Lawrence Ripsher's Photo Journal

Chingay 2008

Chingay 2008 is Singapore's (and Asia's) largest festival. This year I was invited to attend with a media pass, thanks to a friend ,Eric Goh, who is a well known and respected photographer here.

It was my first time attending Chingay. At first, I found it difficult to shoot almost due to there being too many subjects. Took some time for me to focus, remove the noise / distraction and then concentrate on what I thought were interesting images. A highlight for me was definitely the debut of a F1 car on Singapore's streets as it put a Redbull car through its paces in a brief demonstration. Singapore will be hosting its first F1 GP next year so this was a preview of things to come at the world's first F1 night race later this year.

A few shots are included below.

The Contender Asia - Episode 6

Episode 6 was a war. In my opinion this was the most brutal encounter so far, and the closest. The crowd was incredible - getting behind the fighters with an intensity that neither had probably experienced in any arena before. Was a tough fight for me - as I like both David and Dzhabbar. David's graceful and dignified reaction to the result in the end was very impressive - made me proud to be a fellow Brit. Was also very difficult selecting the final 20 images for the official website as I had so many great shots from the encounter. Here's five of my favourites.

The fight is momentarily stopped as the Contender Asia doctor examines
a cut to David's forehead.

Dzhabar avoids a big right from David as both men ricochet into the
ropes

David lands a big right, this time in the centre of the ring.

Graceful and professional in defeat, David pays his respect to the
Contender Asia arena before leaving for one final time.

Back in the changing rooms, Dzhabar is faced with medical treatment.

The Contender Asia - Episode 5

Episode five featured a match between Soren Mongkontong and Alain Sylvestre. A brutal encounter which Soren won after the fight was stopped due to a cut to Alain's eye. Was a very interesting match to watch - after watchin this fight I became an instant fan of Soren's fighting style, which is very traditional with heavy use of knees / elbows. This match was a good reminder of the damage that can be caused by the eight point fighting style of Muay Thai.

Another knee from Soren crashes into Alain's body as he attempts to
push off his aggressor.

In the center of the ring, Soren shows why his knee strikes are
renowned amongst the Muay Thai community with another powerful blow.

Cut open from an elbow strike, Alain's face is a crimson mask as he
raises his hands for another clash.

A fast jab from Soren finds its way through Alain's defenses.

The aftermath. Toweling off the blood and sweat off Alain's forehead
reveals a deep cut in his forehead.

The Contender Asia - Episode Four

Have been busy with work and also been taking a break from photography so haven't updated this blog in three weeks. In the meantime however, The Contender Asia has continued to roll and has been great following it (and seeing my pictures) on TV. Now updating my entries for the past few episodes of images.

Bruce Macfie, representing the blue team, walks to The Contender arena as he glances across at his opponent in the ring.

Yodsanklai and Bruce perform Wai Khru in the center of the ring.

An elbow strike from Yodsanklai finds its mark in devastation fashion.

Yodanklai's trademark left kick crashes into Bruce creating an explosion of sweat and water.

Yodsankali after the fight, the very image of Muay Thai excellence.