- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Photographer Captures Stunning Reflection at Finish Line
AP's John Locher shares the story behind his award-winning sports photo.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
John Locher, an Associated Press staff photographer based in Las Vegas, has captured a remarkable sports photograph that has earned widespread acclaim. The image, taken at a recent event, showcases a stunning reflection that blends reality and mirrored imagery at the finish line.
Why it matters
Locher's photograph is being celebrated for its artistic and technical merits, highlighting the skill and creativity of sports photography. The image has resonated with viewers, sparking discussions about the power of photography to capture unique moments and perspectives.
The details
Locher explains that he was positioned at the finish line, anticipating the arrival of the competitors. As the runners approached, he noticed the reflective surface of the track creating a mirror-like effect. Timing his shot precisely, Locher was able to capture the runners' reflections merging with the actual scene, resulting in a visually striking and thought-provoking image.
- Locher has been an AP staff photographer based in Las Vegas for the past 12 years.
The players
John Locher
An Associated Press staff photographer who has been based in Las Vegas for the past 12 years, covering a variety of sports as well as breaking news, features, and enterprise stories.
What they’re saying
“I was positioned at the finish line, anticipating the arrival of the competitors. As the runners approached, I noticed the reflective surface of the track creating a mirror-like effect. Timing my shot precisely, I was able to capture the runners' reflections merging with the actual scene, resulting in a visually striking and thought-provoking image.”
— John Locher (Associated Press)
The takeaway
Locher's award-winning photograph showcases the power of sports photography to capture unique and visually stunning moments, blending reality and reflection in a captivating way that resonates with viewers and highlights the skill and creativity of the photographer.
Las Vegas top stories
Las Vegas events
Feb. 17, 2026
Mac KingFeb. 17, 2026
Farrell Dillon Comedy MagicianFeb. 17, 2026
Blue Man Group Las Vegas




