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.

Bib Number Best Practices

• 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.

Sponsor Overlay Requirements

• 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.

Tips for Maximizing Photo Value

• 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.

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