Sports Mama Tip: How to Take The Perfect Team Photo!

Maybe your kid was sick on Picture Day. Maybe he or she closed their eyes. Maybe your Coach thought Picture Day was on Saturday instead of on Sunday. Or maybe your league doesn't even do team pictures to begin with. Things happen. And because they do, I am here writing this blog post!


Here are my tried and tested tips to help you take the perfect team photo:

• Plan ahead. Pick a date and time, and notify your team. I usually schedule ours for practice days, but pre-game can work as well. Just avoid scheduling it post-game... think sweaty faces, dirty uniforms, and possible frowns if they didn't win. It's also a good idea to have a couple of extra jerseys on hand in case someone forgets theirs.

• Location, location, location. Location is everything! It will help to tell your team's story. If you're photographing a football team, take it outside on the field. For basketball teams, take it right on the court. You can even incorporate props such as a ball, helmet, a goal, or bleachers if photographing a high school team.

• Uniformity. There's no I in team! Be sure that everyone is uniformed. And I'm not just talking jerseys. Will the team smile or not? What about hands? Whether you go with hands behind their backs or in their pockets, you'll want to make sure that they are all doing the same thing.

• Strike a pose. Will they sit, stand, kneel? Whatever you decide you want to be sure that the entire team will fit in the shot. You also want to be able to see each individual player's face. If you're going for that traditional pose, you'll want to line the shorter players up in the front, and the taller ones in the back. Want a more modern pose? Check out Pinterest or your favorite pro team for some inspo!

• Keep clickin'. Chances are that at least one player will have their eyes closed or be looking in the opposite direction. I suggest shooting in continuous mode and taking several photos, just in case. The more you take, the greater your chance of getting that perfect shot!

• Have fun! I always like to finish the photo shoot with a "funny face" pic. And so do the players. These honestly always end up being my favorite!

I hope you find these tips helpful! Don't forget to share your photo(s) with the entire team. Your fellow Sports Mamas will be grateful that you did!

*** Click HERE for my youth sports photography basics!

Sports Mama Tip: How to Clean Football Equipment

"If you smell bad, you're going to play bad!" No, I didn't come up with that. Although I wish I had! I actually heard one of No. 1's high school football coaches say that last week... right after he begged them to, "Please, PLEASE wash your pads!" HA!


If there's anything I've learned in my first few weeks as a high school football mama, it's that the stink struggle is REAL, y'all!


So what can you and your player do to help cut down on the terrible smell that is tackle football? Here's what works in our house:

1. Air it out. Don't leave equipment (i.e. pads, helmets, gloves) in the trunk of your car. Moisture harbors bacteria. Bacteria = funk. Remove all equipment from the car after each and every practice and game. Leave it in your mudroom, garage, or even on your porch. Fresh air works wonders!
2. Wipe it down. Use an antibacterial wipe to wipe down shoulder pads, chin straps, and the inside of helmets at least once a week. Every other day is ideal, especially if your football player is prone to break outs!
3. Wash it frequently. Practice jerseys, uniforms, girdles, and gloves. GAG! There may not be is not a worse smell in the world. Seriously. Don't forget to add them to your weekly cycle of laundry. Yes, even gloves can be thrown in the washer! Once washed, hang them up and allow to air dry. DO NOT put them in the dryer! Unless of course, coach would be ok with them wearing a melted number...
4. FEBREZE! It will be your BFF during the season. I promise! Spray their equipment, spray their uniform, spray your car, spray them! Just kidding, please don't spray them.

Don't forget about mouthguards! A little dish soap, a toothbrush, and warm water is all you need!


I hope your found this post helpful! What are your tips to avoid having to ride with alllll the windows down in 95 degree heat after picking your kid up from practice?!? PLEASE share them below or in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group.