Alfonso's Website
●3 min read time

ZebraSnap: the simple way to buy & sell race photos

A few months ago, during a race here in Mexico City, I ran into the same problem as always: I know photographers took pictures of me, but afterwards I have no idea where to find them.
One photographer gave me a card, another told me to look them up on Instagram, another had a weird URL… and of course I forgot everything a couple days later.

I talked with several runners and everyone said basically the same:

  • “I follow some photographers, sometimes I show up there,”
  • “if a friend sees my photo, they send it to me,”
  • “I search through hashtags but it takes forever.”

And I thought: this should really be solved by now.

Looking for solutions (spoiler: didn’t find one I liked)

I started checking what platforms photographers use. Many use things like LumePic or PhotoHawk.
Honestly, I went in looking for some alternative to LumePic or an alternative to PhotoHawk that felt more modern… but nothing really convinced me.

They felt hard to use, kind of outdated, slow, and not really taking advantage of modern tools like proper facial recognition or smart filters. They work, but it feels like visiting a website frozen in 2014.

So… I ended up building it myself

And that’s how ZebraSnap was born.

What is ZebraSnap?

It’s a platform where photographers upload photos from sports events, and runners can easily find themselves using:

  • their bib number,
  • facial recognition,
  • shirt color,
  • approximate time they passed,
  • and other filters that actually make sense.

Instead of chasing photographers across Instagram, you just search and you’re done.

Website: https://zebrasnap.com

Tested in real events

We tested ZebraSnap in several races with photographers who trusted the idea. Everything worked smoothly:

  • photographers were happy,
  • runners found their photos quickly,
  • and the platform didn’t explode (bonus point for me).

That was the signal that it was ready to launch.

What's next

I’m working on the mobile app and want to release it before the end of the year. My goal is simple: make ZebraSnap the best platform out there, in speed, usability, and technology for race photos.

If you run or photograph sports events, I’d love for you to try it and tell me what you think. Any feedback is welcome, seriously.