There’s nothing quite like lacing up your shoes, hitting the trails or choosing a new running route to explore your city and get some miles under your belt. Bringing your camera along elevates a run to a whole new level of enjoyment and memories.
Combining your passion for running with snapping photos immortalizes those transient moments like a glowing golden sunrise, a deer bounding across dappled forest trails, or a quiet fog-laden path leading to new adventures.
You don’t need professional photography skills or fancy cameras to capture stunning images on the run (although those do help!). Follow some fundamental tips and your running photos will stop people mid-scroll every time.
Learning to Run and Shoot
No doubt stopping frequently to take photos interrupts your pace. But as you become comfortable shooting on the run, your instincts sharpen for when to quickly pause for that spectacular shot. Here are some basics to practice:
Scouting Locations
Check out route maps or use tools like Google Street View to identify photogenic spots like bridges, gardens, waterfronts to target on your run. This allows you to anticipate and be ready when approaching an eye-catching landmark.
Preset Exposures/Focus
Most phones and cameras now allow manually presetting focus and exposure before lifting to frame your shot. Tinker with the settings as you preview so you can quickly lift and shoot when ready.
Shooting From the Hip
Learn how to hold your camera stable at hip level while running so horizons stay straight as you photograph. This allows you to maintain stride momentum rather than stopping outright. Practice technique and timing to click the shutter at the right spots without losing pace.
Move With the Subject
Trying to photograph fast moving subjects like other runners, cyclists or animals means planning lead room in the frame and running ahead to track with the subject. You have to match their speed as you frame up and click the shutter.
Camera Straps and Cases
Invest in a solid camera strap that stays securely on you as you pick up pace – especially if shooting with DSLRs versus phones. Runners also make use of protective phone cases with lanyards, armbands or belts.
Getting Creative With Running Photography
Once you get the hang of shooting on the move, get creative with compositions, locations, lighting, effects and more:
Golden Hour Magic
Early morning runs timed with sunrise or late afternoon runs that catch sunset cast a magical quality of light. The golden glow combined with interesting shadows make ordinary locations painterly.
Motion Blur Magic
Express motion by intentionally using slower shutter speeds as you run. Capture light trails from vehicles at night or artistic streaking effects on other runners.
Negative Space
Use open areas in the frame to create contrast and highlight your subject creatively. Capture a single runner in the distance surrounded by big sky. Allow the simplicity to speak volumes.
Framing It Up
Framing adds context, depth or a novel point of view. Photograph a running partner through an archway, in a mirror’s reflection, underneath a well-placed tree branch overhead.
Conclusion
In the blog of “Run and Snap,” we’ve discovered the magical intersection of running and photography. From the gentle hues of sunrise jogs to the rugged beauty of trail adventures, your lenses can capture the essence of each stride.