Road Race Photography and Videography
Road Race Photography and Videography
Behind the Lens: Capturing the Music City Run for Dyslexia
TRIATHLETE TURNED PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER
I'm Kenneth Purdom, and I bring a unique perspective to the world of photography and videography, shaped by my background as a triathlete. With a deep understanding of triathletes' physical and emotional challenges, I specialize in capturing the essence of endurance sports through my lens.
Over the years, I've honed my skills to freeze those fleeting moments of triumph and determination and tell a compelling visual story of the entire race experience.
Non-Profit Video Production - We Create Videos for Charities Nashville TN|
Whether it's the intense focus in a swim start, the exhilaration of conquering a challenging bike course, or the sheer determination of crossing the finish line, I'm here to ensure that every athlete's journey is documented with precision and passion. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we dive into the world of race photography and videography, where every image and frame tells a story of resilience, commitment, and pure athleticism.
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT IT TAKES TO PHOTOGRAPH A THRILLING 5K RACE?
Join me, Kenneth Purdom, as I provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the planning, the event itself, and the following hours.
Our recent experience at the Music City Run for Dyslexia in Nashville, Tennessee, Photography and Video sponsored by Kenneth Purdom Photography, serves as the backdrop for this exciting journey. I'm thrilled to contribute my photography and video skills to such a meaningful event, raising awareness and funds for dyslexia support.
ROAD RACE PHOTOGRAPHY PREPARATION
Preparing for a race photography gig involves meticulous planning in various aspects, including communication, determining the number of photographers needed, and assembling the right gear. Here's a closer look at each of these crucial elements.
RACE PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNICATION
Clear and effective communication ensures participants know they can expect stunning race photos. In our case, we prepared informational flyers to be included in race packets. These flyers, designed two weeks prior to the event, informed participants about the availability of race photos and where they could view and download them.
The flyers also included social media information for REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER PRO, fostering a sense of community among the event's participants. To complement this, we created a dedicated web page to host the photos, enabling participants to follow us on Facebook or join our email list for timely photo availability updates.
5K AND 10K RACE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Covering a 5K and 10K race comprehensively requires a team of photographers to capture all the exciting moments. From pre-race snapshots as participants gear up, to preliminary races and the main event, there's no shortage of photo opportunities. For the Music City Run for Dyslexia, we had a total of three photographers strategically placed to ensure we didn't miss any crucial shots.
Before the race, we meticulously planned who would cover which areas and segments of the event. Clarity about responsibilities is essential, especially during shorter races like a 5K, where timing is critical to capturing essential moments.
PHOTOGRAPHERS’ GEAR
Have you ever wondered what's inside a race photographer's bag? Our gear is tailored to capture the best possible shots in various race scenarios. Here's a breakdown of what I had in my equipment arsenal for the Music City Run for Dyslexia:
Primary camera body
Spare camera body
35mm lens (ideal for pre and post-race shots)
70-200mm lens (perfect for action shots on the course)
Spare 18-55mm lens
Spare 70-300mm lens
Two memory cards in the main camera (providing backup in case one fails)
One memory card in the spare camera
Two spare memory cards in my backpack
An extra battery for each camera body
Rain covers and large plastic bags to protect gear
This comprehensive gear setup ensures we're prepared for any situation, preventing missed photo opportunities due to equipment issues.
As an exciting addition to our photography arsenal, we partnered with REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER PRO for some stunning drone shots at the race's start. Our team had drones packed and ready for flight, along with a certified drone pilot.
THE RACE
Race day requires precise timing and coordination to capture the race's dynamic moments. As pre-race photos wrapped up, our team had to transition seamlessly into race mode. Our photographers were strategically positioned:
One near the Start/Finish line to capture the unfolding events and speakers on stage
One with a drone, ready to capture aerial shots as the 5K began
One out on the course to capture participants in action
Everything went according to plan as the race commenced. Our photographers were primed and ready to capture the essence of the event, from the energetic race start to the joyous finish line moments. Staying agile and adaptable was key to ensuring we didn't miss any of the excitement.
As the race unfolded, I remained on the course, capturing both outbound and inbound participants. It was a whirlwind of action as I shifted between groups of runners and walkers. Once the last walker passed, I used a golf cart to quickly return to the Start/Finish line, where I captured candid shots in the medal area.
AFTER THE RACE
With the race successfully completed, it was time to gather images from our three photographers' cameras and begin the editing process. This involved collecting memory cards and sharing Google Drive links to consolidate all the photos.
Editing was a meticulous process, involving cropping, alignment, and exposure adjustments. Given the sheer volume of photos captured by three cameras, this phase demanded careful attention and time.
To make it easier for participants to find their photos, I divided the race images into five main categories:
Pre-5K Race Photos
5K Start
Course Photos
5K Finish
Post-Race
This categorization ensured that participants could easily locate their images. As images were edited and uploaded, I updated the landing page shared on the race bag flyers and announced the photo availability on the Jeffrey Tadlock Photography Facebook page, the event's email list, website, and Facebook page.
A LIST OF SHOTS TO CONSIDER CAPTURING WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING A 5K-10k ROAD RACE:
Start Line Shots:
Runners lined up at the starting line
Close-up of the race officials or starter
Wide-angle shot of the entire starting area
Runners at the Beginning:
Runners taking off at the sound of the starting gun
Aerial shot of the initial surge of runners
Close-up of determined expressions
Action Shots Along the Route:
Runners in motion at various points along the route
Runners passing by landmarks or scenic spots
Group shots of runners running together
Emotions and Expressions:
Close-ups of runners showing determination, exhaustion, and joy
High-fives or interactions with cheering spectators
Faces of runners as they approach the finish line
Water Stations and Aid Stations:
Runners grabbing water or refreshments
Volunteers handing out water cups
Thankful expressions of runners at aid stations
Scenic Shots:
Panoramic views of the race route
Runners framed by natural beauty or landmarks
Sunrise or sunset shots if the timing allows
Crowd Interaction:
Spectators cheering on the runners
Kids giving high-fives to passing runners
Supportive signs and banners.
Lead Runners:
Shots of the race leaders
Solo or group shots of front-runners
Determined faces of those aiming for victory
Mid-Race Moments:
Runners in the middle of the pack
Capturing the diversity of participants
Candid moments of camaraderie
Race Officials and Volunteers:
Volunteers directing runners
Race officials monitoring the race
Medics or first-aid personnel in action
Finish Line Shots:
Runners approaching the finish line
Dramatic finish line crosses
Joyful expressions of completing the race
Medal and Award Ceremony:
Winners receiving medals or trophies
Podium shots of the top finishers
Smiles and celebrations on the podium
Post-Race Moments:
Runners cooling down or stretching
Friends and family congratulating finishers
Candid shots of tired but happy participants
Group Photos:
Team photos of running clubs or charity groups
Photos of friends or family members running together
Group shots of volunteers or race organizers
Event Atmosphere:
Overall shots capturing the event's atmosphere
Vendors, booths, and event signage
Any special activities or entertainment
Finisher's Area:
Runners proudly displaying their finisher medals
Finisher's area with refreshments and recovery stations
Runners reuniting with loved ones
Spectator Reactions:
Spectators' reactions to the race
Emotional moments in the crowd
Kids and families enjoying the event
Unusual or Memorable Moments:
Anything unexpected or unique happening during the race
Runners in costumes or doing something out of the ordinary
Memorable interactions or acts of sportsmanship
WRAP UP
And there you have it! An inside look at what it takes to capture the magic of a 5K race through the lens of Kenneth Purdom Photography. From meticulous planning and preparation to the exhilarating race day action and the post-race editing process, race photography is a dynamic and rewarding endeavor. As races grow in scale, so does the excitement and challenge of capturing those unforgettable moments.
I hope you've enjoyed this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of 5K race photography! Stay connected by signing up for our email list below and following our Facebook page to stay updated on future events and behind-the-scene posts. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through the Music City Run for Dyslexia!
As we conclude this captivating journey into the world of road race photography and videography in Nashville, I hope you've gained valuable insights into my passion for capturing the energy, determination, and triumph of athletes in motion. Whether you're an athlete looking to commemorate your own race experiences or a fellow photographer seeking guidance and inspiration, I'm here to help.
If you have photography or videography projects in mind, whether they're related to sports, events, or any other creative endeavor, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to turn your vision into stunning visual stories that will endure for years to come.
I'm excited to bring your ideas, moments, and stories to life through my lens. Feel free to contact me anytime; I look forward to working with you on your next project!
Kenneth Purdom Photography & Video Columbia, TN
615-310-7171- Kenneth@KennethPurdom.com - KennethPurdom.com
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