The Ultimate Guide to Great Race Day Photos – Help Center

Hey there, fellow race director! Ready to take your event to the next level with some jaw-dropping photos? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of race day photography. Trust me, it's going to be as fun as a downhill finish with a tailwind!

Ready to upload your event photos to UltraSignup? Keep these tips in mind:

Images need to be in .jpg format—other formats like .png or .heic won’t upload.
Make sure the image is at least 800px wide but no more than 2500px wide.
For the best results, keep the file size under 999KB—larger files may not upload.

Why Bother with Great Photos?

Before we jump into the how-to's, let's talk about why you should care about getting awesome shots of your race.

Marketing Gold: Great photos are like a magnet for future participants. When runners see epic shots of your event, they'll be itching to sign up for next year.
Social Media Buzz: Give your participants shareable content, and watch your event go viral. Nothing says "FOMO" like seeing your friends conquering an awesome race.
Sponsor Love: High-quality photos with sponsor logos visible? That's a surefire way to keep your sponsors happy and coming back for more.
Participant Satisfaction: Runners love reliving their achievement. Provide them with amazing photos, and they'll remember your race fondly (and be more likely to return).
Brand Building: Consistently great photos help build your event's brand and reputation. Be known as "that race with the incredible views" or "the event with the most enthusiastic crowds".

Quick Start Checklist

Alright, let's get down to business. Here's your race day photo game plan:

Pick 2-3 photo sourcing methods (we'll cover these in a sec)
Prep your smartphone camera (yes, you can get great shots with just a phone!)
Scout out key photo spots on your course
Set up a simple system to share photos after the race

Photo Sourcing Methods: Choose Your Adventure

DIY with Smartphones (You and Your Crew)
- Pros: It's free, you're in control, and you can start right now
- Cons: Might not have that pro polish
- Pro Tip: Designate a few team members as your official photogs. They'll feel like paparazzi in no time!
Rally the Spectator Troops
- Pros: Free, tons of perspectives, and gets everyone involved
- Cons: Quality might be a mixed bag
- Pro Tip: Create a catchy event hashtag and offer a prize for the best photo. Watch the submissions roll in!
Hire a Pro Photographer
- Pros: Top-notch quality, they know all the tricks
- Cons: It'll cost you some dough
- Pro Tip: Book early and give them a "must-have" shot list. They'll thank you, and you'll get exactly what you need.
Recruit Volunteer Photographers
- Pros: Budget-friendly and might uncover hidden talent
- Cons: Experience levels may vary
- Pro Tip: Reach out to local camera clubs or photography students. Offer perks like free race entry or cool merch.
Set Up a Finish Line Photo Booth
- Pros: Guaranteed smiles and a branded backdrop
- Cons: Misses the on-course action
- Pro Tip: Make it fun with props related to your race theme. Tutu for a ballet-themed 5k? Yes, please!

Smartphone Photography: You've Got This!

Even if you're using a pro, chances are you'll snap some pics too. Here's how to make them count:

Nail That Composition
- Rule of thirds is your friend (turn on that grid in your camera settings)
- Show off your course's scenery. Mountains? Ocean? City skyline? Work it!
- Mix up your angles. Get low, climb high, surprise us!
Capture the Action
- Burst mode is your secret weapon for running shots
- Try panning to show speed (it takes practice, but looks awesome)
- Get in close for those emotional moments, but remember personal space!
Light It Up
- Early morning or late afternoon = photographer's golden hours
- HDR mode can save your backlit shots
- Harsh midday sun? Seek out some shade or cloudy spots
Must-Capture Moments
- Start line jitters and excitement
- Mid-race determination (aka "the struggle is real" face)
- Finish line triumph
- High-fives, hugs, and happy tears
- Those quirky spectator signs we all love

Quick Edit Magic

Your phone's built-in editor is more powerful than you think
Snapseed is a free app that can make your photos pop
Boost colors a bit, but keep it real. No one's buying fluorescent grass!
Crop if needed, but don't go crazy. Sometimes more is more

Sharing Is Caring

Set up an online album. Google Photos or Flickr work great.
Email the link to all participants. They'll love you for it.
Drip-feed the best shots on social media. Keep the buzz going!
Use the cream of the crop for next year's promos. Show 'em what they're missing!

Keep It Legal, Folks

A simple photo release on registration forms can save headaches
Be clear about how you'll use the photos
Always respect runners who prefer camera-shy mode

The Golden Rules

Runner safety trumps the perfect shot. Always.
Have fun with it! Your energy will shine through in the photos.
Mix it up. Wide shots, close-ups, serious faces, and silly moments all tell your race's unique story.

Remember, great race photos do more than capture a moment—they bottle the energy, emotion, and achievement of your event. They turn one-time participants into lifelong fans and transform your race from a mere event into an unforgettable experience.

So grab that camera, scout those spots, and get ready to capture some magic. Your runners (and your future marketing campaigns) will thank you!

Want to Learn More? Check These Out!

Hey photo enthusiasts and race directors extraordinaire! If you're hungry for more knowledge (and who isn't?), we've got you covered. Here's a list of awesome resources to level up your race photography game:

Photography Tips and Tricks

Smartphone Photography School:
- iPhone Photography School [link]
- Great for: Mastering your iPhone camera
- Why we love it: Easy-to-follow tutorials for all skill levels
Digital Photography School:
- Digital Photography School - Sports Photography Tips [link]
- Great for: Learning the basics of sports photography
- Why we love it: Practical tips that apply perfectly to race day shots
YouTube Channel: Peter McKinnon:
- Peter McKinnon's YouTube Channel [link]
- Great for: Creative photography and editing techniques
- Why we love it: Entertaining and packed with pro tips

Photo Sharing and Management

Flickr's Organization Tips:
- Flickr Organize Your Photos [link]
- Great for: Managing large sets of race photos
- Why we love it: Learn from the pros how to keep your photos organized
Google Photos Help:
- Google Photos Help [link]
- Great for: Setting up shared albums for your race
- Why we love it: Easy-to-follow guides for a powerful, free tool

Legal Considerations

ASMP Guide to Photo Releases:
- ASMP Photo Release Primer [link]
- Great for: Understanding when and how to use photo releases
- Why we love it: Clear explanations of a complex topic

Trail and Ultra Running Photography

The Trailhead Podcast by UltraSignup :
- Season 3, Episode 12: "How Luis Escobar Captures Trail Running History" [link]
- Great for: Insights into capturing the essence of trail running events
- Why we love it: Luis Escobar is a legend in trail running photography, and this episode is packed with wisdom for both trail race directors and photographers
- Pro Tip: Listen to this on your next training run for double inspiration!

Remember, these resources are here to supplement your awesome race director instincts. Dive in when you have time, but don't let the pursuit of perfection hold you back. Your enthusiasm and these basic tips will already put you miles ahead in the race photography game!

Now go out there and capture some incredible moments!

Your runners are waiting to be amazed! 📸🏃‍♀️🏆