Creating Memorable Sports Portraits: Bringing Out the Athlete's Personality
You know that not everyone enjoys being the subject of a photo shoot.
This includes young athletes, who may be accustomed to sharing the glory with their teammates. As a photographer, there are steps you can take to ensure the athlete is comfortable and happy and that you capture their personality and dedication in the photos.
Sports Star Photography has some tips and tricks to help you capture a young athlete’s best smile.
Get to Know Your Subject
Getting to know your subject is a very important first step. You can ask about their interests outside of sports, hobbies, and favorite memories. The more you know about them, the more comfortable the subject will be during the photo shoot.
While you’re getting to know them, pay attention to their body language and facial expressions. These subtle cues reveal a lot about someone’s personality and comfort level. This can also help you determine the best poses for your subject.
Don’t Over-Pose
While it is your job to direct your subject, try not to over-pose them. Provide helpful guidance on poses and expressions, but if the subject looks uncomfortable, try something else. You can encourage them to settle comfortably before you begin taking pictures. Don’t be afraid to embrace your subject’s natural quirks and features. The finished photos will look more natural this way.
Use Props
Try to incorporate the athlete’s sports equipment in the photos. Since they’re familiar with their equipment, they may relax and pose more naturally. This will help bring out their passion and personality. Whether it's a football or a baseball bat, allow your subjects to lead the pose using their expertise before you direct them to capture the best picture.
Keep Communication Open
Communication is key for young athletes to feel comfortable and confident. Keep conversation easy and lighthearted to encourage the subjects to smile naturally. Be open about what is working and what might not work, and allow them to provide feedback about the poses and how they’re feeling.
Be Respectful
Like communication, respect is important for developing a rapport with your subject. Ensure you do not push them past their boundaries, and listen if they are uncomfortable with a pose or position. Be understanding and accommodating as much as possible while still doing your work.
Post-Processing
If you are editing the photos as well, don’t over-edit them. Highlight your subjects’ natural features and colors. This will help you retain the subject’s authenticity.
Capture Young Athletes’ Careers with Sports Star Photography
If you are a coach or league coordinator considering a sports photographer in Minneapolis, MN, look no further than Sports Star Photography. We make it easy to set up appointments and schedule photoshoots with your young athletes. Parents will love the final prints, along with our secure photo gallery feature, where they can view and choose their favorites.
Call us today at 612-824-3509 or contact us online to schedule your next sports photo shoot!