Photographer Highlight: Nick Reid
Nick Reid is a talented photographer in the New Jersey/New York area with a background in track and field. A collegiate runner at Farleigh Dickinson University, Nick boasts a personal bests of 1:48 in the 800m and 46 in the 400m. He graduated from FDU and competed professionally with the New Jersey-New York Track Club and was a finalist in the 2012 Jamaican Olympic Trials over 800m. Check out his personal page at www.SourceAthletics.com!
Nick competing while at FDU
How did you get into action photography?
I’ve always been interested in photography and film starting at a young age. I remember be infatuated with disposable cameras growing up in Jamaica. My freshman year in college I purchased a camcorder and whenever I wasn’t running I would be out there recording my teammate’s races. I did that throughout college and have stock of old college tapes archived. Fast forward a few years to 2014 when I purchased my first DSLR Camera. That year I was invited to a wedding in Rhode Island and decided to take some photos of the wedding rehearsal and reception. While at the wedding a friend saw the photos and encouraged me to consider pursuing photography. Being an athlete my entire life, it was only natural for me to shoot sports. All of this while working full-time and training with NJ/NYTC to make the Jamaican National Track Team 5-6 days per week. I would always have my camera with me at all times. Whenever there was a chance or sporting event at local high schools, I would stop by and take some pictures.
photo provided by Nick Reid
Outside of running, what kind of events do you typically shoot?
I have been shooting a family friendly mud run called Your First Mud Run for the past two years. Your First Mud Run is an obstacle course race for the entire family. It’s sort of like the Spartan Run but less intense. There are about 7 races around the NJ/NY area and I’m the main photographer. I have done fashion shows including NYC Fashion Week, product modeling, headshots and a few weddings.
photo provided by Nick Reid
What kind of camera(s) do you use and what is your favorite lens type?
I’m currently shooting with a Cannon T5i. I have a few lenses but my top two favorites are the Sigma 17-50mm 2.8, and Sigma 70-200mm 2.8. With those two lenses in my backpack I can shoot anything.
What mode do you typically shoot in for races? What about the other events you shoot?
I normally shoot in manual for all the races and events I do. When shooting in manual outdoors you have to always pay close attention to the metering—especially on cloudy days.
Olympian Shannon Rowbury photo provided by Nick Reid
Do you have a favorite race that you have taken photos at?
I enjoy capturing athletes having fun, and the top two races I photographed with people having the most fun are Your First Mud Run and the NYC Marathon. With Your First Mud Run, I get to photograph family members rolling around in mud and helping each other with various obstacles. With the NYC Marathon you have people from all over the world running the streets of New York together.
Do you have any tips for FlashFrame photographers out there on how to take great race shots?
My advice to FlashFrame photographers would be the same advice many photographers have given me over the years, “just get out there and shoot.”
Thanks, Nick!