Tips for Getting the Perfect Race-Day Photo

30 de oct de 2019

Runner crossing the finish line of the marathon looking to the sky

MarathonFoto is the official photographer of the TCS New York City Marathon and is excited to capture your race-day journey. From the Start Village, through the five boroughs, to the finish line in Central Park, MarathonFoto will be with you every step of the way. With thousands of events under their race bib, the MarathonFoto team knows a thing or two about taking good race photos. Here are a few tips for you from the MarathonFoto team and our NYRR staff.

Ask the experts and do your homework. Visit MarathonFoto at the expo to get your questions answered by the professionals, and pick up a course map to familiarize yourself with the photographer locations before race day. Photographers will be wearing yellow vests in the start village and out on the course. At the finish line, they’ll be wearing blue vests. If you know to look out for them, you have a better chance of putting your best smile forward!

A woman with her arms outstretched crossing the marathon finish line
Prepare your pose. Whether you are going for a more fun photo with arms in the air and a smile on your face, or a more serious running photo where you look strong and focused, have an idea what you will do when the time comes so you are fully prepared.

Correct bib placement is key. MarathonFoto will identify you by your bib, so you want to make sure it’s clearly visible. Wear your bib on or near your chest and on the outermost layer of clothing so the number is visible at all times. Avoid pinning your bib too low or covering it up with a jacket.

A marathoner wearing a hat that is casting a shadow over half his face
Hats are great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and taming crazy hair, but not great for photos. On sunny days, hats cast shadows that hide your face. Consider wearing a headband instead. However, depending on the weather (or your crazy hair), a hat might be an important part of your race-day gear. If you can, slip it off when you spot a photographer’s camera pointing your way.

A runner in the marathon in a crowd
Avoid traffic jams. This can be a tricky one. With over 50,000 runners out on the course, congestion is inevitable. If getting a good picture is on your mind, try to stay out of the middle of the road where it is most crowded and stick to the outside.

Don’t look down at your watch. As you approach the finish line, avoid the temptation to check your time. Keep your head up, look for photographers on the ground and in elevated lifts, and be sure to run all the way through before stopping your watch. After all, what’s a few seconds when you have a killer finish-line photo?

Remember these tips and your photos are sure to be epic. Get a jump on race day and take advantage of the pre-sale offers from MarathonFoto to save 30% on your race photos!