Day 2: Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay Berlin 2025 - Remember, runner, because it's always true: The photographer is never in the picture.

Relay Fun in Tiergarten by SCC EVENTS

An integral part of Wiedensohler's annual calendar is photographically documenting the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM Relay in Berlin's Tiergarten - an event by SCC EVENTS that particularly captivates him for various reasons. What makes this event special for him is its unique dynamic. Unlike traditional running competitions dominated by ambitious individual runners, here the emphasis is on teamwork. Added to that is the venue itself - situated in the middle of the park, away from major roads or grandstands, presenting both an atmospheric backdrop and technical challenges for the photographer. Particularly in bad weather conditions, it becomes tricky: muddy paths, moisture, and limited light demand keen vision and technical skill.

^{Lost in a sea of participants: It’s starting now – cameras on. © SCC EVENTS}

Photographic Preparation for the Team Experience

Preparation for the event starts for the photographer long before the starting gun, with practical considerations such as transporting equipment (e.g., a ladder or an extra-long tripod), especially when specific shots are planned. Having photographed the event multiple times, Wiedensohler is familiar with many nuances. Nevertheless, each year he verifies whether, for example, the course layout (such as this year's shortened distance for the Bambini) has changed, as this can provide new perspectives and challenges.

Seeking Challenges for the Perfect Shot

Despite meticulous planning, he needs to remain flexible during the event. While he has certain fixed shots in mind - such as the starting area or the relay baton handovers, which are always exciting to photograph anew each year - external conditions are ever-changing. Particularly, lighting plays a significant role in Tiergarten. Depending on the time of day and weather, the low sun casts long shadows, or the sky may be overcast, posing difficulties for photography. The interplay of light and shadows under the trees creates complex lighting situations, presenting significant challenges that he finds stimulating. He also actively seeks out special moments, such as just before a rain shower darkens the scene dramatically, as these allow for atmospherically dense images. This year, the relay days will feature medals for the first time, another motif with ample potential.

^{The handover of the batons: This shot demands full concentration. © SCC EVENTS}

Relay Baton Handover: Mix of Arms and Faces

One of his favorite spots is just before the finish line, at the right turn near the tipi tent. When the sun shines there, backlighting creates airborne dust - technically demanding but visually striking photos. The relay baton handover is also a scheduled highlight, although difficult to photograph due to the simultaneous presence of many runners, arms, and faces in the frame (1,981 teams started on this Wednesday out of a total of 5,950). Out of about 20 shots of a handover, perhaps two are truly successful, but that's where the thrill lies.

The Fastest Teams Make the Photo

Regarding his choice of subjects, his focus is less on the audience. Unlike at traditional professional running events, there is hardly any ecstatic cheering here - many spectators wait with focused attention for their turn to run. Personally, he isn't particularly drawn to the finish line, even though organizers often desire this typical image. On this day, the winners in the picture were: adidas Runners - BBF 1 with a time of 1:43:06 hours in the women's category, and adidas Runners - BBF 2 with a time of 1:24:08 hours in the men's category."

Top-Class Photo Equipment for Successful Results

His photographic equipment at the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 TEAM Relay hardly differs from other SCC EVENTS events where he is regularly on duty - mostly as a photographer for start and finish areas. He deliberately avoids overly long telephoto lenses at the relay event, as they are less practical in the dense park setting. Instead, he relies on one or two fast lenses, offering flexibility from wide-angle to a maximum of 200 mm focal length. Especially in the often dimly lit park areas, shooting with a wide aperture benefits him technically and creates aesthetically pleasing shallow depths of field.

^{Backlight in a dusty setting – a highly challenging photo. © SCC EVENTS}

Challenging Lighting Conditions as Daily Craft

Dealing with challenging lighting conditions is part of his daily craft. "That's something I must excel at, that's why I'm paid," he confidently states. In such situations, it becomes clear who truly works professionally. His equipment - a camera worth at least 6,000 euros, coupled with lenses each valued around 3,000 euros - enables him to deliver high-quality images even in demanding moments, as expected from a professional. He encounters similar demanding situations at the adidas Runners City Night, another SCC EVENTS race scheduled for July 26. Registration for the 5 km and 10 km road race (and also for skaters) can be found here.

Photos of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM Relay

On a typical event day, approximately 2,000 to 2,500 photos are taken. From these, he selects around 10 percent - about 200 images - that comprehensively document the event: from the start through relay zones to the finish line and the special moments on the sidelines. These photos are carefully edited and then delivered to the client, who subsequently makes them available to all interested parties on the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM Relay website. Have a look here!

^{Above it all. Wiedensohler balances on the ladder for the perfect shot. © SCC EVENTS}

 Plenty of Photos on the SCC EVENTS Website

Does he participate in running himself? No, he prefers leaving that to others. While he finds the sport of running fascinating and touching, especially when exhausted but happy people reach their goal, he himself cannot maintain the joy of running beyond a distance of eight kilometers. "You'd have to throw a stick or a ball for me - then I'd chase after it," he says with a smile. He never quite found the flow of real runners, but perhaps that's his advantage: as an outsider, he captures the emotions of others with a clear eye and great sensitivity. Those interested in viewing his work can find it on the SCC EVENTS event websites. Additionally, he shares selected images on his Instagram channel @tilowiedensohler, showcasing exceptional motifs - photos that go beyond mere documentation to capture the special atmosphere of such events. For those seeking personalized mementos, the Sportografen website is the place to go.