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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