HONG KONG ELECTRIFIED

January 23, 2018 in PHOTOGRAPHY, HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHER, FORMULA E HONG KONG, MOTORSPORT ASIA, MOTORSPORT PHOTOGRAPHER H

Round 1 and 2 of the 2017/2018 season, Hong Kong Formula E has come and gone. This year we were hired by the Global Sponsor, Julius Baer, and Activation Group. What an exciting event for Hong Kong, in the heart of the central business district, a stone's throw away from Victoria Harbor. Not to mention one of the worlds greatest backdrops, nestled amongst skyscrapers and luxury apartments. One can only imagine what a night race would be like in the Harbour City?

One of the greatest feelings of satisfaction is when you have completed a job exceeding your client's expectations. This can't be done without a good team around you, continuous communication, positive/negative feedback, improving or dealing with situations out of your control and overall staying professional under pressure, and, getting the job done! None of this works without planning and understanding your client's requirement weeks before an event.

As a photographer, you need to be flexible, adaptable and willing to work hard under any condition. Motorsport photography has its challenges, especially street circuits, we are quite restricted with access due to track designs and of course, safety reasons and the Hong Kong track is no exception. Keeping this in mind we need to be creative in finding angles or locations different to be able to tell the story and at the same time fulfill your client's needs. This is one of the great challenges but one of the most rewarding when you get that perfect shot!

Thanks to a professional team at Activation Events, Julius Baer and my assistant Terence. If you would like to see more of my work please visit my website www.christiaanhart.com and follow me on Instagram @christiaanhartphotographer

All eyes on the prize, Mitch Evans, Jaguar Formula E Team, fully focused Round 1.

Hong Kong's famous checked yellow intersections, makes for an interesting view

Mechanical issues forced Felix Rosenqvist to spectate in practice one.

Turn 2 a tight right hander off the main straight.

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Craft Bamboo driver, Darryl O'Young tackles Lisbo corner in the VLT Porsche GT3 — Craft Bamboo driver, Darryl O'Young tackles Lisbo corner in the VLT Porsche GT3

CONCRETE JUNGLE

January 24, 2017 in HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHY

Macau Grand Prix is well known for its tight turns, long straights and yellow and black steel barriers that have claimed many teams and drivers championship hopes. The City of Macau comes alive for a four day action packed motorsport festival.

2016 was as exciting as ever, working with Craft Bamboo and VLT, the teams major sponsor. Craft Bamboo who compete in the GT Asia series which is the regions leading GT championship featuring the best production based supercars such as Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bentley.

Over the four days we were hired as the teams official photographers capturing everything from pit lane, garage preparations, VIP's, and race day action on the track.

Here's a little insight into what went on.

Darry'l O'young attacking the famous Melco hairpin turn.

The 2016 event was definitely more challenging to photograph due to tighter securities on vantage points. Nevertheless, this is one of the most exciting corners whereby the cars lift a wheel off the ground due to the angle of the turn, this makes for an exciting dynamic image.

Team Craft Bamboo leading the way after a restart. This is one of fastest parts of the Macau circuit coming out of Fishermans bend heading towards the famous Lisboa corner.

Darryl O'young pushing hard in Qualifying.

Always a crowd favourite, VLT Race To Win, Craft Bamboo Racing Team.

Autograph session in the paddock with Darryl O'young and the VLT racing Queens.

Sadly the weekend did not finish well for the team after being pushed into a wall from a competitor. Unfortunately the car did not make it back onto the track after the incident.

Motorsport events are long days and nights. The excitement and exhilaration you get from working with and around professional motorsport teams is second to none. It was a pleasure to work with Craft Bamboo and VLT, we look forward to more exciting projects down the road.

Camera equipment used:

Canon 2 x EOS 1DX Bodies

Canon 2 x EOS 5D MKIII

Canon 2 x EF 24-70 f/2.8 L IS USM

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 LII USM

Canon 2 x 70-200 f/2.8 IS II USM

Canon 400MM f/2.8 IS II USM

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

October 24, 2016 in HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHY, FORMULA E HONG KONG

Hong Kong is well known for it's hustle and bustle and what not a better place to host the first Formula E race of 2016/2017 season.

Hong Kong's harbour front came alive for a weekend of spills and thrills. I was contracted to cover an exciting new project by ROBORACE, a driverless race car series, yes you heard it! "Devbot" is a prototype and Hong Kong was to be its first time navigating the challenging street circuit. Unfortunately "Devbot" never made it on to the circuit. The autonomous race car is packed with technology and due to a battery failure sadly we didn't get the chance to photograph her on track.

In saying this, we had the opportunity to witness "Devbot" in action on the Kai Tak cruise terminal. The Team had a pre approved secret test late on Saturday night. I must say it was a little surreal to watch a driverless car in motion in front of the breathtaking backdrop of Hong Kong's skyline.