For this month’s News, Sports, and Entertainment spotlight we spoke to Taka Wu, who is a professional sports photographer that covers events from Athletics to Table Tennis, his work has featured in newspapers and magazines around the globe.
We caught up with him to talk about his career but also his latest coverage of both the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and this year’s event in Paris, read on to find out how he’s prepared himself for the upcoming games.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will be completely different than Tokyo 2020 since it was during the pandemic. I’m looking forward to embodying and embracing everything Paris has to offer.
Taka Wu
SH: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into sports photography?
TW: Since I was a child, I’ve always had an affection for the arts and photography. I would make photo collages by collecting pictures from newspapers and magazines. Ever since I bought my first Nikon FM2 manual camera after I graduated in Japan. I started street photography and sometimes shot for local sport events, friends birthday parties, etc. I have a passion for sport and sport photography. I have been fortunate enough to photography the world’s best events from Athletics, Boxing, Darts, Diving, F1/Fe, Figure Skating, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, The Paralympics, Rugby, Snooker, Swimming, Tennis and Table Tennis. My work has been published in many British and international newspapers and magazines.
SH: With the Paralympics coming up soon, what sport are you looking forward to photographing the most?
TW: I like to photography all Paralympic sports but my favourite has to be Athletics (Track and Field) but also Swimming, Wheelchair Tennis and Track Cycling.
SH: You attended the last Paralympics in Tokyo how was that and how do you think this year’s will compare?
TW: I was lucky to have the opportunity to attend the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. It was a fantastic event, with amazing venues and invaluable experiences. The Paris 2024 Paralympics will be completely different than Tokyo 2020 since it was during pandemic. I’m looking forward to embodying and embracing everything Paris has to offer.
SH: How have you prepared for the upcoming Paralympics?
TW: I’ve been prepared for this year’s Paralympics for a couple of months, researching information about the newly selected athletes, their backgrounds and achievements etc. So, I have the information I need when I’m on the event.
SH: We can see that you’ve shot plenty of different sports/events, what is your favourite to cover?
Motor Sport (F1 and Formula E, MotoGP), Winter Olympics and Winter sports, Paralympics, Boxing, Track and Field, Swimming, Rugby, etc.
SH: What was the most memorable match/event you’ve attended?
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Opening ceremony, the Youth Winter Olympics and the U18 Rugby World Cup 2018.
SH: What photography equipment do you travel with?
TW: 2 x Nikon Z9, 1 x Nikon Z8, 1 x Nikkor Lens 400mm f/2.8, 1 x Nikkor Lens 24mm-70mm f/2.8, 1 x Nikkor Lens 14mm-24mm f/2.8 and 1 x Nikkor Lens 8mm-16mm f/2.8 Fisheye.
Plus a couple spare batteries and monopod, etc…
SH: Any advice for fellow photographers who would like to shoot sports photography?
TW: Practice, practice and more practice, remember practice makes perfect. Never give up, keep learning and keep trying.
