Taking Instagram-Worthy Images on the Run

A man stretches his legs while sitting in a field

capture stunning images with your smartphone

We live in a culture stoked about sharing—and we share everything. From the perfectly frothed heart on your morning latte to an epic mid-run vista. Even your GARMIN watch screen at the end of your run has social media share potential.

So, to help you ring in the new year and step up your inspirational running Instagram game, we asked three runner-photographers for their top tips on how to capture stunning images with the modern point-and-shoot (your smartphone).

Here’s what they had to say:


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MANDY HOWARD – A runner, avid adventurer, photographer, and training programs coordinator for Fleet Feet Syracuse

  • Run at sunrise or sunset for the most ideal lighting.
  • Get off the road or path you are running on and get closer to your subject for a more interesting point of view. Don't be afraid to get dirty and sit on the ground.
  • Change your perspective. The majority of photos are taken at eye level and it's so boring! Shoot low, shoot high, shoot upside down. Think about what all the other creatures are seeing from their vantage points.
  • Vast landscapes are breathtaking in person, but hard to capture in a photo. Try adding a subject in the foreground (a barn, fence post, animal, etc) to provide perspective on the landscape.
  • Look around. Beauty is everywhere but you can only see it if you are looking up. Tune out the noise in your head and be in the moment, one step at a time.


Follow Mandy on Instagram.​
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BLAIR SPEED – A trail runner, running coach, and professional photographer in Bozeman, MT

Snap images from unique angles. I love to angle up to catch big Montana sky or a sea of trees that make jaw-dropping, inspirational moments.

Play with balance. This could be a runner far away in the landscape, balanced against a mountain or a tree in such a way that they both look like they're on a scale, working perfectly with or against one another.

Play with light. Morning and evening light dance but there are always opportunities for light and balance throughout the day, so be open to the moments that unfold.



Follow Blair on Instagram.
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CHRIS HUNTER – a trail runner, professional running and adventure photographer, and goat herder in Moab, UT

Photography is all about the Light. Sunset and Sunrise are obviously prime shooting times but clearing storms are almost guaranteed to offer WOW moments. Our cameras can’t differentiate between highlights and shadows as well as our eyes, so if you’re running through semi-open woodlands on a sunny day for example, try to isolate the subject (maybe your running partner) in either a section of shade or light and try your best to “frame out” the opposite light. Just avoid deep, dark shade because it will make your subject very hard to see.

Freeze the action by using burst mode. Select focus on the runner before they head down the trail and pan with them using burst mode to snap images as they go. This allows the camera to lock onto the subject and hold that focus point through motion.

Have your friends and subjects wear bright clothes Bright colors look the best



Follow Chris on Instagram.