How To Frame A Runner




Andreas S., capturing the action!

  Ever wonder how to get a great shot of a fellow Flyer or other runners? It is not as difficult as you might think. Here are some tips.

Finding a Camera:

Start out with a decent camera. Depending on your aspirations invest between $200 to $3,000+. I own a pocket-size advanced “point and shoot”, as well as super-zoom midsize camera, and a much more advanced DSLR (digital single lens reflex camera). I love the portability of the small camera because I can take it out with me on a run. It's great for capturing the race setting as well as group shots afterwards. For race photos of runners and when I don’t want to “schlep”, I take the midsize camera and for “serious pictures” I break out the DSLR.

Bob C. sports a DSLR at the races.

Your camera should have the following features:

- Zoom lens, minimum 300mm, better 500mm

- Image stabilization

- Sports mode or manual aperture and shutter controls

- Auto focus

- Flash (external flash even better)

To find the best camera for your budget, I recommend reading online reviews.

Now let’s head over to the race to get started. Finding the right spot along the course is half the battle. You want to look for an unobstructed view where you can spot runners from afar. I have climbed on guardrails and on inclines to get a better view. If it is sunny, avoid shooting into the sun as well as having too many varied shadows in the picture. I always take a couple of test shots of runners passing by before the race to find the best lighting so that I'm ready when the action begins.

Camera settings:

- Sports mode on your point and shoot

On all other cameras, select aperture mode and open it all the way. This will avoid motion blur and keep the focus just on the runner.

- The picture size should be the largest available. It will allow you to crop pictures later.

- Sequential mode. With this you can simple keep the shutter release pressed as a runner approaches. You get to select the best shots later.

- Flash for darker lighting situations.

A great photo of speedy Julie S.

Ready, set go! Here comes your first Flyer: Catch him/her in your view finder and press the shutter release as soon as he/she fills the screen. With your camera clicking away, follow the movement and pan the camera. This takes a bit of practice but you will get the hang of it. Try getting their attention; a big smile makes for nicer photos.

I easily take several hundred photos in a race but only a small portion actually make it onto the website.

Which brings me to the next subject:

Editing your shots:

After you get home, you can quickly weed out the many blurry and poorly exposed photos. In a photo editing program, crop and adjust your best ones for color and exposure. Now contact Richard B. to get them posted.

All sound too complicated? You can always try hooking up with some of our team photographers like Bob C., Brian H. or Richard B. to watch them in action and ask them for advice.

Happy Framing! - Andreas S.