Overnight planning, cautious driving for a split-second shot
I was assigned to shoot the UAE cycle tour. I was going to do this assignment for the very first time. The concept of it is quite interesting, photographing the cyclists as they ride past various landmarks of the country. Stage one of the race was in Dubai, from Palm Jumeirah to Dubai Silicon Oasis.
I planned out my route the night before, but the following day we were told that photographers were only allowed at the start and finish, for the safety of the cyclists.
This did not stop me from getting the photos I had in mind. I had the route map of the cycle tour. I decided to drive out from the start line anticipating road closures. Disappointed that my plans had been changed, there was no time to sulk. It was time to think fast. Thanks to my knowledge of the roads in Dubai, I knew just the right spot where I could park my car safely, and positioned myself to get the first shot – with the Burj Al Arab in the background.
I reached Umm Suqeim Road and drove around looking for parking, and then walked through the narrow residential areas to reach the main road overlooking the Burj Al Arab. Using live tracking, I tracked the cyclists as they progressed from the Palm Jumeirah. Being much ahead of time, I was the only photographer in position.
After successfully getting the shot, it was time to think of an exit route, since the main exit roads had been closed for traffic immediately before and after the cyclists passed through the area.
My next position was at Al Qudra.
Normally, it would take around 25-30 minutes to reach Al Qudra via Umm Suqeim road. But due to the closure, I had to take a longer route, a route that would meet the cyclists from the opposite side, thereby bypassing the roadblocks.
I got on Hessa Street and drove to the other end. It took patience and precision driving from Umm Suqeim to Al Qudra in under 25 minutes despite bumper to bumper traffic.
The cyclists took a few seconds to ride past me, but it took a lot more for me to reach there and frame the shot.