I think I forgot about this one.
An event coverage I did for Dialink, the constructors of the Diabolo tunneling project under the Brussels National Airport. This project connects the Brussels Intl. Airport to the north with Antwerp and Amsterdam, and makes it possible for TGV trains coming from Brussels to stop at the Airport both on the lines towards Germany and towards Holland.
The entire event was held in one of the track change zones in the underground project. It was rather challenging taking photographs here, because they started with an angle-grinder concert, creating plenty of smoke and dust in the tunnel. Away goes any possibility to use flash. Furthermore, with this kind of light show, it is very hard to get good light metering. I decided to go fully manually over the entire event. After all, I think I did rather well. 😀

Money nor efforts were spared to make this an impressing event. There was Royal presence that day (King Albert II of Belgium was the main guest) and things had to run flawlessly. Probably one of the main reasons why photographers got tucked away in a little corner. Anyway, after the king arrived, the public was given a light and sound show I have rarely seen.

And then for the official part, all VIP guests had to push a little button to inaugurate the new underground train section. this was symbolized by two red lit tubes, eventually becoming green after ‘activation’. After that, the first of the newly acquired Desiro trains rolled into the tunnel section. I made a hand-held panorama to give an idea of the entire setting for this event. Make sure to click it to view full size!!!

And off they went, towards the Brussels Int’l Airport train station, where the reception was held. In the mean time, musicians, clothed as workers (not the other way around) gave a brass concert to accompany the people leaving on foot. Impressive sound, impressive colors! Another panorama worth checking out closer!

At the reception area, the VIP area was well divided from the press area, so not much to do there. I managed to make this shot of Albert II, talking to Herman de Croo (back towards camera). Next to our king is Didier Reynders, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of foreign affairs under Di Rupo I.

Thank you for watching!

Ludwig