How to Get Spotted on Race Day: A Photographer’s Playbook for Runners Who Want Great Photos
Every runner has asked this at least once — usually while furiously refreshing a race gallery after the event:
“Why am I not in any of the photos?”
I can’t speak for all photographers, but as a photographer-wannabe who spends race mornings crouching behind barriers with a camera, here’s what actually makes me hit the shutter button.
1. Be Original (Yes, This Matters)
On race day, uniformity is king — and not in a good way for photos. If it’s SCMS, the entire road turns blue. When everyone looks the same, nobody stands out.
So who gets noticed?
The runner in a bright colour.
The runner in a club singlet.
The runner in anything that breaks the visual monotony.
Case in point: a lady in her distinctive kit — she’s guaranteed more photos than the sea of blue around her. Want attention? Wear neon. Wear a costume. Wear something memorable.
Stand out visually, and the camera will find you.
2. Stick to the Inside Line
Photographers are usually boxed in — penned behind barricades, cones, or hoardings, and often stuck on one side of the course.
If you’re running on the far side of a wide road, there’s a good chance:
– the lens can’t reach you, or
– someone else blocks the shot, or
– you simply disappear into the crowd.
Run closer to the photographer’s side whenever you can. Visibility is everything.
3.Get the Photographer’s Attention
Don’t be shy — this is your moment.
Wave. Dance. Flash a thumbs-up.
Hold hands while finishing.
Blow a kiss.
Do something unexpected.
You don’t need to be outrageous — just human. Anything that draws the eye away from the “serious race face” in front of you might just earn you a frame or two. No guarantees, of course… but photographers love personality.
4. Give Yourself Some Space
Photos love clean lines — crowds, not so much.
If you’re sprinting to the finish shoulder-to-shoulder with two others, chances are only one runner gets the shot. Worse still, if you’re tucked behind someone, you might be completely blocked.
When you spot a photographer:
– create a little space,
– ease off slightly if needed,
– resist the urge to surge blindly forward.
Speeding up can backfire — photographers may not be ready, or the runner next to you suddenly decides it’s a race, blocking you again. Timing beats speed.
5. Wear Your Club Colours Proudly
Photographers love running clubs — especially their own.
If you’re wearing a recognisable club top and you’re clearly visible, chances are high you’ll get photographed. Strong club identities make runners easier (and more fun) to shoot.
Locally, clubs like Running Department, Running Hour, SAFRA and Singapore Runners Club are hard to miss — and often hard to ignore through a lens.
6. Be Friends with the Photographers
This one’s simple.
If a photographer knows you — and sees you — odds are they’ll shoot you. Many of us are there to photograph friends, teammates, and familiar faces. Say hello. Smile. A little rapport goes a long way.
That’s kind of the whole point of being there.
And If All Else Fails…
If you’ve followed every tip and still can’t find yourself in the gallery, don’t despair.
The easiest solution?
Walk up to the photographer and say hi.
Trust me — it works far better than doing anything too outrageous.
