A keen eye, some luck, and the perfect shot

I started my journey of faith at 10.30pm on Monday with a lot of apprehensions. This was one of the most important events I was covering, and the scale of the event was massive. Above all, there was an inner voice within me asking if I would be able to see the Pope and participate in the communion. But those thoughts were soon pushed away as I started clicking photos of the thousands of people who had gathered to attend the papal mass the next day, people young and old, from all countries and religions.

It was unbelievable. We reached Abu Dhabi in the wee hours and headed to the media centre at St Regis Hotel.

We had been informed by the UAE National Media Council that the bus for photojournalists would leave by 7.15am on Tuesday for the venue, which was 15km away. After a fitful sleep, I woke up at 5am and was all set well in advance.

On reaching the stadium we proceeded to the media gate for the security check. Even as we entered, cries of “Pope Francis!”, “Viva El Papa!” reverberated. We entered the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium through gate no. 29, and then I began my search for the right spot to click. I knew this was a great opportunity, but finding the right place along with 700 foreign journalists from 30 countries was no mean task. I finally had to settle for the last spot on the third row. Though a bit despondent, I started clicking

pictures of the people already seated at the vast venue. I knew the web desk would be waiting for my pictures.

Then began our wait for the Pope. None of us had any clue as to which gate he would enter through. Well, should I call it a premonition or my years of experience, I am not sure. But at 9.55am I checked the position of the live Vatican Media TV camera placed near me and noticed that it was pointing towards the gate to the left side of the stadium. And I was at a vantage point!

Sharp 10am and he entered. And I was all set. I clicked away to glory, of the Pope waving to the crowd from his popemobile. Yes, I missed the little girl who jumped the fence and ran to him, but well, it was fine, for I had got some really good shots of the Pope himself, and of the crowd.

My camera had captured all emotions. I knew I had some great pics, but there was no time to think. The paper was waiting for my photos. The clock was ticking. I just kept sending them.

My joy knew no bounds when a photo clicked by me appeared on the front page the next day, similar to the one published above, taking up half the page. It was a proud moment for me. And I could satisfy my inner me when I took my communion, especially sent to us at the media pavilion.