Taking pictures takes time. You need to have the right settings and construction of a picture in order to take nice photos. Too much exposure may lead to an over exposed picture. Too long shutter speed will lead to a blurry picture. Sometimes it even takes about three shots with different settings just to get the right exposure for a picture.
Running while taking pictures is more of a disadvantage than an advantage. From a runner's point of view, clothing and accessories must be as light as possible. Most of the times for long runs (7.5km or more), even a wrist band feels very heavy at the latter part. Bringing a camera is like adding more weight when running.
From a photographer's point of view, running is not at all a nice picture stance; in fact it’s not really appropriate that you take pictures while running because of the constant movement of the body. There is a high probability that the photos would be blurry. Also elements in the picture becomes out of focus fast because of the runners over taking each other.
To other runners, you become an annoyance because you have to find a good spot when taking pictures and that good spot sometime ends up in the middle of the route. This would lead to other runners stopping their momentum.
It’s also dangerous. Routes are located in streets where vehicles run. The mind’s focus would be more on the setting and construction of a picture than on the run.
As a runner with pride, I have to be within the set time limit given by the organizers and I have to beat my own PR just to show the world that I have become stronger and faster.
As a photographer I should take a picture of almost every action in a race. Movements like running, walking, panting, etc. If I want to take pictures of the real action, I should be in the middle to the leading group of the race where people are running. If I want to take pictures of people getting really tired and panting I should
be in the middle to last group. Most of the time you only see people at the back walking there’s not much action there.
You think taking pictures while running is the most convenient excuse for not being fast? It’s a better excuse for being fast. Races and places are both great photo and running opportunities. I have no plans to sacrifice one from the other.
