The finish line of the Western States 100 this past June 23-24 was thick with news crews, video teams, and professional journalists. But I was the only one there with a mobile portrait studio—shooting in classic medium format, with black and white film. I was there at the invitation of Race Management, who'd seen my work from the 2006 Angeles Crest 100 Finish Line. The Finish Line Portrait Project began in 2004. I realized that running photography was either "Patagonia pictorialism" [and they do that very well], sports photo-journalism, and casual snapshots. I decided to use my 10 years in ultramarathons to document this one particular aspect of the sport. Many of the best visuals come from the oft-ignored "back-of-the-pack". Leigh Corbin crossed the WS100 finish line with the express desire to be photographed. Her friends held up the backdrop supports in the face of a rising breeze to make it happen. Guillermo Medina had won Angeles Crest in 2005, and finished 3rd in 2006. And here he was. Be sure to check the Finisher List / About the WS100 Photos for the names of people you know, or yourself. If I missed you—because you were late getting out of the Nurse Tent, and all you wanted to do was to shower and sleep—I understand completely. Background Note: When I was running ultras, I finished 9 100's, one of those 100's was at Western States in 1993. there were also about 20 50-milers, 25 or so 50ks, and way too many 25-to-40 mile training runs. My first sub-24 hr time was at Angeles Crest. My second and last buckle was Leadville in 1997. The last 100 I finished was Wasatch in t998. Here are portraits from the 2007 Angeles Crest 100, and 2006 Angeles Crest 100. Photos will be available for purchase by the runner, family and other informal purchasers. All other commercial entities, please address all commercial inquiries directly to Larry Gassan © 2007 Larry Gassan Contact Larry Gassan for further information regarding images and availability. back to home / photo portal / about the Finish Line Photo Project |
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