Arriving in Singapore for the inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1^TM SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, Darren Heath will be in town to capture this historic event when the city hosts Formula One's first night race. The Singapore GP, touted as one of the most visually stunning in the world, will showcase Singapore as a progressive and vibrant city through the eyes of this award-winning F1 photographer from the UK.

Multi award-winning Heath specialises in photographing Formula One and the automotive industry covering events and commissions in a creative and artistic manner using natural light and colour to their maximum effect. Clients include Ford, Jaguar, BMW, Toyota, Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Vodafone, Bridgestone, Foster's, FIA, Time, F1Racing, Car Graphic, Car, Top Gear, The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Sun, Conde Nast Traveller and Kraken Opus. In recognition of his contribution to the art and science of photography, Heath was also awarded an Honorary Fellowship to the Royal Photographic Society in 2005.

Darren's interest in photography began in his early teens, naturally combining it with his other passion, motor sport. He went on to study photography at college and thereafter started shooting professionally at Formula One circuits in 1989 at a tender age of 21.

Darren shares some insights about himself and his world for our Singapore readers:

Who initially inspired you towards your unique brand of Formula One photography today?

My initial photographic inspirations were varied but really I just wanted, and still do, to place ultimate emphasis on light, composition and simplicity. Currently I admire the work of William Ecclestone, Stephen Shore and the motion picture work of the renowned Director of Photography, Roger Deakins. I admire their ability to keep things simple without any loss of impact. Their images encourage me to see everyday objects in a deconstructed way to appreciate their special nuances. Keeping the subject matter simple, adhering to good composition, light, colour, strong graphics, and clean backgrounds can be difficult in F1 but rewarding when achieved.

What is a typical race year like for F1 photographers who work the circuits around the world?

This accredited FIA (Formula One's governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) photographer's diary runs with the F1 race season each year which begins from early March to early November with a total of 18 races, with two new circuits, added in 2008 namely, Valencia and Singapore. While the demands of each season require acute mental and physical endurance, I always look forward to every race that I attend around the globe.

Workwise, my scope differs at different races, depending on the commissions from my clients. Usually the first three races of the season are the busiest with the season settling down to a manageable pace as we head back to the European race circuits. With the new circuits, such as Valencia and Singapore in this year's calendar (2008), one has to quickly get a good feel for the lay of the land making a note of shooting positions and remembering routes between these vantage points.

Being part of the exclusive band of FIA Accredited F1 photographers (no more than 70 are permanently accredited worldwide) who document these races around the world, my peers and I follow a strict routine and a similar time schedule every race weekend. For example, I will arrive on a Friday or Saturday and be at the circuit by 7.30am, starting work on my computer in the media room. I will then be either trackside or working the pit lane during the practice or qualifying sessions before returning to the media room to edit the pictures, grab lunch and then shoot the cars again in the afternoon session. I return to the paddock in the late afternoon to shoot the drivers, team owners and other staff and finally leave the circuit around 8pm.

What tips can you share on photographing high-speed Formula One cars that makes them different from other photo subjects?

One needs to first have a good appreciation of speed to show that photographically. But shooting Formula One is basically just like photographing any other subject in that what makes a good picture is comprised of all or a mixture of composition, light, the rule of thirds (balance), focus and exposure. One can add to the sense of speed and/or drama by tilting the camera or slowing the shutter speed right down so as to accentuate the fast movement of the cars. Basically what I try to do with every shot to make the end result a feast for the senses.

What makes up your basic F1 camera kit while on the go around the tracks?

The minimum I will have with me at the race circuits is as follows:- Two digital cameras of the same model shooting at 21 megapixels; four 8 gig cards; lenses ranging from 14mm fisheye to 840mm super telephoto; various filters; and a flash gun.

As Formula One's first historical night race, what special challenges will there be for shooting in the dark at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sept 26-28, 2008?

The prospect is not as scary as one might imagine. The current digital cameras on the market these days can capture a night race much more easily than perhaps it would have been a few years ago. I've worked at a number of night-time sports car races in both Europe and the US so am used to the conditions apart of course for the fact that our cars have no headlights! I will approach night-time photography in a very similar way to the day-time races whilst placing particular importance upon the dusk practice sessions. These really could, with the setting sun as a backdrop, provide the photographic highlight of the season. If it rains whilst the cars are running the reflections afforded by the wet road will make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Finally, how do you feel about being part of Singapore's first Formula One night race for the very first time?

I am very excited about the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix as F1's first night race. It will be a fantastic challenge shooting a Grand Prix in the dark, with the changing light at twilight during the practice sessions, the jet lag affecting all the European travellers and trying to do photographic justice to such a great setting. I can't wait.

More of Darren's creative work can be seen on his website and blog at www.darrenheath.com. Darren is represented in Singapore by Datum Branding.