I've some awesome news. One of the viewers who frequents my site and likes my work has sponsored me to go into the Sepang International F1 Circuit to attend the Japan GT Championship Malaysia 2006. It starts on the 23rd – 25th (finals) June. I missed out the 23rd (yesterday) but I woke very early for it today.
Allan gave me some other cools stuffs to use for this weekend as well. He didn't come with me though, chatting with friends & drinking up to 5am is no way to be fresh for anything the next day. Plus, that lazy worm told me to get the pictures of the girls for him & contacts if possible *rolls eyes*. Saw alot of the models with whom I took lots of pics with in the International Motor Show. Some, I think, were very glad to see me again and eagerly gave me contacts (because they didn't get the chance for it before) for personal portfolio pics.
The ticket I got came with the Pit Walkabout Pass – another ticket for an opportunity to walk in the Pits where the cars, drivers and GT queens are – but it's only for about an hour. I've to say that the GT queens are abit of a let down. They only gave eye contact to their own Japanese photogs. The whole session was a mess as there were SO many photographers and people going for it. And to my knowledge, the Pit Passes are only limited to 2000 customers. I believe the number I saw was close to 2000. That pass is expensive too, for a mere 45mins (exactly, I kept track of the time). It was so difficult to get any decent pictures of anyone because the men were all crowding the front and refusing to get away even after they are done getting their pictures. I lost my mood altogether and walked off. I saw some of the drivers sitting down leisurely & giving out autographs. I would have loved to get some autographs, but my main mission is not the race or drivers 
It's basically to take people pictures. So after that session, I went out and took more pics of the local models (who were more cooperative and much less prone to trying to be *too cute* – I can't stand those japanese "kawaii" culture – infact, whenever they try to act cute, I would tell them to "stop it! just be yourself" and they'd laugh and look normal instead 
).
For now, I won't be able to load any pictures online as I've taken it in Raw format in which I can't process in. I'll have to bring everything back to the studio for Allan to sort it out. Only then will I be able to begin my post-processing and upload and email them. Everyone will just have to be patient Including my sponsor.
While in the circuit, one of those long-lost agents called me up and gave me a 3 day assignment starting 27th-29th June. Indonesian group, I believe that's what she said. It's been a long while, and my Indonesian Malay is a little rusty. I suppose it's good to practise it, even if it's only for 3 days
My legs are feeling so tired now I went to the circuit before 9am… and I stayed until 6pm+… I think, the entire time I was there, the total time i had to sit down was only about an hour (for a breather & for a meal). Other than that, I was walking up and down the area all the time. I got to meet 2 very nice pro photographers who works with some of the local fashion/men magazines (unlike the others who are very snobbish & full of themselves). Hopefully tomorrow will be more fun Last days usually are.
This way, I guess I won't be missing the Quarter Finals and so on 
Muahahahaha~!!!
