A successful team photo day starts before our photographers arrive.
Spending just a few minutes preparing your athletes helps keep the schedule on time while creating cleaner, more professional-looking team and individual portraits.
Make Sure Everyone Is Ready
Please have athletes arrive fully dressed in the uniform you've selected for picture day unless we've discussed something different beforehand.
This includes:
- Jersey
- Shorts or pants
- Socks
- Shoes or cleats
- Belt (if applicable)
- Any required protective equipment or accessories
One of the most common issues we encounter is athletes arriving in slides, Crocs, or casual shoes because they assume only a waist-up photo will be taken. Many poses—including banners, posters, and full-length portraits—show footwear, so athletic shoes or cleats help create the best final image.
Decide on Uniforms Before Picture Day
If your team has multiple uniforms, decide which one will be worn before photo day and communicate it clearly to your athletes.
Matching uniforms create a polished, professional appearance and eliminate delays caused by last-minute decisions.
Tell Us About Special Projects
Many teams use photo day for more than team and individual portraits.
If you'll also need photography for items such as:
- Senior banners
- Media guides
- Team posters
- Sponsor displays
- Trading cards
- Social media graphics
- Program covers
- Senior recognition
- Composite displays
please let us know before picture day.
Knowing your goals in advance allows us to photograph everything while your athletes are already assembled, saving valuable time later.
Choose Your Creative Style
If we'll be creating banners, graphics, posters, or other promotional artwork, it's helpful to discuss the overall style before the session.
Some popular looks include:
- Dramatic and moody
- Bright and energetic
- Clean studio portraits
- Action-inspired
- Championship or playoff themes
- Modern sports media designs
Planning ahead allows us to select lighting, posing, and backgrounds that match the finished products you envision.
Share Special Requests Early
Every program is unique.
If you'd like additional photographs such as:
- Captains together
- Seniors together
- Coaching staff
- Position groups
- Award winners
- Individual social media graphics
please let us know before photo day so we can build them into the schedule.
Help Keep Things Moving
A few small details make a big difference.
Before athletes get in line, encourage them to:
- Arrive early and ready to be photographed.
- Remove phones, keys, wallets, sunglasses, and gum.
- Straighten jerseys and tuck in shirts when appropriate.
- Check that uniforms are complete.
- Listen for instructions and stay with the team.
Having a coach or team representative available to help identify athletes also keeps the process moving efficiently.
We're Here to Help
Our goal is to create photographs that your athletes, families, and school will be proud of while making photo day as organized and stress-free as possible.
If you have questions before your scheduled session, reach out anytime. A quick conversation beforehand often saves valuable time on picture day and helps us deliver the very best results for your program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long does team photo day usually take?
A: Every program is different, but teams that arrive organized and ready are typically photographed much more efficiently than those still getting dressed or organizing uniforms.
Q: Can we photograph banners and media guide images on the same day?
A: Absolutely. In fact, we recommend it whenever possible since your athletes are already assembled and in uniform.
Q: What if we have athletes who arrive late?
A: We'll always do our best to accommodate late arrivals when time allows, but photographing everyone together during the scheduled session helps ensure the best experience.
Q: Should coaches be in the team photo?
A: That's entirely up to your program. If coaches will be included, we recommend coordinating attire before picture day for a polished team photo.
COACH'S TIP
Photo day runs fastest when every athlete is completely dressed and ready before the first picture is taken. Five minutes of preparation before our arrival can save thirty minutes during the session.
Sports · From Iron City Studios
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