Fall Sports: A Look Through My Camera Lens

Fall is a busy time for us. The lax days of Summer come to an end, a new school year begins, and all three of the boys are once again involved in sports. Both No. 1 and No. 2 are playing football (on different teams!) and No. 3 is playing soccer. And mama, well she resumes her role as resident photographer.

Here is a small peak into our Fall through the eyes of my camera:

Though there is no way that I can stop my boys from growing up, I am ever so grateful that I CAN pause these precious moments with the simple click of a button.

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Sports Photography Basics

Let me first start off by saying that I am by NO means a professional. I'm just a mama who likes taking pictures of her kids... especially when they're playing sports. And seriously, when aren't they playing sports?! In fact, I'm known to post photos on Instagram with the hash tag "Mamarazzi". Ha. True story!


Here are some of my best tips for photographing your athlete:

1. Invest in a good camera. Cell phone cameras just do not compare to DSLRs. Period. I currently shoot with a Canon T3i. If you can invest in a longer range lens, even better. Especially when you're shooting from the stands!
2. Use a fast shutter speed. I wish I could shoot in manual, but I'm just not there yet. I shoot in Sports Mode. It selects the shutter speed, auto focuses, and takes continuous shots. This ensures that you get many pictures of each and every play.
3. Get up close to the action. Obviously not all sports will allow you to do this, but when you can, do it. The closer you are, the more personal the story. Facial expressions are everything!
4. Know the game. Will the players be running towards you, or away from you? Will they switch sides at halftime? Knowing and anticipating what will happen next are crucial.
5. Photograph the entire story. Don't forget to snap pictures of them warming up, taking a water break, tying their shoes, high fiving their teammates after a great play, walking off the field or court post victory (or loss!). Photographing the fans is also something that I like to do. Their faces tell some of the best stories!
6. Take a ton of pictures. Hundreds, heck, even thousands. The more the better! This is probably my number one tip... especially for amateurs like myself. You're bound to get at least one amazing shot.
7. Practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Just shoot, shoot, shoot. Your player (and their team!) will thank you later. I promise!

I hope you found these tips helpful.

Click away, mamas. Get your mamarazzi on!






*** Click HERE for my tips on taking the perfect team pic!

Football Season: A Look Through My Camera Lens

During football season, I am known as the registrar, coach's wife, team mom, and resident photographer. I average about 150-200 shots a game. While I would much rather be sitting amongst my favorite mamas and ringing my cowbell, you can usually find me pacing up and down the sidelines, following each play with my camera in hand. I may occasionally miss a live play, but my lens captures them all. Here are some of my favorite shots thus far:

They say a photograph is the pause button of life. If being behind the camera for every play is what it takes to capture these moments, there is not a place I'd rather be.