A day in the life of a race photographer: meet Evan Pilchik

Posted by Kelly Johnson, community blogger

Last weekend at the Race for the Roses I followed local photographer Evan Pilchik around to see what it's like to be a race photographer.

While I often take pictures at races and group runs (and wherever there might be friends of mine or cute dogs), I have no skill. Pilchik, on the other hand, manages to make even the most exhausted half-marathoner look like a champion.

On race days, the runners show up to pick up their packets, stretch, and warm up. About an hour before the early birds get to a race, Pilchik arrives and starts preparing for a busy day of work.

Photographing a race requires Pilchik to know the number of participants, the course, the weather, and the day's schedule. He has to assign other photographers course locations and provide them with information so they'll know when to be ready for runners and from which direction, so they can get the best possible shot.

A few minutes before the race start, Pilchik gives last-minute directions to his fellow photographers, double checks his equipment and gives his set up a last minute assessment. He then puts himself in prime position for a great shot: directly in the line of thousands of highly motivated people who can cover the distance between the starting line and him in about two seconds.

After the gun goes off, when any normal person would be either running away or protecting their vital organs, Pilchik stands his ground and takes a few pictures of the now fast-moving crowd. Then at the last second....