Sports photographer and runner David Miller talks with us at XMiles to share his experiences with trail running photography. 

If you're interested in finding out more, then read our interview with David below...

Interview with David Miller

Hi, I’m David Miller and I’m a runner and sports photographer based in Weymouth, Dorset on the Jurassic Coast, UK.

When did you start?

I started photography in 2019 with a point and shoot digital camera. For as long as I remember I’ve always enjoyed being creative but it’s taken me until now in my mid thirties to realise it’s my calling.

During the 2020 lockdown it was a real focus of mine to turn photography into a semi career and with a lot more time on my hands things quickly accelerated when my girlfriend very kindly gifted me a Canon DSLR camera.

The rest is history!

Why did you start?

I’m in love with trail running and the community it brings.

The blood, sweat and tears go hand in hand with photography and enables me to capture the emotion and passion of the sport.

I also love the big panoramic landscapes in which we choose to run. People can relate to this and when I recognise others enjoying my work and feeling inspired it makes me more determined to show the world trail running through my eyes. This transpires behind the lens which is basically a licence to explore.

Favourite image / memory?

My photograph of Courtney Dauwalter finishing at UTMB (Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc) last year seems to have made the most noise.

This was arguably the greatest ultra run of all time and I was extremely fortunate to witness this at the finish line.

I remember arriving late and being the last photographer to arrive on the media stand. There was one spot left on the very bottom corner so I sat down here feeling pretty deflated with my photos and extremely tired having followed the runners around Mont Blanc for over 24 hours.

The atmosphere was electric with Courtney running up the finishers straight and unknown to me her husband Kevin was stood beside me.

She came over to my corner cheering in delight enabling me to capture this moment. Sometimes as a photographer we must remember it takes one moment to capture a timeless photo and this was one of them.

Athlete you'd like to photograph who you haven't yet?

I’d say the greatest mountain runner of all time Kílian Jornet. He’s racing at UTMB this year so fingers crossed I can capture Kílian at his best!

Favourite Photographer?

Alexis Berg. This guy is exceptionally talented and an artist. Check out his work here, you won’t regret it.

What gear do you use?

I’ll be honest my gear is very minimal in comparison to a lot of pro sports photographers

I have a mid range Canon DSLR camera and a recently upgraded Cannon EF 24-105mm zoom lens that allows me to shoot in low light conditions.

This will give my photos that extra quality so I can throw them in the mix with the very best in the business.

I’m a great believer in working with the equipment you have but more importantly always having a creative eye.

iPhone photos can also be just as impressive!

Plans for 2022 and onwards...

I’ll be working at UTMB again at the end of August.

The UTMB week in Chamonix is an amazing experience so I’m always thrilled to be a part of it. Judging by the athlete’s on display this is lining up to be one of the most exciting editions yet!

A Skyrunning race in Spain during October is also on the cards.

In general, I’d like to photograph more inspiring athletes and travel to the world's most beautiful destination races.

I’m hoping to be present at a very well known event early next year which for me is the pinnacle of the sport and will allow some interesting and creative photography.

Watch this space.

As always I appreciate the support over on my Instagram page here. You’ll be able to keep up to date and see my latest work.