Need advice / Tips for shooting a 5k Mud Race

[kbrkr]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for tips, tricks, or advice for shooting a 5k mud race.

I plan on bringing two bodies, D800/D700, 300mm F/4, 24-120 F/4, 16-35 F/4, 105 F/2.8, Tripod, TC2.0III, Think Tank Belt system. I should bring my SB-910 flash in case of an overcast day or harsh shadows for fill in flash. This setup may be too heavy to lug around so I would like some input on lenses and equipment.


I will be shooting the event for the event promoter. I assume they would like as many pics of contestants to maximize post-event photo sales. I'll plan on shooting morning sign-up, starting line, and then position myself at various "obstacles" like water holes, slides, rope bridges, mud bogs, etc. There are usually folks who dress up in costume so I will be looking for candid shots, close in portraits, and of course the posed shots of groups.


Can anyone think of anything I'm missing?

Thanks

Al

 

[Nevada-is-HOME]

Why all that camera equipment?

If you are indeed serious about hauling all that gear, consult a physician before starting an exercise routine.

First off.. what exactly is your objective? Is it to maximize your photo sales or is it to get as many pictures at different spots on the course as possible?

To maximize photo sales and being comfortable doing it.. bring a 5 gallon bucket.. sit you butt down at a good spot and shoot away.

If you seriously want to get pictures of different spots on the course, then travel light.

One DSLR camera with 18-300mm range, and one high end compact camera. Maybe bring along a clunker bicycle or a Rasor foot scooter.

An out and back course works best for photographers.. but a loop course, you generally get one chance on the course. With all the gear you are packing, I doubt you can chase anyone down to get a second shot unless there are short cuts in the race route.

Now if you had a bicycle or a scooter with you. you increase you chances of getting from the starting line to the first obstacle, then to the mud pit, then to the finish line.

For the after finish line group photos.. many times the runners pose on a stage in front of a race banner -- much like a Hollywood red carpet posing area

You generally cannot get pictures with good bokeh.. that is where a good premium P&S camera works just as well.. sometimes even better.

And if the after race scene is full of people as in a festival, and having only one camera, you can move in and out much quicker. That is when your expertise as a street photographer kicks in.

And finally.. don't

get too cute as with this guy at the Reno Run-AMuck.​

[ATTACH alt=" I seriously doubt he got any good pictures after his lens filter got muddy. A "tool" if you ask me. Besides, he just got in everyone else's way being where he was. Additionally, after being dirty'ed up, he was done for the day. I, on the other hand, was like the Everready Eenergizer Bunny.. just clicking along with my Sony A100."]media_1684247[/ATTACH]
I seriously doubt he got any good pictures after his lens filter got muddy. A "tool" if you ask me. Besides, he just got in everyone else's way being where he was. Additionally, after being dirty'ed up, he was done for the day. I, on the other hand, was like the Everready Eenergizer Bunny.. just clicking along with my Sony A100.






Advertised as the longest portable water slide. I had the folks in the dpreview touch up forum to fix this picture.. and they came out with some wild ideas. I was blown away what they can do with this pic.




After race picture in a festival setting.



NOTE: Pics may be from different years, but same Reno Run-AMuck annual event held in conjunction with Reno River Festival.

 

[george ross]

As someone who shoots mud races professionally, I wouldn't dream of shooting Mud without rain gear especially when using short lenses; and make sure you keep lens cleaner and a cloth handy.


I have found, over the events that I shoot, that my guys use 70-200mms and or 300mms where they can shoot long at the other obstacles. I always station myself at the mud crawl (where I get the most sales) where you cannot use a long lens and shoot everyone because as soon as the first persons stands up to climb out of the mud they block those behind me. So, as the race photographer I sit in the mud and use a short lens (24mm-70mm) in that way I can shoot almost every athlete without being blocked. It also allows me to get low.


I wouldn't take too much gear because the courses can be tough to walk around


You can see some on my mud crawl work here http://www.georgerossphotography.co...VENTURE-RACES/adventure-race-photography.html

I use Aquatech rain covers, let then get covered in mud and throw them in the washing machine. There is an EOS1D MK IV and and 24-70mm.

You will love it...have fun.









--
George

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www.georgerossphotography.com

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webstrategicmarketing.com

 

[kbrkr]

Why all that camera equipment?



If you are indeed serious about hauling all that gear, consult a physician before starting an exercise routine.

I will probably leave some stuff in the car. I was thinking of using the 105 for close up facial mud shots, however thinking about it now, I can just shoot close with the 300mm. Do you guys ever use or need Flash?

First off.. what exactly is your objective? Is it to maximize your photo sales or is it to get as many pictures at different spots on the course as possible?

To maximize photo sales and being comfortable doing it.. bring a 5 gallon bucket.. sit you butt down at a good spot and shoot away.

Yes, I do want to maximize photo sales, but I also want unusual shots. I will probably bring a soccer chair. LOL

If you seriously want to get pictures of different spots on the course, then travel light.

One DSLR camera with 18-300mm range, and one high end compact camera. Maybe bring along a clunker bicycle or a Rasor foot scooter.

I don't have a mountain bike, but that's a great idea. I've weened myself off of long zooms, they are just not sharp enough for me.

An out and back course works best for photographers.. but a loop course, you generally get one chance on the course. With all the gear you are packing, I doubt you can chase anyone down to get a second shot unless there are short cuts in the race route.

This is great insight...I don't have the course layout yet, but I get your point!

Now if you had a bicycle or a scooter with you. you increase you chances of getting from the starting line to the first obstacle, then to the mud pit, then to the finish line.

For the after finish line group photos.. many times the runners pose on a stage in front of a race banner -- much like a Hollywood red carpet posing area

You generally cannot get pictures with good bokeh.. that is where a good premium P&S camera works just as well.. sometimes even better.

And if the after race scene is full of people as in a festival, and having only one camera, you can move in and out much quicker. That is when your expertise as a street photographer kicks in.

And finally.. don't get too cute as with this guy at the Reno Run-AMuck.

I respect his dedication to his craft!! lol You wont see me stick my gear in the mud, however!

[ATTACH alt=" I seriously doubt he got any good pictures after his lens filter got muddy. A "tool" if you ask me. Besides, he just got in everyone else's way being where he was. Additionally, after being dirty'ed up, he was done for the day. I, on the other hand, was like the Everready Eenergizer Bunny.. just clicking along with my Sony A100."]media_1684247[/ATTACH]
I seriously doubt he got any good pictures after his lens filter got muddy. A "tool" if you ask me. Besides, he just got in everyone else's way being where he was. Additionally, after being dirty'ed up, he was done for the day. I, on the other hand, was like the Everready Eenergizer Bunny.. just clicking along with my Sony A100.




Advertised as the longest portable water slide. I had the folks in the dpreview touch up forum to fix this picture.. and they came out with some wild ideas. I was blown away what they can do with this pic.




After race picture in a festival setting.

NOTE: Pics may be from different years, but same Reno Run-AMuck annual event held in conjunction with Reno River Festival.

Very nice photos!

Thanks for your valuable input, it's much appreciated!

 

[kbrkr]

As someone who shoots mud races professionally, I wouldn't dream of shooting Mud without rain gear especially when using short lenses; and make sure you keep lens cleaner and a cloth handy.

Did you bring rain gear for your equipment or just your body to get low in those shots? Your brave getting that close (see poster above you photos of guy IN the mud). Great point on the lens cleaner and cloth!

I have found, over the events that I shoot, that my guys use 70-200mms and or 300mms where they can shoot long at the other obstacles. I always station myself at the mud crawl (where I get

If I shoot my 24-120, I'm going to have to get REAL close. I guess I should plan on sitting in the mud. The bucket idea seems more appropriate now!

the most sales) where you cannot use a long lens and shoot everyone because as soon as the first persons stands up to climb out of the mud they block those behind me. So, as the race photographer I sit in the mud and use a short lens (24mm-70mm) in that way I can shoot almost every athlete without being blocked. It also allows me to get low.

I wouldn't take too much gear because the courses can be tough to walk around

Point well taken!

You can see some on my mud crawl work here http://www.georgerossphotography.co...VENTURE-RACES/adventure-race-photography.html

Great photos! These are the kind of anti-snapshots I'm making my objective. Excellent work.

I use Aquatech rain covers, let then get covered in mud and throw them in the washing machine. There is an EOS1D MK IV and and 24-70mm.

I will have to look into those covers.

You will love it...have fun.

Thank you for you encouragement and taking the time to respond to my post!

--
George
http://www.georgerossphotography.com
http://webstrategicmarketing.com

I really enjoyed your site and viewing your work. Very impressive. Thank you for sharing.

Regards,

Al

 

[pjman792]

You have a great kit, but I'd definately leave the tripod, the 105, and the flash in the car. Your cameras have the ability to shoot wonderful images in very low light, and the 105 is just duplication of focal lengths you already have.

Good luck, and post some of your images here when you get back!

Drew Tarter

 

[kbrkr]

You have a great kit, but I'd definately leave the tripod, the 105, and the flash in the car. Your cameras have the ability to shoot wonderful images in very low light, and the 105 is just duplication of focal lengths you already have.

Good luck, and post some of your images here when you get back!

Drew Tarter

Thanks for the advice Drew. I so trained to use my tripod with the D800, it's automatic! I may take your advice and leave it home.