[Kamal Datta] Welcome to the podcast. Today we're joined by Brad Kroll and Conor Gay from MarathonFoto to discuss their work in event photography. Brad, can you tell us about MarathonFoto's history and your role? [Brad Kroll] Certainly. MarathonFoto has been in the event photography business for over 40 years. We specialize in capturing images at marathons, triathlons, and other endurance events. My role as President involves overseeing our operations and ensuring we deliver high-quality photos to participants. [Kamal Datta] That's fascinating. Conor, what's your role at MarathonFoto? [Conor Gay] I'm the Vice President of Technology at MarathonFoto. My focus is on developing and implementing the technological solutions that support our photography services and enhance the customer experience. [Kamal Datta] Can you both share some insights into how MarathonFoto has adapted to changes in technology over the years? [Brad Kroll] We've certainly seen significant changes. We've transitioned from film cameras to digital, and now we're leveraging AI and machine learning to improve our photo identification and delivery processes. [Conor Gay] Absolutely. We've developed proprietary software that allows for quick tagging and sorting of photos. We're also exploring ways to use AI to enhance image quality and automate certain aspects of our workflow. [Kamal Datta] That's impressive. How do you handle the logistics of photographing large events with thousands of participants? [Brad Kroll] It's a complex operation. We typically deploy teams of 20 to 30 photographers for major marathons. We strategically position them along the course to capture multiple shots of each runner. Our goal is to provide comprehensive coverage of the event. [Conor Gay] On the tech side, we use RFID chips to track runners and match them with their photos. This allows us to quickly organize and make available thousands of images shortly after the race concludes. [Kamal Datta] How has the rise of smartphones and social media affected your business? Brad Kroll: It's certainly changed the landscape. While many runners take selfies, there's still a strong demand for professional, high-quality images. We focus on capturing moments that runners can't get themselves, like action shots during the race or crossing the finish line. [Conor Gay] We've also adapted by making our photos easily shareable on social media platforms. Our mobile app allows runners to access and share their photos quickly, which has been very popular. [Kamal Datta] What are some of the challenges you face in event photography? [Brad Kroll] Weather can be a significant challenge. We have to be prepared for all conditions, from rain to extreme heat. Also, ensuring we capture every participant in large events can be demanding. [Conor Gay] From a technology perspective, managing the sheer volume of data we generate is a constant challenge. We're always working on ways to process and deliver photos more efficiently. [Kamal Datta] Looking ahead, what developments do you see for MarathonFoto and event photography in general? [Brad Kroll] We're exploring new event types and looking at ways to provide more personalized photo packages. We're also considering how we might incorporate video content alongside still images. [Conor Gay] On the tech side, we're excited about the potential of AI to further streamline our processes and possibly even assist in composing shots. We're also looking at ways to integrate augmented reality into the photo viewing experience. [Kamal Datta] Thank you both for sharing these insights into the world of event photography. It's clear that MarathonFoto is at the forefront of combining traditional photography with cutting-edge technology.