Botafogo Christmas tree becomes Instagrammable spot for runners; see the photos

Independent photographers position themselves in postcard locations around the city to depict street racers. The images are sold on websites and the practice has already become common. Today, with the Christmas tree placed in a prime location in Botafogo, the scene has also become a subject of fury for those running.

Engineer and photographer Harysson Ferreira, 47, was among the professionals strategically positioned near the tree to take images of the runners. He says the position of the shaft, very close to the race track, makes it easier to click.

A resident of Botafogo, he goes to this neighborhood every day to take photos. He arrives between 5:30 and 6 a.m. and stays until about 8 a.m. He then returns home to edit the material and begin his second shift, as an engineer. He explains that since he is still at Aterro, he has formed friendships with other photographers who do the same work and with the riders.

— It’s practically the same people who train there. We end up becoming friends, we meet in the street, at the supermarket. And when the tree was installed, many people sent me messages on Whatsapp asking for a photo with the tree. It’s something new, there’s never been a tree there before and those who train at Aterro love it — says Harysson, photographer at Fotop, known locally as Harry.

Harry said that due to “demand” he was spending more time near the tree, about four times a week.

— I immediately recognize the runners who are still there, we greet each other. But for those we don’t know, we give them a card with their contact details and website so they can purchase the images. Many pass by the tree and come back to ask for a contact — says Harry, who takes an average of 4,000 photos per day and sells about 1% (R$ 16.90 per unit) — And the cool thing about all this is that we follow the runners. In addition to training, we also participate in the main races with Fotop. I was already moved to see runners sacrifice themselves there, in their daily lives, and finish a marathon.

This is the first edition of the Natal do Rio project with the Christmas tree in Enseada de Botafogo. Every evening, from 7 p.m., it is illuminated by more than 2.3 million LED lights.

It opened its doors on November 30 and will remain open until January 6, with free cultural programming distributed throughout the weekends, including musical performances, light shows, aquatic ballets and activities aimed at families and children, with the project expected to welcome more than 650,000 visitors by the end of the season.