How to Photograph Ironman Florida: Swim, Bike and Run

A triathlon asks three different things of your camera in one day. Here are the settings, lenses and positions for the Gulf swim, the bike and the Front Beach Road run at IRONMAN Florida, plus how to handle the light from dawn to dark.

The swim

Swimmers are small, wet and moving through spray, so the swim is the hardest discipline to photograph. The best moment is the beach run between the two Gulf laps near the Russell-Fields City Pier.

Lens: 70-200mm or longer for faces in the water, and a wide lens for the beach run with the pier behind.
Shutter: 1/1000 s to freeze spray and arms. Go to 1/1600 s for sprinting athletes.
Position: kneel or sit low at the water's edge. A low angle makes the athletes look larger and puts the horizon behind them.
Protection: carry a lens cloth and keep your gear away from the surf.

The bike

Cyclists move fast and are often in a tuck, so the biggest decision is whether to freeze or pan.

Freeze: 1/1000 s or faster, with continuous autofocus and tracking.
Pan: 1/250 s to 1/320 s with the athlete crossing your frame gives you a sharp rider and blurred wheels and background. It takes practice, and your keeper rate will be lower.
Position: shoot from the spectator side, near transition, at a slight angle so the face and the number are readable. Never stand in the road.
Burst: shoot three to five frames per athlete.

The run

The marathon is two loops along Front Beach Road, so you will see the same athletes more than once. Use that.

Shutter: 1/800 s to 1/1000 s. Slower runners on the late loop can be shot at 1/500 s.
Aperture: f/2.8 to f/4 to separate the athlete from the crowd and the buildings.
Loop one: capture strong, clean action.
Loop two: capture expression: the grimace, the smile at a spectator, a walk through an aid station.

Light from dawn to dark

Start: the day begins at 6:00 a.m. in low light, so use auto ISO with a minimum shutter speed and an aperture of f/2.8 or wider.
Midday: bright Gulf sun is harsh. Use side light when you can, and add a small exposure compensation for sunlit skin and white sand.
Late afternoon: low light on Front Beach Road is warm and flattering.
Evening: after dark, the finish at Pier Park is lit by artificial light. Raise ISO, keep the shutter at 1/500 s or faster, and use a fast lens.

Where to stand

Stand off axis, 15 to 30 degrees to the side of the athlete's path.
Pick a clear background such as the beach, a sign or the crowd, and avoid barriers and parked vehicles.
Choose a corner or a turn so that athletes slow down and face you.
Look at where the sun is and keep it behind you or to the side.

For more, see Triathlon Shots: How to Get Sharp Action (and Sell Your Photos) and How to Master Swimming Photography.

Gear for a long day

A 140.6 day is long, so carry spare batteries and cards, sun protection, water and snacks, and a rain cover. Keep your bag small and your kit simple. One body and a 70-200mm lens covers most of the day.

Shoot with the sale in mind

Keep numbers legible, note the time and place you shot, and upload quickly. Upload your set to Surf Snaps and athletes can find it on Explore by sport, place and date. Joining and uploading are free, there is no storage bill, and the Surf Snaps fee of up to 10% only applies when a photo sells. You can pass it on to the customer. Check the race organizer's media policy before you list race photos for sale.

Ironman Photography FAQ

What shutter speed should I use for triathlon?

1/1000 s for swim and run, and 1/1000 s or faster to freeze the bike. Use 1/250 s to 1/320 s only for deliberate panning.

What lens is best for IRONMAN?

A 70-200mm f/2.8 covers swim exit, bike and run. Add a wide lens for the beach and the pier.

Is the swim hard to photograph?

Yes. The beach run between laps is the most photographable moment.

How do I handle the finish at night?

Use a fast lens, raise ISO and keep the shutter at 1/500 s or faster.

Where do I sell my photos?

On Surf Snaps, tagged by sport, place and date, after checking the organizer's media rules.