Race Photos Backdrop

[sbirkela]

Hi All,
I work for a "smallish" local race that would like to have a backdrop that photographers could use to take shots of finishers after they complete the race. Ideally, we would like the backdrop to include our race logo. I've seen this type of set-up at many of the big races...and am wondering if anyone has advice about the best way to set-up one of these backdrops (e.g. materials used, how big it should be, do you buy it from someone or create yourself, etc.). Thanks!

[Veteran Runner]

Hi All,
I work for a "smallish" local race that would like to have a backdrop that photographers could use to take shots of finishers after they complete the race. Ideally, we would like the backdrop to include our race logo. I've seen this type of set-up at many of the big races...and am wondering if anyone has advice about the best way to set-up one of these backdrops (e.g. materials used, how big it should be, do you buy it from someone or create yourself, etc.). Thanks!

When you do things outside, wind pressure on things of size become a major issue.

The number of runners who want to stand for photos is surprisingly small, so to increase the likelihood of photos more runners may want, we put a very clear logo'd banner on the backside of our finish line bridge.

(We only secure that banner at the top even when there is no wind. During the race is no time to be diddling with removing lower ties if it gets windy. That means that sometimes the banner isn't at the best angle for a photo but that's better than having the whole bridge get blown over.)

With the banner on the backside the photographers shoot everyone (almost) right as they finish and the race name and logo is right there over their head. If you pay attention to the configuration of the chute behind the finish line you can work it so that the approaching runners can SEE the photographer and then they very often finish in a pose that they may want to have a photo of. I would not advise this for a short race like a 5K because the finishing density is too great.

My involvement with larger races has never been where I can speak to special "opt-in" photo arrangements, but for smaller races 500-2000, I've never used anything for backdrops other than strategic places like the side of a food tent on which a race logo was hanging. One of the things that help earn some brownie points from major sponsors is do the pictures standing next to a sponsors truck or logo'd vehicle. In most cases their vehicles just sit on weekends anyway, might as well sit at your race, and you might even be able to use it to move stuff.

That is also a trick you can use for promo photos. There are times when you are looking for free publicity for your race where you get a small story and a picture. Way too often promo stories are turned into a house organ for the sponsor. That turns off readers because it isn't all that much about the race and more about the sponsor. The publisher isn't dumb and often that's why they don't print what you send them. This is particularly true when the sponsor doesn't advertise in the publication.

Instead, write about the race, mention the sponsor in passing but have the promo photo of runners, last year, invited local elites for this year standing in front of a sponsor vehicle or the sponsors building and have a race logo in the picture.

If it's a small local race make a collage photo of the RD and a runner standing in front of the local bakery (sponsor), the hardware store, a realty office. Sometimes sponsors will come to you if they think you are savvy and will get them in a photo too. Most races neglect this sort of stuff and local printed publications are starving for this sort of content. There are always folks that do this stuff of a living, get em on your committee so that it's a job assigned to other than the RD.

[sbirkela]

Thanks Veteran Runner...very helpful photo advice.