Kenneth Purdom Photography Video

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Road Race Photography and Videography

Road Race Photography and Videography

Behind the Lens: Capturing the Music City Run for Dyslexia


TRIATHLETE TURNED PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER

I'm Kenneth Purdom, and I bring a unique perspective to the world of photography and videography, shaped by my background as a triathlete. With a deep understanding of triathletes' physical and emotional challenges, I specialize in capturing the essence of endurance sports through my lens.

Over the years, I've honed my skills to freeze those fleeting moments of triumph and determination and tell a compelling visual story of the entire race experience. 

Non-Profit Video Production - We Create Videos for Charities Nashville TN|

Whether it's the intense focus in a swim start, the exhilaration of conquering a challenging bike course, or the sheer determination of crossing the finish line, I'm here to ensure that every athlete's journey is documented with precision and passion. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we dive into the world of race photography and videography, where every image and frame tells a story of resilience, commitment, and pure athleticism.


HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT IT TAKES TO PHOTOGRAPH A THRILLING 5K RACE? 

Join me, Kenneth Purdom, as I provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the planning, the event itself, and the following hours. 

Our recent experience at the Music City Run for Dyslexia in Nashville, Tennessee, Photography and Video sponsored by Kenneth Purdom Photography, serves as the backdrop for this exciting journey. I'm thrilled to contribute my photography and video skills to such a meaningful event, raising awareness and funds for dyslexia support.

ROAD RACE PHOTOGRAPHY PREPARATION

Preparing for a race photography gig involves meticulous planning in various aspects, including communication, determining the number of photographers needed, and assembling the right gear. Here's a closer look at each of these crucial elements.

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNICATION

Clear and effective communication ensures participants know they can expect stunning race photos. In our case, we prepared informational flyers to be included in race packets. These flyers, designed two weeks prior to the event, informed participants about the availability of race photos and where they could view and download them.

The flyers also included social media information for REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER PRO, fostering a sense of community among the event's participants. To complement this, we created a dedicated web page to host the photos, enabling participants to follow us on Facebook or join our email list for timely photo availability updates.

5K AND 10K RACE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Covering a 5K and 10K race comprehensively requires a team of photographers to capture all the exciting moments. From pre-race snapshots as participants gear up, to preliminary races and the main event, there's no shortage of photo opportunities. For the Music City Run for Dyslexia, we had a total of three photographers strategically placed to ensure we didn't miss any crucial shots.

Before the race, we meticulously planned who would cover which areas and segments of the event. Clarity about responsibilities is essential, especially during shorter races like a 5K, where timing is critical to capturing essential moments.

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ GEAR

Have you ever wondered what's inside a race photographer's bag? Our gear is tailored to capture the best possible shots in various race scenarios. Here's a breakdown of what I had in my equipment arsenal for the Music City Run for Dyslexia:

  • Primary camera body

  • Spare camera body

  • 35mm lens (ideal for pre and post-race shots)

  • 70-200mm lens (perfect for action shots on the course)

  • Spare 18-55mm lens

  • Spare 70-300mm lens

  • Two memory cards in the main camera (providing backup in case one fails)

  • One memory card in the spare camera

  • Two spare memory cards in my backpack

  • An extra battery for each camera body

  • Rain covers and large plastic bags to protect gear

This comprehensive gear setup ensures we're prepared for any situation, preventing missed photo opportunities due to equipment issues.

As an exciting addition to our photography arsenal, we partnered with REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHER PRO for some stunning drone shots at the race's start. Our team had drones packed and ready for flight, along with a certified drone pilot.


THE RACE

Race day requires precise timing and coordination to capture the race's dynamic moments. As pre-race photos wrapped up, our team had to transition seamlessly into race mode. Our photographers were strategically positioned:

  • One near the Start/Finish line to capture the unfolding events and speakers on stage

  • One with a drone, ready to capture aerial shots as the 5K began

  • One out on the course to capture participants in action

Everything went according to plan as the race commenced. Our photographers were primed and ready to capture the essence of the event, from the energetic race start to the joyous finish line moments. Staying agile and adaptable was key to ensuring we didn't miss any of the excitement.

As the race unfolded, I remained on the course, capturing both outbound and inbound participants. It was a whirlwind of action as I shifted between groups of runners and walkers. Once the last walker passed, I used a golf cart to quickly return to the Start/Finish line, where I captured candid shots in the medal area.

AFTER THE RACE

With the race successfully completed, it was time to gather images from our three photographers' cameras and begin the editing process. This involved collecting memory cards and sharing Google Drive links to consolidate all the photos.

Editing was a meticulous process, involving cropping, alignment, and exposure adjustments. Given the sheer volume of photos captured by three cameras, this phase demanded careful attention and time.

To make it easier for participants to find their photos, I divided the race images into five main categories:

  • Pre-5K Race Photos

  • 5K Start

  • Course Photos

  • 5K Finish

  • Post-Race

This categorization ensured that participants could easily locate their images. As images were edited and uploaded, I updated the landing page shared on the race bag flyers and announced the photo availability on the Jeffrey Tadlock Photography Facebook page, the event's email list, website, and Facebook page.

A LIST OF SHOTS TO CONSIDER CAPTURING WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING A 5K-10k ROAD RACE:

  • Start Line Shots:

    • Runners lined up at the starting line

    • Close-up of the race officials or starter

    • Wide-angle shot of the entire starting area

  • Runners at the Beginning:

    • Runners taking off at the sound of the starting gun

    • Aerial shot of the initial surge of runners

    • Close-up of determined expressions

  • Action Shots Along the Route:

    • Runners in motion at various points along the route

    • Runners passing by landmarks or scenic spots

    • Group shots of runners running together

  • Emotions and Expressions:

    • Close-ups of runners showing determination, exhaustion, and joy

    • High-fives or interactions with cheering spectators

    • Faces of runners as they approach the finish line

  • Water Stations and Aid Stations:

    • Runners grabbing water or refreshments

    • Volunteers handing out water cups

    • Thankful expressions of runners at aid stations

  • Scenic Shots:

    • Panoramic views of the race route

    • Runners framed by natural beauty or landmarks

    • Sunrise or sunset shots if the timing allows

  • Crowd Interaction:

    • Spectators cheering on the runners

    • Kids giving high-fives to passing runners

    • Supportive signs and banners.

  • Lead Runners:

    • Shots of the race leaders

    • Solo or group shots of front-runners

    • Determined faces of those aiming for victory

  • Mid-Race Moments:

    • Runners in the middle of the pack

    • Capturing the diversity of participants

    • Candid moments of camaraderie

  • Race Officials and Volunteers:

    • Volunteers directing runners

    • Race officials monitoring the race

    • Medics or first-aid personnel in action

  • Finish Line Shots:

    • Runners approaching the finish line

    • Dramatic finish line crosses

    • Joyful expressions of completing the race

  • Medal and Award Ceremony:

    • Winners receiving medals or trophies

    • Podium shots of the top finishers

    • Smiles and celebrations on the podium

  • Post-Race Moments:

    • Runners cooling down or stretching

    • Friends and family congratulating finishers

    • Candid shots of tired but happy participants

  • Group Photos:

    • Team photos of running clubs or charity groups

    • Photos of friends or family members running together

    • Group shots of volunteers or race organizers

  • Event Atmosphere:

    • Overall shots capturing the event's atmosphere

    • Vendors, booths, and event signage

    • Any special activities or entertainment

  • Finisher's Area:

    • Runners proudly displaying their finisher medals

    • Finisher's area with refreshments and recovery stations

    • Runners reuniting with loved ones

  • Spectator Reactions:

    • Spectators' reactions to the race

    • Emotional moments in the crowd

    • Kids and families enjoying the event

  • Unusual or Memorable Moments:

    • Anything unexpected or unique happening during the race

    • Runners in costumes or doing something out of the ordinary

    • Memorable interactions or acts of sportsmanship


WRAP UP

And there you have it! An inside look at what it takes to capture the magic of a 5K race through the lens of Kenneth Purdom Photography. From meticulous planning and preparation to the exhilarating race day action and the post-race editing process, race photography is a dynamic and rewarding endeavor. As races grow in scale, so does the excitement and challenge of capturing those unforgettable moments.

I hope you've enjoyed this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of 5K race photography! Stay connected by signing up for our email list below and following our Facebook page to stay updated on future events and behind-the-scene posts. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through the Music City Run for Dyslexia!

As we conclude this captivating journey into the world of road race photography and videography in Nashville, I hope you've gained valuable insights into my passion for capturing the energy, determination, and triumph of athletes in motion. Whether you're an athlete looking to commemorate your own race experiences or a fellow photographer seeking guidance and inspiration, I'm here to help.

If you have photography or videography projects in mind, whether they're related to sports, events, or any other creative endeavor, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to turn your vision into stunning visual stories that will endure for years to come.

I'm excited to bring your ideas, moments, and stories to life through my lens. Feel free to contact me anytime; I look forward to working with you on your next project!

Kenneth Purdom Photography & Video Columbia, TN

615-310-7171- Kenneth@KennethPurdom.com - KennethPurdom.com




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