Photographing Runners
Photographing runners presents a unique set of challenges that demand careful consideration and adaptability. From freezing the action to capturing flattering angles and expressions, photographers must navigate the dynamic nature of running. In this post, we explore the intricacies of photographing runners and provide insights on how to overcome these hurdles to capture stunning images.
1. Frame the Shot, Track the Runner:
Frame your desired composition but track the runner's movements before and after the frame. By doing so, you alleviate the pressure on achieving focus, allowing you to capture the runner seamlessly as they enter the frame, limiting the amount of needed takes.
2. Embrace Trial and Error:
Photographing runners involves a fair amount of trial and error. With the ever-changing stride patterns and body positions, it's essential to experiment and explore different moments within their movement. Consider the moments right after a foot strike, where tension and unique body shapes can be visually appealing.
i. Striking the Ground: When photographing runners, pay close attention to the moment they strike the ground. It's crucial to capture this instant as it can reveal a range of body tensions. Early in the strike, the tension in the front of the leg can create a visually appealing effect before the full momentum pulls down on the muscles and face later in the striking motion.
ii. Explore stages of the stride: The running stride consists of various stages, each offering its own visual appeal. From the initial push-off to mid-stride and follow-through. When aiming for perpendicular or nearly perpendicular shots, consider the positioning of the runner's legs. To emphasize the shape of the bent leg, capture the long stride leg opposite the camera lens. This technique highlights the form, rather than emphasizing the fully extended leg, which may lack shape. Additionally, this positioning brings the body and face into a more direct orientation towards the camera, allowing for better connection and engagement with the viewer.
3. Vary the Start Position:
Runners generally have consistent strides. To create variety in your bursts, varying the start position can introduce subtle adjustments needed to get the right posture/shot.
4. Pay Attention to the Eyes:
Eyes are a vital element in any photograph, including those of runners. Encourage runners to keep their eyes up, avoiding the temptation to look down at the ground, particularly in new environments. The difference is subtle but it certainly changes the image.
5. Utilize Hair as an Aesthetic Element:
For runners with long hair, leverage its movement to enhance the visual impact of your images. Hair can be erratic but generally it will flip to the opposite side of the striking foot and stay steady during stride.
6. Consider the Surface and Incline:
Take into account the running surface and its impact on the runner's form and expression. On a decline, the runner's foot strike and facial muscles may appear more dramatic, while an incline may soften these effects. The location may be the priority but the surface will certainly affect your images.
