Loneliness of the long distance runner, a photo from Zuid Holland, South

Photographer's Note

"The loneliness of the long distance runner....."

Finally a chance to use this fantastic book title, the book is written by Alan Sillitoe, I read it too long ago, so I can't actually tell you anything about it, but I never forgot the title.
It's a beautiful title, and very describing for this Rotterdam Marathon Picture that was held yesterday.

This man was the last one to finish, it took him 5 hours and 34 minutes, and I think he's a hero!

And apparantly more people think so, as he was interviewed by a Dutch TV station, and accompanied by many police motorists. I guess all that attention made him forget his tiredness, reading his smile.....

As a contrast: Bert uploaded the female pro winner here.

bertolucci, jbweasle, Fixfocus, Albrecht, thohau, nwoehnl, carmem_busko, Isabelle oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

RGatward (20108) 2005-04-11 17:51

Hillarious ironic title, and thanks for filling another of my themes, though strictly I think this is just a title. Superb use of DoF here, not too strong, just enough to isolate, but leave the background visible.

jbweasle (9393) 2005-04-11 18:12

Great picture, great title, Rinie. I like the composition with the runner to the right and the distance marker just above so we know he is near the finish. The police escort is suitably blurred at the rear.

Lithium (596) 2005-04-11 18:13

he he, that's a funny photo ;o) The background looks great as well.

bertolucci (14052) 2005-04-11 18:15

Hi Rinie, lovely and very well composed capture of this carrier of the red lantern. It's dry now and he can smile again, after doubtlessly much suffering along the way - the title is soooo very well chosen.
I like it very much how you worked the media and the police in this shot - the two ever present partners of the athletes.The DoF is indeed exquisite. Thanx for the link :-) Great job!

avigur_11 (22553) 2005-04-11 19:01

I adore him for this smile, after 5 hours a34 minutes, this guy is really brave. And he looks in better shape than the female pro in Bert's pic. Excellent action shot, Rinie, great catch, it looks like you have been standing right in front of the police bike. Great job.

Fixfocus (9385) 2005-04-11 19:15

Good reportage shot,Rinie!
This guy looks happy and relaxed,-much more than the winners from yesterday did!
Good compo with the tv motorcycle side by side with the runner and the police in the background.

cgrindahl (6113) 2005-04-11 19:54

A fine complement to Bert's photo of the same race. Clearly the weather improved during the extra hours this man required to run the course. I agree with you when you applaud this man's determination. A race that long would require days of me, not hours... ;-)

Fine color and sharpness at point of focus, with nicely limited depth of field. I'm appreciative of the tight crop that brings us in nice and close to the man with the microphone thrust toward him. I imagine an event like this gave you plenty of opportunities to click the shutter. Looks like it turned into a fine day. Thanks for sharing your day with us Rinie.

Albrecht (11283) 2005-04-12 2:53

Hoi Rinie
Een prachtige actiefoto van de marathon. Scherp en een goede compo zo.Heerlijk plaatje in de zon.
Groeten Albrecht

Steely (895) 2005-04-12 4:49

The World roots for the underdog :)
The guy looks totally stoked, cool capture of him being interviewed on the run
hehehe

nwoehnl (122) 2005-04-12 14:05

Yes, I remember Bert's photo from the same event, and this is really a great story-telling scene you found here, Rinie. Infectious to see the guy's smile, and the motorcycle escort and the microphone being pointed at him are good details to have included. The afternoon sun did a fine job of illuminating just the right spots. Well done.

SophieL (6042) 2005-04-14 8:47

He must be very proud of himself (in a good way... and he's right to be happy about what he has achieved!). I like his smile, obviously he is lifted by the encouragement he receives, and that will renew his strength for the last meters...
Great picture Rinie, you managed to keep it very intimate in spite of the crowd with the use of a shallow DOF.
He was right to take his time, he arrives with the sun!

Kenny10pin (19301) 2005-04-15 12:00

great shot, I like the microphone here, very good timing and shot, I like the escort too, well done

carmem_busko (3718) 2005-04-15 22:48

I know how hard is to get a good shot in these situations..... and you were successful.
congratulations!
Cheers!
Carmem

pamastro (7296) 2005-04-16 1:55

This image is the opposite of the blurred image. This one has a more relaxed feel and has that external focus rather than internal. He's completely aware of his surroundings, the television and the finish line. And he seems to be taking it all in with great appreciation. This one is certainly not alone as he connects with things around him, the interviewer and even the crowed of motorcycles behind. It has a great feel that even though he may be last he did finish and that certainly is saying something. More than I could do, that's for sure.

Isabelle (9046) 2005-04-16 23:13

excellent work, Rinie!
just love his smiling face :D
colors, sharpness, dof are just incredible!

everlasting (19978) 2005-04-30 8:20 [Comment]

Show Comment +

premels (2400) 2005-04-30 15:47

Even if it took him more than 5 hours he got some satisfaction by the look of it. Everyone praised the DoF and they are right. I also like the light on his face and on the Bike driver face.

travis_b (912) 2007-02-18 23:52

Rinie!

On the "Somewhere in Time" album, Iron Maiden published a song entitled exactly the same as your photo!

It's a great sporting shot, as well as pretty humorous scene. Great sharpness!

Photo Information

Copyright: Rinie Hoff (Rinie_Hoff) (9340)
Genre: Ludzie
Medium: Kolorowe
Date Taken: 2005-04-10
Categories: Wydarzenia
Camera: Nikon D70, Sigma 70-300 APO II, Hama UV Filter 390
Naświetlenie: f/5.0, 1/500 sekund
More Photo Info: view
Wersja zdjęcia: Oryginalna wersja
Temat(y): Photos with book titles, Yearly Rotterdam Events, Rotterdam Marathon [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-04-11 17:11