Capturing the Thrill of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls

Miguel Osés, a resident of Pamplona in northern Spain, shares insights from his two years of experience working with The Associated Press. His recent photograph taken at the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival offers a unique look into the event.

Why Choose This Photo?

The image was captured during the Running of the Bulls, a highlight of the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. Taken at the Mercaderes Curve, where the route transforms into Estafeta Street, the photo represents one of the most thrilling and perilous sections. Osés highlights the sharp turn, where bulls charge at high speed, enhancing the sense of danger.

The Process Behind the Photograph

The photograph was taken from atop the wooden barricades securing the route, providing a vantage point 2.5 meters above the ground. This height offers an expansive view of the street and the curve. With the run starting at 8 a.m., Osés employed a fast shutter speed of 1/1250 and a high ISO of 2000 to capture the rapid, chaotic motion in the narrow streets.

Setting up three cameras in various remote locations daily, Osés personally held the camera that captured this image. Observing the bulls approaching in a tight, fast group, he anticipated a possible collision with the barricades, threatening the runners. Among many frames taken, this particular shot stood out to his editor.

Why This Photo Stands Out

The photograph vividly illustrates the peril associated with the run. These formidable bulls, each over 500 kilograms, race through city streets, surrounded by hundreds of participants. The image conveys the immense power of the animals confronting the runners, enhanced by the vibrant colors and expressions captured.

An illustration of dynamic movement, the contrasting colors between the bulls and the gray pavement draw attention to the tight and rapid pace of the pack, overtaking the runners in the frame.

Osés’ work offers an evocative portrayal of this renowned event, capturing the intensity and vibrancy of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.