Boston Marathon – April 2023, Mile 6, Framingham, MA
Imaging Excellence | PPA Monthly Merit Image Review
Platinum Medal | PPA International Photographic Competition 2024
On a cold, rainy April day in 2023, I stood at Mile 6 of the Boston Marathon in my hometown of Framingham, MA—raincoat on, gear soaked, eyes locked on the reflective puddles forming on the road. As runners ran past me, I saw more than just soaked sneakers and determination. I saw color, motion and a story. This image was created entirely in-camera, using a slow shutter and creative panning technique, without any Photoshop magic. I believe in getting it right in the moment and using my camera to paint with light, movement, and emotion.
Using my Canon R5 with the 70-200mm RF lens at 84mm, using the shutter speed of 1/15th at f/16, and began panning with the runners’ movement. My goal? To blur the feet and splash of motion while keeping the reflections sharp and anchored—capturing the essence of that rainy day in a visually striking way. The result was Runny Colors—a creative play on the vibrant neon shoes and their streaking reflections on the slick pavement.
That day’s downpour may have discouraged spectators, but to me, it was a gift and a chance to tell the story of the race in a way I hadn’t before. The runners’ energy, their colorful footwear, and the rain-slicked road gave this image its signature look and ultimately, its name.
I’ve been covering the Boston Marathon since 1997, when I was a staff photojournalist at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. For ten years, I photographed countless sporting events, always chasing the unscripted moments and subtle storytelling angles. While my work today is focused primarily on portrait photography, my heart still beats fast for the thrill of capturing sports—especially timeless events like the Boston Marathon.
“Runny Colors” is not just about motion, it’s about finding beauty in the unexpected and telling a unique visual story, even in the rain.
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