#marathonfoto

[carloscruzv]

Stealing from the #marathonfoto website. #unitednychalf2018 #🏅 (at United Airlines NYC Half)

[magicseeingclocksandthesea]

London City Voices, MSA Trust singing in front of Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square at London Marathon where I'm working today 😎. #londonmarathon #msatrust #photography #malcolmphotographer ##marathonfoto #multiplesystematrophyawareness #london #instagram (at Parliament Square)

[magicseeingclocksandthesea]

At Silverstone for today's half marathon #marathonfoto #malcolmphotographer #sportsphotography #fun #instagram (at Silverstone Circuit)

[smb758-blog]

MarathonFOTO is probably the biggest rip off on the planet ($29.95 for a digital download??!) but I felt this pic was too good to pass up. American Flag + Capitol + me looking alive at Mile 19....I'll take it!

[dreameradrift]

#nofilter 6:00am #marathonfoto #sunrise @mrsunsetlove

[theathleticacademic]

An open letter to Race Directors and Race Photo Companies

I get it. You want to make money. You deserve to make money. 

I know because I was a photographer, and I hated when people asked me for free things. You deserve to make money.

Well, if you would take decent photos. But barring that, lets assume that all photos from a triathlon/marathon are decent.

You are being exclusive. Some of us break the bank to race. $50 for a digital download is just exclusionary and leaves many with a negative perception of your brand. 

I'm offering a suggestion for your business model instead. Chew on this:

figure out how much profit you want

charge the race that much to give people free web-resolution pics

race directors can charge EVERYONE a small fee included in the race for the images

Photogs can charge people for any physical prints

Benefit to photogs: You know EXACTLY what you will make on a race

Benefit to Both Photog and RD: Put your brand on the image in a classy way: People will become more familiar with your brand in a positive manner when people post them to Facebook, tumblr, whatever.

It really is a win-win. Don't believe me? research your participants. See where they post photos. See how they'd feel about FREE race photos. See if they'd pay an extra $5-10. 

You're welcome for the free advice. I know people love free, unsolicited advice. 

But really, those of us that can never or would never pay $50+ for a digital download would love you for it. You probably wouldn't have to invest in so much watermarking technology either. 

-Dennis

(PS: I stopped watermarking my photos after about a year. I realized how childish it looked)

[notovernight]

Responses to Marathonfoto rant

thereluctantrunner replied to your post: Dear Marathon Foto,

"I actually have bought photos from marathon photo..the price is what it is. They are in business to make money & must be doing alright for themselves as they continue to stay in business. If it is an important race I'll buy photos, otherwise, I don't."

Reluctant, you are 100% right! They are a business, and they are in business to make money. That is why in my rant post about it I suggested a case study. I truly think they would make more money if the price was lower. Just one mans opinion, and you know what they say about opinions, right?

runheatherrun reblogged this from you and added:

"I have never bought a photo for this exact reason - its ridiculously expensive. Please tell me you sent this in an email to them. I think you should."

Heather, maybe I will!