How to Photograph Triathlons

Intro on shooting triathlons

Triathlons can be one of both the toughest and most rewarding sports to shoot. Three completely different disciplines, constant change in conditions and athletes spread over kilometres of course. Only short moments to capture each competitor in their element wether it be on the swim, the bike or the run. I hope my recommendations below can provide some tips and tricks to your future triathlon shoots.

Type of Gear

While gear is not everything, it is important. In a sport where you need to be as mobile as possible to catch different angles of different disciplines, gear can make or break your shoot.

Keep it simple. For my recent experience, I found one camera body more than enough.

Camera Body:

Sony A6700 asp-c.

Lens:

Sony 70-200mm GM ii.

Pre-Shooting Recommendations

Pre-shoot preparation can be a game changer. Basically all triathlon events will post or provide pre-race day course maps. As a solo photographer, these can be essential to understanding where you can be for each discipline without missing out on the action.

For example, the Loughrea Triathlon wanted me to focus on the bike section of the race while still shooting at least some of the other disciplines. As a result I analysed the course map to understand how much time I would have to get in position for cycling shots. I made the decision to shoot the beginning of the swim and then make my way to my cycling shoot location, ultimately sacrificing getting shots of the athletes coming out of the water.

Pre-Race

Pre-race shots are great for setting the tone and the atmosphere of the race. Shots such as athletes racking the bikes, volunteers finishing setup, gear setups in the transition zones, athletes acclimatising in the water are all good examples.

Swim

The swim discipline of triathlons is obviously where is photographers are most limited. The race start is a key moment to capture. There is a lot going on so I'd suggest upping that aperture to around f9.0 to keep your entire frame crisp. After the initial water rush is over if the opportunity arises I would lower that aperture and attempt to capture single athletes on the edges of the field to get them as isolated as possible.

Cycle

Run

Post Race

Post race is a great opportunity to capture the emotions of completing the race for all athletes. Some with the focus of beating certain times and some athletes experiencing the joy of completing their first ever triathlon. Obviously being around the finish line is key with athletes discovering their finishing position, family and friends greeting finishers and overall exhaustion.

Editing