race pictures

I've noticed that the majority of BTers always have some pretty cool race pics to share. Are these pics taken from friends/spouses/ or other cheerleaders/spectators or do races ever have photographers taking pictures of the racers?

I'm just wondering b'c i really want some photo documentation of my first tri, and i'll have to start now if i'm gunna convince my girlfriend to wake up early just to sit around at a triathlon and cheer for me/take pics early in the morning.