SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 34

Meet Matchroom’s Photographer ~ Taka Wu

By Kat Day

What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever,impossible to reproduce.

~ Karl Lagerfeld

That quote says it all when it comes to photography. Capturing the precious moment that cannot be duplicated except through the lens and a memory card and keeping it timeless!

During the US Open, I had the privilege to get acquainted with the man behind the lens Taka Wu! I was working on articles for the Ko Brothers and desperately needed photos of Ko Ping Chung. I believe it began when Ko Ping Chung placed third in the US Open. But we had gotten stories on all three brothers and called it the Ko Brother’s Blowout Edition!

Taka Wu was Matchroom Multisport’s photographer at the 2022 Mosconi Cup! He captured emotion, excitement, and all the expressions in between!

I do photography but have yet to start attending Billiard events and catching those Wow photos of players. I have gotten one great photo at La Cultura Cigar & Social in Kansas City of one of the owners playing pool with the cue coming out of the man’s beard on the table! Anyhow Taka Wu’s photography is amazing!

When I started researching Matchroom’s photography and photographer, I emailed Taka, and he got back to me. It was an honor for me to be in communication with such a talented photographer. Taka Wu covers Matchroom’s Multisport events and has some amazing photos! You can check out his work at https://www.takaimages.com

Here are some of the questions that I asked

Matchroom Multisport Photographer 'Taka Wu'

Photo provided by Taka Wu

Taka:

First, let me start with a short biography of Taka Wu of Takaimages and Matchroom Multisport.

I’m a freelance News, Sports, and Editorial photographer. Originally from Shanghai, China. Ever since I was a child, I always have had an affection for the arts and photography. I would make photo collages by collecting pictures from newspapers and magazines. After years of dead-end jobs, I decided to follow my passion and attempt to become a professional sports photographer and went freelance ten years ago.

I have been fortunate enough to photograph the world’s best events, from Athletics, Boxing, Darts, Diving, F1, Figure Skating, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, The Paralympics, Rugby, Snooker, Swimming, and Table Tennis. My work has been published in worldwide Newspapers, magazines, and Online News.

How did you get noticed by Matchroom?

I first met Matchroom in 2018 when I went to the World Cup of Pool in Shanghai and worked for another photo agency back then as a freelance. After the event, they wanted to see my work, and they liked my work ethic and principles and fast turnaround time (i.e., from taking the photos to finishing up ready for media publication). In 2020 they offered me to be their official photographer. By the way, I’m still freelance, working for several agencies outside of the MMS Pool events.

Jayson Shaw at Mosconi Cup 2022

Photo by Taka Wu

How long have you been shooting for Matchroom Multisport?

Since 2019

All photos courtesy of Matchroom Multisport by TakaImages.

Boxing ~ Sports Photography

Photo by Taka Wu

Ice Skating ~ Sports Photography

Photo by Taka Wu

Boxing ~ Sports Photography

Photo by Taka Wu

Photos courtesy of Matchroom Multisport by TakaImages.

Ice Skating

Photo by Taka Wu ~ TakaImages

Ice Skating

Photo by Taka Wu | TakaImages

Q -What other types of photography do you enjoy doing?

Taka- Any sports

Please tell me a little bit about yourself and your educational background. Are you self-taught in photography, or did you go to school?

I’m self-taught in photography. Ever since I was a child, I always have had an affection for the arts and photography. I would make photo collages by collecting pictures from newspapers and magazines.

One of Shanghai’s prestige art schools after primary school selected me to study art, painting, etc., while continuing my high school education. I learned painting and art techniques there. I think that played a big role in my late photography.

I went to Japan to continue my higher education after art school in China. After graduating in Japan and got a job working there. I bought my first Nikon FM2 manual camera. I started street photography and sometimes just shot for local sports events, friends, birthday parties, etc.

What was your very first pro camera?

Nikon FM2 manual camera How did you get started in photography? See above

Do you play billiards, or are you involved in any sports personally, or do you love capturing that moment from your subject’s sports?

No, I don’t play billiards, but my maternal grandfather does. However, I’m an avid cyclist. I did many cycling tours worldwide, including the one in Colorado’s rocky mountings (I cycled through the Windy Gap, Hoosier, and many other passes and all the way to the summit of Mt. Evans).

I also did and completed many triathlons in my age group. The last one was ten years ago, but I’m still cycling from time to time or taking a long-distance walk when I’m free to keep fit. You said you like art. Are you also involved in any design work?

I’m currently learning design following adobe online learning.

Taka’s favorite sports to photograph are Winter sports, Moto racing, Swimming, Gymnastics, and Rugby.

Taka Wu currently resides in London, UK.

Follow Taka on his Facebook page if you are a fellow photographer or love great photography. https://www.facebook.com/takaimages