Boston's 115th

sara505

A few from the marathon yesterday.

On one hand, if you've seen one Boston Marathon, you've seen them all - and since my apartment is smack on the race route, they're hard to miss. On the other hand, this event is a real tear-jerker. I live at Mile 24, and at this point on the route, what we are witnessing is sheer determination and strength of human spirit.

Nothing earth-shattering here, photographically - I had a lot going on yesterday (excuses, excuses) so I was mostly in and out of my apartment, tending to things at home for a while, then running back out for a few shots. I am pleased, however, that I did end up with a shot of the marathon's victor (and record-breaker), Geoffrey Mutai, from Kenya.

I think next year I'll walk downtown to be closer to the hoopla at the finish line.

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10.


Here is Geoffrey Mutai (R) - no front-runner at mile 24, but he would go on to win in a record-breaking 2:03:02.

Thanks for looking.

Nyarthlopic

Something about #3 screams utter determination to me. Can't really put my finger on it. I'm also a fan of #6, but I'm a fan of pictures of kids.

sara505

These are part of my 5DMkII learning/discovery process.

A few things I learned include:

5D needs a longer lens for this type of event (these were shot w 24-70).

AF worked fine with the movement, especially if I had all focus points turned on (I normally shoot with center focus point only, then recompose).

Shoulda used larger apertures to isolate the runners.

I've also been in the process of weaning myself off of fill flash for the past year or so, having become weary of the sameness of it all. Monday, with lots of bright sun, afforded plenty of opportunity for this exercise.

Cheers.

Richard

I'd say you did pretty well. 3, 4 and especially 9 appeal to me most.

sara505

Richard wrote: »

I'd say you did pretty well. 3, 4 and especially 9 appeal to me most.

Thanks, Richard. What the heck, it's cheaper than therapy. No...wait...

redleash

What an opportunity you had! We have the "Rock and Roll" Marathon here but I've not gone to shoot it. You've inspired me to do so next time around. I like all your shots, but my favorites are 4, 8 and 9. To me, #4 really shows her will to make it. As a former runner (sprints, not marathons) I know that look . . . and you captured it perfectly.

Thanks for sharing--
Lauren

Sam

Sara,

Nice set. It conveys the atmosphere surrounding the event well.

You need to quite feeding your cops so well though.................:D

Sam

sara505

Sam wrote: »

Sara,

Nice set. It conveys the atmosphere surrounding the event well.

You need to quite feeding your cops so well though.................:D

Sam

Thanks, Lauren and Sam.

Hey, cops have to eat too!

Jeroen

I really like nr3 although a tiny bit more blur in the background would have been nice. Nice series, I like the B&W.

sara505

Jeroen wrote: »

I really like nr3 although a tiny bit more blur in the background would have been nice. Nice series, I like the B&W.

Jeroen, thanks for your input. I agree - needed a bigger aperture to separate the runners from the crowd.

#7 is my favorite, in terms of showing movement and the overall mood.

Thanks, everybody.