How does everyone feel about the races that sell photos?

Mission...allow runners to voice an opinion....
to be relayed to race directors for use as marketing tool.

2011 Survey (All replies are in archives as replies from Facebook or email messages)

Seekcrun Ross How does everyone feel about the races that sell photos? I get a lot of negative comments....to balance things the photo sales do contribute 20% to the charities of the event (my best reckoning) So, the contract photo company gets about 80%? need to get confirmation on this from anyone out there who is involved....Again, how do you feel about races that sell photos?

Bryan W Well, I have mixed feelings. I'm glad they are there to document my race, but often they charge WAY too much. I ran my first marathon in Napa in March and I had to pay $50 for a packet of about 10 digital pics, if I didn't purchase by the deadline the same packet would have cost $150. That just doesn't seem right to me. I'm glad I got pictures to show my first marathon, but if it hadn't been my first I doubt I would have been willing to pay that steep a price.
Michelle SLD . I understand them contributing back to the charity but their prices are ridiculous and then some of them charge shipping on top of that. I think the KC Express the smallest (cheapest) was $19.95 for a 5x7 plus shipping. And they aren't available for 4-5 days after event (although they do it by your bib number). But 9 times out of 10 they don't even have a quality picture. Your quality is much better!.
Mike N don't know about that, but i sure love being at races where you're doing the photo shoot. ;)
Steve W Of all the races I've done, I think my wife purchased only ONE picture. That was from my first marathon from Action Sports Images. They just charge way too much for the poor quality that you get. I don't mind sifting through photos at seekcrun--they are much better quality, and free!
I like SEEKCRUN best. I can e-mail a link to family and friends scattered across the country and share my photos. Top quality photos that capture the moment and fun of the event. Stanley Peterson
Stacey E The photos from the Chicago Marathon are all expensive, even if you get them digitally. I still haven't ordered mine.
Rebecca A. S I won't buy them.. I get too many great free photos from other races ;-)...
Timothy K we already pay enough if not too much already just to run some races...money to charities is a good thing but don't they already get that in the fee for the race. if you ask me they are using charity as a reason to justify them charging ridicules prices for a photo that should be free in the first place. if they want to give further money to charities then why not have some charity booths set up with donation boxes..
Rebecca A. S amen Timothy
Oscar C Don't like it at all! I make it a point to run in races where u will be, but there's times that's not possible. :(
Maggie T I've never purchased one of those - it's annoying. I feel like I give and give and give.. when I run a race, my mind is usually focused on the charity I'm running for (I'm not a big runner, so that's just me). When someone tries to sucker me into giving MORE, it's annoying.
Janice W I think there is room for both. Just like there is room for non-profit run clubs and for profit events. HOWEVER, I don't think it's necessary to price gouge. The prices the for profit photographers charge are outrageous
Eric L If I run in an event where they charge for pics, I would prefer that my entry fee would include 1 pic. Then if I wanted to buy others I could.
Eric L I usually run events where SeeKCrun is there and will pick it over the others!
Mike A I agree with the earlier posts that the prices are just too much. I purchased some digital photos from the Ft. Worth marathon one year. It was $45 dollars for 3 pics and the quality wasn't worth the price. I would have had to pay more for the high quality pics. Never again will I pay for pictures. If they would lower the prices I might reconsider.
Janice W The Missoula Marathon gave you a cheap option when you registered for the event. If you paid the small fee up front you were emailed all your race photos. It was great
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While I have been running for a long time, recently, my family has been joining me in races. My kids love to see the pictures that your crew takes. It inspires them to run more frequently.
I have never purchased a picture from the other companies. I don't ever plan to. Please tell the race directors that I have only so many dollars to spend on running, and I would rather spend $40 paying for an entry fee for another race instead of buying photos.
We love you and what you do for the KC running community! Thank you! Karen
Julia wrote: "I hate it, never bought a single one."
Hi Dick-I think that selling race photos provides a service to the runners...and helps promote the sport in a good way. You are really good at what you do!!
It's not a race till we see your smiling face. " Mel
I'm always annoyed when a race uses a pay-for-photo company. I certainly don't buy the photos, but it doesn't really impact whether I choose to run the race.
I always laugh at those photo offers! They are priced SO HIGH! Of all my running friends, I only know of one who has ever bought a picture. Glad to hear some of the profits go to charity, but I think it's a joke. Thanks for your service! I LOVE it! K.S.
I like being able to purchase photos. because usually they are sorted better on the website and you can actually find yourself using your BIB number as opposed to scrolling through hundreds of pics! That’s my two cents. J
It’s a business . . . runners should buy or not buy, as they choose. I guess I don’t understand what the negative comments are about.
Dick, This is my opinion. The runner that is a beginner is always excited to do his first several races and getting a photo of himself in the events is sometimes pretty special. After the beginner becomes a seasoned, runner, I believe the desire to have a photo becomes less important. So, there is a need for photos. Without photos, Olathe Running Clubs gallery, wouldn't have nearly as many outstanding photos. Most of the photos I have are of myself are in out of town races. NY Marathon, L A Marathon, Chicago Marathon, etc. Photos of the larger races, are need, as there are many out of town runners. Dick, this is my two-cents worth. Have a good day.
Hi Dick, First, let me say THANK YOU for doing what you do. I so appreciate the free photos and I would be happy to pay and extra registration fee of a few dollars if that could then could be paid to you for your time. No one works for free but 9.95 for a single photo is a little pricey . I do like to keep a photo log of my races but rarely if ever buy a photo. I know there are so many logistics in planning a race and I don’t know exactly how the photography aspect works but again, I would be happy to add in a few dollars up front to cover your service. Somehow paying $10 after the race just seems to “hurt” a little more than a few dollars at sign up. Hope that helps. Terry
I usually don't ever buy race photos because they are too expensive. Unless it is a big race like a marathon, I won't shell out that kind of money. If the photos were less expensive I would buy some. When you run a dozen races a year, I don't necessary feel the need to have a souvenir photo of every race. Steve R.
I think this is still America, the home of free enterprise.,
Photos are wanted by some and not by others so some of how this works is that if you don't want photos...don't order them. What makes someone angry enough to keep others from getting what they might want. I don't know. The audience has the responsibility to decide if they want photos or not and maybe not the directors or other folks. There, that's my 2 cents worth. Roman L
Janice wrote: "The Missoula Marathon gave you a cheap option when you registered for the event. If you paid the small fee up front you were emailed all your race photos. It was great."
I don't usually buy the photos but it's nice to have the option. No one's being forced to buy so I don't see why it would bother people. Donna V
....Hi Dick, Yes, my daughter and I have taken advantage of SeeKCrun. The last race we did though, the only option was to buy them. I had to do that because it was the first race I beat my daughter in and we just happened to be captured on the same photo !!!! Ken
I do not have an issue with this. I think it is one thing to ask the Photo Journalist to donate their time to come to an event and spend the better part of their day; however, I do believe they should be able to recover some of their cost for film (or digital memory card), the processing of photos, and the uploading to a web site I also believe that the consumer will make the decision to purchase or not to purchase .Doug W
Hi Dick! Here is my two cents on races that sell photos - I run Hosp Hill and the KC Marathon every year and they are both races that sell photos. I like to have a 8x10 to put on my wall of fame. With you, I just copy the pic I want on a cd and take it to Walgreen's - just a few dollars. PLUS, I can post all the pics of yours I want on my FB. With the other races, it's at least $20 for an 8x10 only (no .jpgs unless you buy a $100 cd). I doubt I'll even buy a hospital hill photo this year (my wall of fame is getting crowded!) and would be just as happy not buying a KC Marathon one if I can get my boyfriend to take a pic. The pics from the "paid" photographers aren't any different quality-wise in my opinion - i.e. I don't like their pics any better than yours. So, it's hard to justify spending money on them. I love posting my running pics on FB and I hate that I can't do it for the bigger races (rock the pkwy, hosp hill, kc marathon, all those). See you at the next nerd race! Erica C
Chiming in with my two cents worth regarding selling race photos. I have only purchased a photo one time. I do like to look at my photos. My boys, 6, 9, & 12 love seeing themselves as well. I have no problem with them selling photos. I honestly can't imagine why anyone would be upset. Don't buy the photo seems to be an easy enough solution to me. I am guessing that if no one bought the photos there would be no one willing to take the photos. This tells me those complaining are a small minority, however vocal they may be. Jason A
I've been going to races long before you showed up with your free photos. When I did Joplin last year, I did buy a finish line photo.I choose races first and think about the photos second. Seekcrun is a welcome surprise and a plus. I'll be in Detroit this fall and expect to pay for another photo there. Unless you're gonna be there?! Jay
Dick, I would be careful treading down this path. Many race directors have these groups as sponsors versus the fact that you charge the race. You do a great job for the community but surveys out like this could create a bad vibe for the races that have photographers at their events. Another thing to think of is that when they purchase the photo, they get them mounted in a nice frame with the race logo on each photo. They can get their finisher medal and bib number mounted as well. Just my thoughts.R C
Mike wrote: "I agree with the earlier posts that the prices are just too much. I purchased some digital photos from the Ft. Worth marathon one year. It was $45 dollars for 3 pics and the quality wasn't worth the price. I would have had to pay more for the high quality pics. Never again will I pay for pictures. If they would lower the prices I might reconsider."
I don't feel strongly one way or another. I think it's a nice thing to have available if you're interested in purchasing them. Some people don't have anyone there to take pictures for them. It's not like anyone is strong arming people to buy them.
Dick, I will NOT BUY a photo from the people that do this. I think we have talked about this before. This does not mean I will forgo entering and running the race, but no buying of pics. George M
VERY much like your pics and how it helps the charities. HOW can people complain!! Keep up the good work
I like photo sales. If I have no family members at a race, it is nice to have the other option of purchasing a photo. Regards, Ken
I feel the prices are HIGHLY over rated on the quality of the photos. The proof that is often viewed on the web site does not show the true quality of the print. I once ordered from a proof to discover that the actual photo had my eyes closed. Seriously! Do you think I would pay $20 for a picture of me running with my eyes closed? I have ordered photos to have them arrive crinkled as the company sent them in paper envelopes, not a cardboard version. And why do I have to order 2 pictures? Need I go on?
The only good photo race experience was at the Vegas Marathon where they posted signs, "Smile...photographer ahead" so at least you knew they were there. Of course those pics weren't cheap either. Thanks for listening. Marsha
Eric wrote: "I usually run events where Seekcrun is there and will pick it over the others!"
If I run in an event where they charge for pics, I would prefer that my entry fee would include 1 pic. Then if I wanted to buy others I could."
Xiao wrote: "I'd like they raise a few dollars for the race fee but give us free pictures."
Not every community is lucky enough to have someone like you and "SeeKCrun" at their races! As a former race director, I was very disappointed when I heard that the Express had declined your services for the MD5K because a photographer would be their selling pictures. I know that there are good reasons to sell photos, especially for the large races. So, my answer is this. In Kansas City, any/all races should work both with you and a professional photographer. Outside of Kansas City, if the market dictates, pictures should be sold. Thanks! Paula L
Janice wrote: "I think there is room for both. Just like there is room for non-profit run clubs and for profit events. HOWEVER, I don't think it's necessary to price gouge. The prices the for profit photographers charge are outrageous."
Hi, I'm fine with those who sell their photos, but I have never bought any and don't imagine I ever will unless a photographer should happen to catch something absolutely priceless involving my children. I enjoy browsing all the photos and seeing the action that I missed while I was lagging behind, but I have never found a reason to purchase any. What I will do, though, is donate, as the KC Trail Nerds allowed us to do when we signed up for the Free State Trail Runs. After this run, I enjoyed browsing all of your photos, and I shared my finish line photo with a few friends to prove that I had finished, but I doubt I would have purchased any. They were good photos, but I just don't want any of them enough to go to the trouble of buying them. Thanks for what you do. I'm happy to donate during registration and hope that can continue, but if it doesn't, I'm fine with that, too. Shelley U
M.C.I feel I spend enough on race entries and getting to the race (gas prices, yikes!) that by the time the race is over I can't afford to buy the pictures even if I wanted to. I have only bought photos a few select times and have ran a lot of races that sold them. Which makes me sad to no end, since pictures are the best way to be able to remember the events. Your services are unmatched. The Kansas City running community truly benefits from all you do
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I have never purchased race photos, but I have copied the free photos from the Seekcrun site many times. Thanks!
I don't mind them selling photos if they would just not be so expensive. I would rather not have to pay for it, but I would pay a small amount. Kim P
I have no problem with pictures being sold. In fact, I wish shirts were sold instead of being included with entry fee. Photographers have the right to earn a living. Michael R
We love you and what you do for the KC running community! Thank you! K
Julia wrote: "I hate it, never bought a single one."
I do not agree that the prices are reasonable whatsoever regarding the photos from the races. If the prices were more reasonable, many more people would purchase from them, thus resulting in a lot more money being contributed to the charity. So please negotiate cheaper prices for us, so everyone can benefit! Thanks, N M
I'm so very glad that you asked because this topic comes up quite a bit with my friends and I. While I don't have an issue with them charging (someone's gotta make their living) but I do have an issue with A. the high price and B. the fact that nobody offers an option to just purchase an electronic copy. I really have no interest in a hard copy of the picture I mean it's not going on my mantel! :) I really like to have them just for memories sake and some I put on facebook if I don't look too terrible in them. I really appreciate the races that put them out there for free online for us, but if you are going to charge, please give an electronic version only option for a smaller fee. I have some races I've done alone so I had nobody to take pics of me as I ran and it stinks not having a pic from each race i've been in.That is my two sense! Thanks!
SC...I think that races that bring in professional companies to take race pictures are sometimes a good idea--if the race is large and there's a lot of first-timers that will be interested in those products, I think it makes sense for both race director and participant (they see it as a perk).But for most local, smaller races, I (personally) don't feel that a professional race co. is the best option--one, because most ppl participating likely won't buy the pictures, and two, most people in such a race likely aren't doing their debut or tapering for a little 5k where they really want a memento (like a pro photo). For you, Dick Ross, to take photos and post them for free, but also sell them if a participant wants a print,(sent note that I do not sell any images)makes sense for most races around here. But for Hospital Hill, as that was this morning, I think, given the scope of the event and # of races/competitors, a pro company is needed and makes sense (see 1st paragraph). But I also ran Pittsburgh 1/2 marathon a few weeks ago in Pennsylvania, and though the event was very well run and organized, the pro photo company had a measly 2 shots of me from so far away that I wouldn't buy them--this is in a race of (between full and 1/2) 15,000 runners, so I'd say the pro photo company didn't do a good job. And with placing 8th, it's not like I was in a big pack where they couldn't get a good picture(s). Thanks for your work and contribution to KC running! JA
Tom H. I love the fact that you provide a free photo service. I've downloaded many of your low resolution photos from races I've participated in, and never asked for a high resolution version (which I know you will provide at no cost). I appreciate your willingness to provide this service, and I promote you whenever I can.
The various road races I've been in have low resolution photos that you can get off the web site via one method or another, but they have the photographer's watermark in them, which detracts from their value. Let's face it, I'm too cheap to buy their generic photos.
The images you capture that are most special are the pre and post race shots with the runner interacting with friends and family. These types of images are not typically taken by the photo robots at major road races.
Dick, you are a one-of-a-kind and we all appreciate what you do and the value you bring to each event you cover.Thank you,
"I refuse to buy a race photo Just don't need a picture of me running that bad" Shawn wrote: . I have gotten alot of pictures from you dick(you always seem to get some good ones of me)thanks for that"
"I realize that there are people who take picture and try to make a living at it. But with the steep entry fees of some races as well as the cost to get there, spend the night (in some cases), who has the finances to afford pictures as well. I also download the lower resolution pictures from you as does others. You provide a wonderful service and ask nothing in return. I thank you for all you do." T.B.
I have no problem with it. A valuable service to some runners. A portion of proceeds definitely should be kicked back to the event. I am chairman of a golf cancer fundraiser and our photog splits 80/20.
I understand that this is a business and I appreciate them doing it, plus I think it's great that they donate some of their proceeds to charities. But, I think they are kind of expensive. I order sometimes, depending on the race and the picture. If I can find a good one, usually I will only get a 5 x7 one that shows the event. I haven't been real impressed with the pictures they take. I thought the ones at the KC Triathlon 2011 were terrible. Overall, I've been more impressed with Dick's pictures
In my opinion, it depends on the race. If it's a 5k or 10k supporting a local cause, it feels right to have free photos. If it's a larger event--half or full marathon that attracts lots of runners outside of KC, then having a "pay per photo" service there make sense. I think local runners (and the local charities) have come to expect and appreciate the photo services of SeeKCRun.
I don't have a problem with an individual or company selling photos. Sure, I like checking out the free ones on-line, but I have never purchased any.
I am a television news photographer, so I feel that I know the value of quality video and photos. Cameras, batteries, tripods, SD cards, etc. are expensive. And what a lot of people don't understand is that shooting an event (like a wedding for instance) may only be a couple of hours, but editing a video can take several hours. I am sure it's the same with still photos (and races).....it's the time spent arranging, loading, downloading, labeling, etc. that takes time. If someone has a high quality camera and can get great action photos, let them take them themselves. I'm sure the photographers "crouched down" on the ground for 3 or 4 hours are "earning their keep". Also, people "expect" a perfect picture when they see a photographer on the course. With multiple runners, moving at brisk speeds, every shot is a challenge. Sometimes it's perfect, and once in awhile, you'll see some blurry photos.Again, I appreciate the photos that are available for free, but I have never downloaded any of them. And if someone can produce high quality professional "action" photos, and offers them for sale, they have a right to make a living as well.Just my honest "2 cents worth".TH
I appreciate all the wonderful pictures you take. I enjoy looking at the various races you cover. I will occasionaly purchase one of the pictures from the major races.HS
In regard to your question about Races where pictures are sold, It is nice that people are willing to take pictures but the prices are way to expensive and sometimes they don't let you buy anything less than a 5X7.I know it must be expensive to take pictures of so many runners but possibly they sell a less expensive alternative. Maybe the charge for just providing an image that could be downloaded and printed would be more affordable.I do like to look at the pictures but probably won't ever buy one at the current prices. M.W.
They are too expensive. I feel the take advantage of us. Ross does not. I have never, nor will I ever buy expensive pictures from my runs.C.A.
I have never paid for a picture during a race. I do enjoy looking at the pictures, but I feel it is unnecessary to pay 5.99 for a picture of myself when I can take a picture using my cell phone for free. Eric
Why would anyone be bothered by this? It's fun to check them out after a race. If you want to buy the photo, you have the option to do so, just like it is your option to register for a pre-race pasta dinner or other event add-on. Don't be upset with a race photographer for making a living. If the price point or profit sharing system bothers a runner, he or she can ask their friends and family to capture shots for them instead. And good for the race photographers who share profits. That's not something they necessarily have to do.R.H.
I think it is a great idea. I have only ran in one race and the pictures were free. But I would have bought a picture if they hadn’t been free. I also think that people would buy pictures knowing 20% goes back to the charities.R.M.
Bryan wrote: "Seeing that you will be at a race is often the deciding factor when there are more than one event on a given day that I'd like to do. If I have a choice between several races, I pick the one I can get free photos at. I hope race dierctors realize the advertising value you give them, many times I've chosen to do a race just because you will be there taking pictures."
I enjoy having photographers at races and looking thru my pictures, but I'll be honest, I don't buy them. They are usually pretty expensive (which I understand, to an extent - paying all the photographers on the course, time spent loading and organizing the photos, processing orders, etc.) so I just don't buy them. I think I've bought one, ever.Also, I think I've been spoiled by you providing all of your great free ones to us over the years! :) I always look forward to seeing you on the course and I know I'll have some fun photos to look at later. So THANK YOU for all you do! BP
I think free race pictures are great advertisements for races...because I'm sure not going to buy them. Too expensive when you run around 15 - 20 races or more a year. The only one's I've ever bought were from a speciality event in another state, but we always go out and find ourselves in the SeeKCRun photos...then download them and post them to facebook and send to friends. Great advertising for the races! J and J C.
The races are suppose to be all about raising money for the charities. Any thing that raises money for the charities should be left alone. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!
Dick--Your (free) race photos are awesome!! As I was already running around the time cameras were invented, I never was dependent on the race photos back in the beginning. Then they started becoming available, usually at a reasonable pric...e, so I might snag one from the more major events, say Boston or even Hospital Hill. The prices escalated pretty fast and that has taken away a lot of the glamour of race photos these days. Secondly, they are typically from a greater distance and usually not as interesting as yours. If I were choosing a race with no Grand Prix considerations, your free photos would most definitely be a factor! Keep up the great work!