How to Get Kids Ready for Sports Photo Day — Parent-Friendly Tips
The morning of Sports Photo Day, there’s always a flurry to get the kids ready so they’ll be camera-ready for the big moment. Where’s the other shinguard? Is that jersey still in the dryer? Did I do everything you needed to do to ensure these photos will be scrapbook-worthy?
To cut down on all that stress, I’ve gathered my best tips for parents and guardians prepping for their child’s sports photos day. These come not just from my years as a photographer but my years as a mom too. So take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Sports Photo Day Tips for Parents and Guardians
Over the years, Sports Photo Day has come to be one of my favorites. Kids tend to be excited because they’re headed into practice or a game, and there’s a unique energy in the air.
It’s also a day that tends to be … well … a little chaotic! Kids are lining up to have their team photo taken plus an individual photo captured, and everyone is running all over the place. This is why I often have an associate photographer on hand to capture the team photo while I work one-on-one with your athlete. It makes this move more quickly, and not just for the kids. Sports Photo Day also involves coaches, and for the little ones, parents/guardians too.
With that in mind, I’ve got tips for parents/guardians who are present on Sports Photo Day, plus tips for sending your older kid to school on the big day (when you can’t be there to watch over it all).
Tips for Parents/Guardians Who Will Be Present on Picture Day
When I work with younger athletes to capture photos of AYSO and the like, family is usually on hand — after all, someone had to drive their child! This gives you an advantage over families of older kids who have to send them off at the start of the day and cross their fingers. Here are a few things to help you take advantage of, well, that advantage!
- Arrive early — if possible — and find your team. This makes it easier for the team photo to be taken quickly while all the kids are still in good moods. It’s hard for little ones to have to wait on their teammates.
- Wait until you arrive to pop that jersey on. This will help keep it clean longer.
- Bring baby wipes or something similar. I have no idea how it happens, but somehow they always find the sticky lollipop right before their photo is going to be taken, don’t they? Plan ahead, and you’ll have something on hand to wipe away the evidence before they step in front of the camera.
This makes it easier to give your child a quick once-over before the big moment. Here are some important things to look for:
- Is the jersey tucked in?
- Are there any stray strings hanging out that need to be tucked in?
- Do they have the appropriate equipment? (E.g. baseball glove, hat, etc.)
- Are they wearing a hairband on their wrist that should be removed?
Please wait until after it’s over to take your own photo! I know it’s awfully tempting when they’re all dressed up, smiling and looking oh so cute, but kids don’t know where the look when a photographer is taking their photo and Mom, Grandma, and Auntie Suze are taking one at the exact same time. You’ll get the best photos of your child in your gallery if they have just one photographer to concentrate on (and you can grab one right after!).
Tips for Every Parent/Guardian
Whether you’ll be attending picture day or not, there are some simple things you can do ahead of time!
- Throw that sports uniform in the wash a few days ahead of time (if possible).
- Let kids know about picture day, and remind them this is a photo you want to keep. You don’t have to guilt trip your kiddos here! But you’d be surprised how many kids don’t realize their parent signed them up. A heads up gives them time to prepare.
- Skip out on the smiling practice. Believe it or not, you can over-practice, which means kids will put on a forced grin on photo day.
- Embrace the imperfect. Kids are silly. Kids are goofy. That’s why I love photographing them, and that’s what I love about perfectly real photos like the silly one below.
What Happens After Sports Photo Day?
Good news! With Jeanne Sager Photography, you don’t need to preorder a single thing or turn in any paper order forms to your school.
All you need to do is sit back and relax as we prepare your personalized gallery! We will check in after Picture Day to let you know when your child’s photos will be hitting your email inbox. Once you receive your images, you will have the chance to place your order online for both printed products and digital downloads.
Questions? Contact me!
