Photo Best Practices for Races & Sponsors

How to Get the Best Shots on Race Day

Plan Ahead
- Share your course map and schedule in advance so I can plan angles and timing.
- Make sure key signage (finish arch, start line, mile markers) is visible and not obstructed by banners or fencing.
- Write a “Key Shots” list of your most wanted photos.
Keep Key Areas Clear
- Avoid staff or volunteers standing directly in front of the finish line or sponsor signage.
- Reserve space for the photographer near the finish—avoid placing cones, timing mats, or speakers that block a clean angle.
Smile Zones
- Add signs like “Smile—you’re on camera!” near high-traffic photo zones to encourage better participant photos.

Visibility is Everything
- Bibs should be worn on the front torso, fully visible (not on shorts, back, or under gear).
- Encourage runners to avoid folding or pinning bibs under jackets or hydration belts.
Use Bold, High-Contrast Numbers
- Black numbers on white or neon backgrounds work best for AI tagging.
- Avoid light-colored bibs with gray numbers or thin fonts.
Consistent Placement
- For group/team races, encourage consistency so everyone is tagged properly.
Use 4–5 Digit Numbers
- Start bib numbers at 1000+ to help AI reliably differentiate runners.
Differentiate Distances by Color or Starting Number
- Color-code bib backgrounds or borders by race type (e.g., Blue = 5K, Red = 10K, Green = Half).
- Use a number prefix by distance (e.g., 1000s = 5K, 2000s = 10K, 3000s = Half).
Avoid Letters in Bib Numbers
- Use numeric-only bibs and avoid mixing letters and numbers—even for wave or team designations.

Overlays should always be 3:2 aspect ratio for compatibility.
Create overlays for both landscape and portrait orientations.
Use dimensions of 2880x1920px (or vice versa for portrait).
Submit PNG files with transparency.
Keep logos/branding near the image perimeter (350px max from edge) to avoid obscuring athletes.

Social Media
- Post highlight photos within 24–48 hours to keep momentum.
- Tag sponsors and runners when possible.
Sponsor ROI
- Use overlay stats (e.g., "X downloads with sponsor logo") in sponsor recap decks.
- Encourage sponsors to share the gallery link on their own channels.
Post-Race Email
- Include a link to the gallery and a message like: “Thanks for racing with us—find your bib-tagged photos here!”
- Use branded headers or footers to reinforce sponsor exposure.