Jun 22

Jun 22 Capturing the Spirit of the Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon: A Race Photography Reflection

I was delighted to be invited by Ron @ GF Media to photograph this year's Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon. It had been a while since I had captured a race, and although I was confident in my abilities, I couldn't help but feel a bit unsure about the quality of my work. Race photography requires a different skill set than taking portraits or shooting for oneself, as you have to set up and compose your shot quickly before the runners pass by.

Despite my worries, I woke up early and traveled to Ithaca to meet Ron, as we have done many times before. We had a general idea of where we wanted to shoot, and we trusted each other's skills. My aim was to capture images that made the runners feel proud and accomplished - something they could look at and think, "I kick ass."

During the day, I reflected on our philosophy and realized that Ron and I share the belief that our goal for the day is to bring positivity and joy to people's lives. We know that the races we photograph are challenging, and we want to celebrate the efforts of every participant - from the first to the last. We could easily set up a camera and take unedited shots, but that's not our style. We believe that we can do so much more by capturing and honoring their achievements.

One of the things that struck me the most was the sheer determination on the runners' faces. Some were gritting their teeth, some were smiling through the pain, and some were just looking absolutely exhausted. But every single one of them was pushing themselves forward, step by step, mile by mile. And as I captured those moments on camera, I realized that this is what it's all about - not just the final outcome, but the journey to get there.

As the day drew to a close and the runners crossed the finish line one by one, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. Yes, I had captured some incredible photographs, but more than that, I had been a part of something truly special. I had seen people push themselves farther than they ever thought possible, and I had been there to capture those moments of triumph. And when I looked back at my photos, I knew that each one of them represented a story - a story of hard work, determination, and an unyielding spirit. And that, perhaps, is the true spirit of the Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon.

Here is a collection of some of my favorites. I'd love to know what you think.