![\"richcruse.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.conradstoltz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/01\/richcruse.jpg\")
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\u00a0Rich Cruse <\/a>has been shooting XTERRA since my 1st intro to dirty triathlon in 2001. Since then we have become great friends, and we have done a lot of “work” together.<\/p>\n Our working relationship:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n a) I try to win races. A tough enough job as it is.<\/p>\n Furthermore, I also try to win races while<\/strong> looking good. A really tall order!<\/p>\n Apart from the obvious physical challenge of looking good, (distance is a great beautician!) I always try to zip up my top when a photographer is near. (even though its hotter and more restrictive for breathing) If you see a pic where my top is unzipped, you’ll know its a close race! (Maui 2007) Remember Macca’s infamous IM 2007 finish pics? Actually, click HERE on maccas new site<\/a> for “before” and “after” IM 2007 pics.<\/p>\n Another important ingredient in a good action pic is not to have snot on your lip, or too much mud\/dust\/crusties on your face. (Mud\/dust anywhere else is ok. So is dry blood. Or wet blood. But other crusties not so much. )<\/p>\n b) The photographers job is actually really physical. They are almost as athletic as the racers. Getting around the course to catch the leaders, (mens & womens) and of course the eventual winners could come from faaaar behind, so they have to shoot quite deep into the field.<\/p>\n Rich has been shooting triathlon for\u00a0 almost 2 decades now. To me his memorable pic is the one of the Mark Allen and Dave Scott dual during the 1989 Ironman.<\/p>\n Once you have good shots, enticing the press and sponsors to use them for print and advertising is the next step. Rich and I have have done more work together than what I would have dreamt.The one hand washes the other. Really cool.<\/p>\n Thanks Rich!<\/p>\n