Should You Buy GeoSnapshots or Pay Cebu Race Photographers?

(The Photos I Never Wanted—Until They Were Gone)

Before my husband, Lee, passed away, I hated taking pictures.

Back then, the only running I ever did was running out of patience when he tried to snap a photo of me. I was insecure—grabe kaayo—and the fact that I had given birth to three kids? My body had taken a serious beating. Plus, dako jud kog kaon. 🍛 Dako ko ug bilbil. Then when it comes to food, dili ko demure. So every time he lifted his phone to take my picture, I’d groan, “Ayaw na, Lang please! Di ko ganahan picturan.” 🙈

And then, one day, just like that—he was gone. 💔

I was 37 years old pagka wala niya. Lee and I were together since college. And in all those years, he never got tired of taking my picture—even when I told him not to, even when I covered my face, even when I was fresh from giving birth and feeling ugliest. To him, I was always worth capturing. ❤️

But when he left, suddenly, no one was taking my picture anymore. No one waiting for me at the finish line, no one holding up a phone, no one proudly saying, “That’s my wife!”

And now? Now, I run. 🏃‍♀️

Not just for fitness. Not just for health. I run because it saves me. Because it’s the only thing that stops me from drowning in grief.

But here’s the painful truth: No one sees me anymore.

I cross the finish line, and there is no one waiting. No one shouting my name. No one holding a camera—except for these photographers. 📸

The ones who wake up at dawn, set up their cameras, and stand by the sidelines capturing moments we don’t even realize are worth keeping.

And now, the question is—should you buy your race photos? Should you pay for the images these photographers worked so hard to take?

Let’s break it down.

✅ Option 1: GeoSnapshots (The Hassle-Free Choice)

Some races use GeoSnapshots, a system where you simply enter your bib number and—boom! 💥 All your race photos appear like magic. 🎩✨

Why It’s Worth It:

✔️ It’s fast and convenient – No need to scroll through hundreds of albums to find yourself.

✔️ Professional quality – Taken with high-end cameras, ensuring sharp, clear shots. 📷

✔️ Easy bib recognition – If your number is visible, your photos are ready and waiting for you.

A Small Challenge to Consider:

➡️ It’s an investment – High-quality photography costs money, but when you think about it, these are once-in-a-lifetime moments. Wouldn’t it be worth saving just one perfect shot from each race? 🤔

✅ Option 2: Local Cebu Race Photographers (The Heart of the Running Community)

These are the dedicated people hustling at every Cebu race, taking thousands of photos and uploading them so we can find ourselves—for free or for a small tip.

Why They’re Amazing:

✔️ More candid, natural shots – They capture raw emotions, not just finish-line poses. 🏁

✔️ They go the extra mile – Once they recognize you, they’ll look out for you in future races. 🤝

✔️ Affordable or free – Many simply ask for a small tip, which helps support their passion. ❤️

A Small Challenge to Consider:

➡️ Finding your photo takes effort – Since they upload thousands of images, you might need patience to sift through albums. But isn’t that part of the fun? 🤩 The joy of discovering your moment among a sea of runners?

Sooo, mga friends…

If you’re like me—widowed, single, walay uyab, walay mo abiba nimo—and you run your race, you will want to be seen.

Because running is hard. Not just on your legs, but on your heart. 💔

Some of us run through grief. Some of us run through heartbreak. Some of us run through battles we don’t even talk about.

And when we cross that finish line, we might not have anyone waiting, cheering, or taking our picture—but the photographers are there.

📸 They see us.

📸 They capture proof that we were there.

📸 That we showed up.

📸 That we kept going, even when it hurt.

And one day, when you look back at those race photos, you won’t just see yourself in running shoes. 👟

You’ll see evidence that you are stronger than the pain you feel.

That you finished what you started.

That you are not invisible.

So be thankful that someone took the time to click that camera. 🙏

Be grateful that someone was willing to document your journey. ❤️

Because those photos?

They are proof that you ran. 🏃‍♀️

Proof that you are still here.

✨ Thank you, race photographers. You don’t just take pictures. You remind us that we exist. Dili ta invisible.

Amping mo! And please, keep taking our pictures. 🙌