1 on the outside line..


Outbraking into Turn 1 and nearly collected the Petronas car..


After the race, it was time to head back into pit for the pre-race ceremony. The grid girls were already lining up with the team flags..




The drivers in the waiting area before making their way out for the drivers parade..


GT4 drivers posing for the photo session..


In the meantime, had a photo taken with Alex Yoong..


One of the key attraction in any racing events: The race queens..








I was shooting the car... really...


This is how popular the girls were with the crowd..




A brief rest in the media center while waiting for the main race to start..


After half an hour, it was back on track for the GT3 main race grid formation..




Car 33 from Team PCS Racing was in great form as it dominated the race.


The top 3 finishers for the race..


Delighted with his podium finish..


And the winners...


Up next was another round of Formula BMW race. Took some photos of the grid formation before calling it a day...


Frantic discussion still going on on the grid..


Final countdown..


Parting shot from AFOS 2010..