If you’re a runner on social media, you may be wondering how to capture the best poses for great running photos. It’s not the most important part of the sport, but there’s something fabulous about being able to post a great photo to your Instagram grid.
Keep reading for some of the best poses for great running photos!
The Selfie
You can never go wrong with the classic selfie. Select your reverse camera, hold your phone up, and snap a cute selfie in front of your favorite background. You can capture a close up from waist to head, or even a full body image if you angle properly.
Get The Garmin
Most runners have a Garmin or similar smart watch, with which they capture their activity. If you don’t feel like capturing your own face in the photo, you can snag your stats instead. Simply pull up the watch face you want to record, position your wrist out over your shoes, or whatever backdrop you prefer, and snap your shot!
Group Shot
You’re beautiful and deserve the full spotlight, but if you run with friends, it’s even better to have them in the frame as well. Use your timer or video function to make sure you get an assortment of shots so everyone looks their best!
Photos in Motion
Capture yourself in motion by video recording yourself running. Take a screenshot of your favorite “in-motion” pose, and bam. Perfect running photo. You can run at, past, or away from the camera for variety.
Jump For Joy
Jumping is super fun, and it makes for great “runfies” to share. Once again, you can use the timer or video function on your phone to capture your best leap. Pro tip: tuck your feet close to your booty to make it look like you’re catching more air. It’s even more fun with more people, so recruit your friends to join iN!
Tie Your Shoes
Mix things up by moving the focus to your shoes. Crouch down to tie or adjust your laces, and show some appreciation to the sneakers that get that help you log all the miles.
Stretch It Out
If you don’t feel like getting a true action shot, get a photo of your pre- or post- run stretch. This helps share an important part of the process, and allows you to mix things up.
Strike A Pose
Don’t feel like showcasing any of these? Set up your camera and just take a picture of you being you, in all your glorious gear. Use your fingers to showcase miles, or make hearts with your hands. Be creative with your stance and background, and you’ll have a great photo for social media posterity!
Share The Lows
Sometimes, you leave the run feeling discouraged, rather than invigorated. Once in a while, it’s ok to share that vulnerability. Capture those moments if it feels right. It brings some authenticity and “realness” to the image you project, and opens up a conversation about what’s behind the “highlight reel” we tend to project on social media.
What is your favorite kind of running photo to share?
Do you tend to share the positives or do you offer up the hard times, too?
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This is great information, Jenn. I love the jumping tip!
I always get my husband to do my running photos. Last weekend a running buddy took a selfie of our running group as a gif. That was quite funny!
I think I’ve done all of these other than the jump shot! I feel like I would look weird and also I’m sure I would be busted by neighbors as I was trying to do it. Although now I sort of want to give it a try…
I like to have someone else take the photo and then ham it up in the background – and I’ve also trained a few of my running friends to do an amazing hammy pose in the background of my pics: win!
I’m a fan of the action shot–as I’ve aged I’ve shied away from the selfie. Of course, there is that glamour glow filter to smooth out the wrinkles!
I have to say you have the best running pics. I never have the time so I just stand there and use the timer. And where to prop my phone? I often have to use my mailbox. Lol
I struggle with the action shots but they are a work in progress. I do probably spend way too much time trying to get a good one
Love these tips! I usually just do selfie’s or action shots. Otherwise, I am usually stumped for other types of poses and photos!
These are great ideas! I need to spice up my running photos. The good thing about doing the video action shots is you can analyze your running form!
Fun post! You know mine is the Scooby selfie!
Yep, I’ve done all of these 😉 I go through phases…I tend to snag a lot of sunrise photos this time of year (I’m a sucker for a good silhouette with a striking sky in the background). I also like the candid shots…less “planned and posed” (if that makes sense?).
Great post! You’ve summarised such a wide spectrum of shots! I’ve tried all of these BUT most with the assistance of a photographer! I’ve always struggled to take photos on my own with the timer so that’s something I need to work on to be less reliant on others!
I usually take pics with my dog to take the focus away from me. 😉
You take great photos! I definitely need to step up my game on running photos and this gives me some great ideas!
I appreciate that! Thank you!