That afternoon the weather seemed quite scorching when I and the entourage arrived at Batusangkar, Tanah Datar, West Sumatra.
There was no striking crowd when the bus that we were traveling for two hours from the city of Padang was entering a small road to the location of the main destination. Though that day will be held a pretty big activity.
It was only when it reached the parking lot, the hubbub was beginning to be felt. Dozens of motorcycles and some cars parked there, also seen some people back and forth.
After getting off the bus, the entourage was driven to the center of activity. Slowly look the real crowd. Dozens of merchants marched by the side of the road, hundreds of people circling the arena that had previously only cultivated rice fields.
Yes that day will dihelat Pacu Jawi. Pacu means the race, while Jawi is Cow. True, it looks like Karapan Beef in Madura. But this traditional Tanah Datar game seems more challenging. For the arena of his pacemaker in a rice field full of water.
"Pacu Jawi is often held in rice fields that have been harvested, initially held as an entertainment event for farmers after harvest to fill their spare time, and also a form of gratitude for the abundant harvests," said Dodi Sandradi from Kemilau Indonesia The tours that govern our hunting.
This attraction has recently become more popular among tourists, especially for photographers. Through Pacu Jawi, photographers can hone their camera's ability to capture not only precise but dramatic moments.
I along with a number of fellow colleagues and photographer friends immediately looked for a point to immortalize the moment. By Fujifilm, we are all equipped with X-H1 lens, the latest flagship camera.
For me who is not proficient in photography, got X-H1 tub got a capable weapon. How not this camera is equipped with excellent features that will make it easier to capture all the moments.
"X-H1 is the first X-series mirrorless camera equipped with an in-body image stablization system (IBIS), thus minimizing blur," said Anggawanwan Pratama, Marketing Manager of Electronics Imaging Fujifilm Indonesia before hunting photos.
The food vendors around the arena became our first shot. Seller and buyer meetings seem to be the right appetizer prior to the main menu.
Feeling is enough, then step foot to move to the racetrack. Because it was the first time and did not quite understand the situation, I looked for a point near the right edge of the arena.
Seeing the farmers spur the cow is quite exciting to be photographed. Naturally the photographers, even from abroad, came to Batusangkar for Pacu jawi.
Because using Fujinon XF lens 16-55Mm F2.8 R LM WR, apparently our point of photographing is still too far away to catch the jockeys biting oxtail. He said, this is the moment most sought by the photographers.
We were then moved to the point that can capture the action of the jockey from the front. Dodi of Sheen had reminded to be careful when in the area facing the runway. Because cows can run toward our standing point.
Sure enough, when we were in that position, fear, anxiety and worry got over it. One side should concentrate photographing, but we are also required to be aware of the coming of cows.
Had a few times, the cow was like running towards us. Instantly we had to run in a muddy area to secure ourselves, timidly the cow was plowing. Once the cow has passed, we are back to the position to react.
Two hours of cows and farmers became the object of our camera shots. During that time, with standard photography skills, X-H1 is so helpful. Yes even though we did not get the jockey moment biting the oxtail.
Settings in this camera is quite easy to do without having to go into the menu. Shutter button is quite sensitive. Gripnya also make comfortable holding this camera. We also had time to try out one of its superior features slow 5x23,98P 120P. The result is very satisfactory.
Not to forget we used the Eterna simulation effect that supposedly used the movie Hollywoood. The resulting video is again so steady.
All the sensations that are felt during the Pacu Jawi photo shoot give a deep impression and will not be forgotten. The splashes of mud on the garment become a sweet souvenir.
If the Singapore Airline photographer claimed to have taken three pictures of Pacu Jawi, it seems we have to come back here again. But with better photographing capabilities. In order for the jockey moment to bite the oxtail can be a memory for the children and grandchildren later.
