How to Shoot a Turkey Trot in Low Sun and Backlight

For low sun at a turkey trot, put the sun behind you when you can, and expose for faces when you cannot

Turkey trots start in the morning, in late November, when the sun sits low and throws long shadows and glare across the course. That light can ruin photos with squinting faces and blown highlights, or it can make glowing, dramatic shots. The difference is mostly where you stand and how you set your exposure. Here is a simple plan for a fast, crowded morning.

Start with position, not settings

The easiest fix is to stand so the sun is behind you or off to one side. Runners then face the light, their faces are evenly lit, and colors look rich. Before the race, check where the sun will rise relative to the course and pick a spot on the correct side of the road. If the course turns, a corner may give you front light for a few hundred feet that the straight sections do not.

Arrive early and walk the area. Shadows from buildings and trees move quickly in the first hour, so a spot that is flat and shaded at 8:30 can be glaring by 9:15.

Expose for faces when shooting into the sun

If you cannot avoid backlight, tell the camera what matters. Use spot or center weighted metering on a runner's face, or add exposure compensation of about plus one stop and check the screen. Shoot in a format that keeps highlight detail, and watch your histogram or highlight warning so the sky is not pure white across the whole frame.

Keep a fast shutter. Running is quick, so stay at roughly 1/1000 of a second or faster for sharp frames, and raise ISO if you need to.
Use a lens hood. It cuts flare and keeps contrast, and a clean front element helps in cold weather where condensation can form.
Try a small fill flash. If you are close and allowed to use it, a little flash can lift faces. Many events discourage flash, so ask first.

Make backlight a feature

Some of the best turkey trot images come from low sun. Rim light outlines runners in gold, breath clouds glow in cold air, and costume details such as feathers, tutus and inflatable turkey hats light up. To use it, frame the runner against a darker background, shoot slightly below eye level and let a little flare in on purpose. Take a safe version and a creative version of the same moment so you have choices when you edit.

Plan for shade, glare and snow

Mixed light is common: a runner moves from deep shade into bright sun in one stride. Set a focus point on the runner, keep shooting bursts and check a few frames early in the day to confirm exposure. If there is snow or frost, bright ground can fool the meter and make everything look dark, so add a little plus compensation. Keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket, because cold drains them faster.

Check the rules

Before you shoot to sell, ask the race organizer about credentials, official photographers and selling rules, and follow any limits on where you can stand. Be careful around children and avoid close portraits of kids without a parent nearby. If someone asks you to remove a photo, remove it.

Getting your best light shots in front of buyers

Once you have edited your picks, you can create a free Surf Snaps account and upload by session: sport (running), place, date and price per photo. Previews are watermarked automatically and the original is released to the buyer after payment. Surf Snaps charges up to 10% of a completed sale, and you decide whether to absorb it, pass it on or split it. Our how it works page explains the steps. For more on timing the action, see our guides on the start surge and the finish line.

Low Sun Turkey Trot Photography FAQ

What shutter speed should I use for runners?

Start around 1/1000 of a second or faster for sharp running shots, and raise ISO if the light is dim.

Should I shoot with the sun behind me?

Yes when possible, since it lights faces evenly and keeps colors rich, but backlight can be great if you expose for faces.

How do I stop glare and lens flare?

Use a lens hood, keep the front element clean and shift your position slightly so the sun is blocked by a pole or tree.

Is flash allowed at a race?

It depends on the event, so ask the organizer first and use it sparingly if it is permitted.

How do I protect my battery in the cold?

Carry spares in an inside pocket and swap them when the meter drops quickly.