Behind the Lens at the SLC Marathon

SportsFest 2022 was my first experience photographing a large scale endurance event, and it pushed me creatively in all the best ways. After receiving an opportunity to volunteer with Huntsman Cancer Institute, I found myself stepping back into sports photography for the first time since college. Photographing fast moving cyclists in constantly changing conditions required quick decision making, technical adaptability, and a completely different approach from the portrait and lifestyle work I was used to.

Leading up to the event, I spent time researching sports photography techniques and refining camera settings that would allow me to freeze motion while still maintaining natural light and detail. Once the race began, the pace of the event demanded constant adjustments in positioning, framing, and timing. Every section of the course presented a new challenge, from changing backgrounds to unpredictable movement and shifting light conditions.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was learning to work creatively within limitations. My lens setup did not offer the shallow depth of field I typically prefer, which pushed me to focus more intentionally on composition and environmental framing. Using elements of the landscape, including the Wasatch Mountains and surrounding scenery, helped create images that felt dynamic while still grounding the athletes within the environment.

Beyond the technical side of the event, what stood out most was the atmosphere surrounding SportsFest. The determination of the athletes, the encouragement from volunteers, and the energy shared throughout the course created an experience that felt far bigger than the race itself. Documenting those interactions became just as important to me as capturing the action on the course.

I strolled over to the watering station, where volunteers were dishing out snacks and refreshments. It almost made me consider a marathon myself, but let’s be real, my passion lies in capturing those epic moments, not living them firsthand.

One of the biggest lessons from this event was learning how to anticipate moments before they happened. Sports photography moves quickly, and capturing genuine expression often comes down to timing, awareness, and staying ready for split second interactions between athletes, volunteers, and spectators.

The event also reinforced how important storytelling is within event photography. While the cyclists were naturally the focus, some of the strongest moments came from the quieter interactions throughout the day, including volunteers supporting participants and athletes celebrating with one another after crossing the finish line.

SportsFest 2022 ultimately became more than just a volunteer opportunity for me. It challenged me technically, strengthened my confidence in fast paced environments, and expanded the way I approach documenting movement, emotion, and community through photography.