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

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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.

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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.