How to take pictures of runners for beginners : I was asked to photography a 5 K run this weekend.  Normally I do more posed portraits and  I love doing them.  I was not sure I could get the essence of the runners as they worked and showed there athletic ablity.   At the bottom of the post are my tips for you to get those cant miss shots of your family and friends in action in all those 5K and marathons.

I am not the most athletic person, when  I went  running down the hill after them at the start in 85+ degree heat was panting like a dog.  I was more then happy when they left  for the course and I could pick my spot from where to capture the finish.  The race event was a summer soaker 5K so wet and fun as everyone got sprayed by a fire truck.   My finish location was downwind of the fire truck was nice, loved the overspray.

I took 571 pictures and only a few were duds.  I loved shooting everyone as they ran through to the finish.

How to take pictures of runners for beginners :

• To get the action shots I focused on the Stomach of the athletes, faces are hard to shoot on moving targets.  Make sure camera is focus to avoid blurry pictures.
• Take test shots  and check them of other runners to make sure you get the best shot of your runner.. If you runner might win find someone to stand at a location they might come across the finish.. the Fast runners Take 17-18mins so you have a few minutes to set up
• Use eye visual and not digital screen if your camera has one.. looking through the hole will always take better shoots then viewing through digital screen
• If you can rest you elbows on your chest/stomach it will stabilize your picture rather then extending your arms and holding camera away from your body.  (squeeze you boob together)   This will help with blurry photos. (if you have a tripod even better)
• Use a fixed lens rather then a lens you have to zoom in at out, a variable lens slows down the focus time I used my fixed  50MM Nikon lens.
• Find a Position for you to stand that is close but not in runners way
• Take the picture on a large format (aka High resolution high Pixels) this allows you the best large quality for cropping (set camera for “Fine” in menu)
• Set camera for fast pictures –  Use the preset “action” Mode on the camera (the little guy running icon on dial) or a quick shutter speed 800
• Take Multiple shots hold the shutter (the silver button down) of set for multi photos. You can always delete later

Have a great time shooting and Have a great week!