2015 has been an incredible year for my photography career. Working with F8 Photography, we have covered many exciting events, and the APEC SUMMIT 2015 has definitely topped it off!
President Barack Obama arriving on stage to greet the 2015 APEC guests.
Out of 3,000 Media and Photographers who were covering APEC, Gary and myself were the only two who had been granted full access to all areas. We are very grateful to Darren Kerr from Factor 168, Project Director and Executive Producer for APEC 2015, for allowing us this opportunity.
Our tasks were to photograph the VVIP's in a more natural and intimate environment, which included Presidents, Prime Ministers and World Business Leaders. Our access gave us a rare opportunity to shoot back stage as the individuals were briefed and prepared to go on stage.
Being in the presence of these VVIP's was such a buzz. To have the opportunity to photograph these individuals in a way that they are rarely seen was amazing.
The images below represent the "behind the scenes" look into what we covered at the event.
As these images are rare and one of a kind for this event, we apologise for the watermark to protect the images from being misused.
President of the United Sates Mr Barack Obama and Jack Ma founder of Alibaba on stage together.
Project Director and Executive Producer Darren Kerr seated with Mr Allen Lai official MC of APEC 2015 awaiting the next VVIP to arrive in the green room.
President of the Philippines Mr Benigno Aquino III being interview by CNN Asia Pacific Editor Mr Andrew Stevens.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signs the VVIP guest book back stage after his speech.
C Y Leung, Chief Executive of Hong Kong relaxing back stage whilst his personal body guard stands close by. A very rare opportunity to get this close to VVIP's in the green room at APEC 2015.
Allan Zeman, Hong Kong business magnate seated in the centre, also known as the Father of Lan Kwai Fong, a famous bar a restaurant district located in Central Hong Kong.
Travis Kalanick founder of Uber. Photographing back stage was very unique and quiet interesting witnessing what goes on behind the scenes.
Back stage access gave us some unique shooting angles. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
President of China Mr Xi Jinping being introduced to the crowd before his speech.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Mr Peter O'neil being interviewed by Haslinda Amin, News anchor for Bloomberg television.
Founder of Air Asia Mr Tony Fernandes.
Hong Kong's C Y Leung greeting guests.
Mr Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba.com presenting at APEC CEO Summit.
Security was tight, personal body guard stands backstage for Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, whats in the bag!
Host venue of APEC CEO SUMMIT 2015, Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines.
Myself photographing in front of stage. Gary and I were the only two photographers who were granted 'full access to all areas'.
Our cameras and security passes for APEC. All gear was checked by security every morning through scanners, dog squad and secret service also throughly checked inside and outside the lenses.
The above photo was the gear I used throughout APEC. We packed light for this trip which enabled us to move freely around the event venue. All lenses and 5D III fitted into the new Think Tank turn style shoulder bag, a great investment for this type of job.
Gary photographed the event with the Sony A7RII and A7SII, these were ideal for shooting in the green room as it was so dark. Some images were taken at ISO 40,000 an amazing camera system and ideal for this event.
Thanks for reading our blog and please share.