National Day rehearsals Benjamin Sheares bridge (ECP) Marina Bay, Singapore

See it in more detail: www.flickr.com/photos/jcheaphotography/7668060860/sizes/k... [sadly I dont have a Pro account to upload it in larger size :( ]

This shot is probably half a year in the making. I know it sounds ridiculously long but having never really explored the vicinity of the bridge I took me some time to locate the staircase that would lead to this exact portion of the bridge. On top of that, I have always found the Marina Bay floating platform an eyesore. It just seemed so out-of-place with all the other modern architecture surrounding it. Therefore, I knew that an event would be necessary to make it more appealing to photograph and National Day rehearsals would be the best fit.

After finding my spot on the bridge, I realized that photographing this scene would not be easy due to the vibrations originating from the vehicles zooming pass behind me. Frequent tremors are a norm and these vibrations could easily kill my shot. Getting one long exposure was difficult, not to mention I had to take six different exposures for this super pano. In the end, I had to increase the ISO to 400 (which was well within the comfort zone of the 5D Mark II) so as to achieve a faster shutter speed (I didn't want to compromise my depth of view) and cross my fingers that no speed demons would be passing behind me when I depress my cable release.

Adding salt to injury, the wind picked up and it started to drizzle lightly when the firework display was on. My camera strap was flapping around in the wind and I was very concerned that my setup would just crash into the ground behind me. I secured the strap around my neck and fired the last few shots. Lastly, I also managed to dodge a heavy downpour as I ran into the Marina Bay Sands shopping complex. Wow! I have to say this photoshoot was definitely one of the most intense that I have undergone. Thankfully, I managed to come up with a relatively decent shot, with the exception of any good light trails in the foreground.

6 exp pano and 2 exp for the fireworks, edited in Photoshop! Comments and constructive criticisms are appreciated!!