How to Photograph Your Kids’ Playing Sports Like a Pro

When it comes to youth sports, every parent wants to capture those precious moments of their child in action. In this post, we will provide valuable tips and techniques to help you take stunning photographs of your child in youth sports.

Use your Smartphone!

While professional cameras can yield fantastic results, don't underestimate the power of your smartphone. With the latest advancements in camera technology, smartphones can produce high-quality images. Ensure your phone is fully charged and has enough storage space. Smartphones are lightweight, easy to handle, and readily available. Plus, you can instantly share the photos with family and friends.

Wipe off Your Camera Lens

Wiping off your smartphone camera lens is an essential tip that can significantly improve the quality of your photos. Over time, your camera lens can accumulate dirt, fingerprints, and smudges (We all know those little fingers touch all the things), which can negatively impact the clarity and sharpness of your images. 

Capture the Action

Sports photography is all about freezing those exciting moments. Instead of relying solely on still photos, try capturing the action through videos. Your phone's video feature allows you to record the entire sequence and later extract the perfect frame as a photo. This way, you won't miss any critical moments during the game.

Zoom Out and Wider Shots

While close-up shots of your child can be incredibly captivating, remember to zoom out and capture the broader context. Wide shots that showcase the entire playing field can provide a sense of scale and depict the intensity of the game. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add depth and variety to your photo collection.

Candid Shots and Emotions

While action shots are essential, remember to capture candid moments and emotions during the game. The joy of victory, the disappointment of defeat, the camaraderie among teammates – these emotions make youth sports so special. Bench and Equipment shots are a great added photo too – muddy cleats, helmets lined up or teams seated during coach chats. 

Capture the Before and After Game Shots

Sports events are not just about the action on the field but also the excitement and camaraderie before and after the game. Remember to document the pre-game rituals, team huddles, and post-game celebrations. These shots add depth and emotion to your collection of sports photographs.

Take Advantage of the Team Environment

Youth sports are not just about individual achievements; they are also about teamwork and camaraderie. Use this opportunity to capture the bond between teammates and the sense of community that comes with being part of a team. Look for moments of celebration, support, and unity that can be beautifully captured through your lens.

We Love Our Volunteers! 

Getting photographs of our volunteers is an important aspect of our organization. Volunteers play a vital role in the success of our program, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions. Photographs help us to showcase the dedication and hard work that our volunteers put into their roles.

Shoot now, Edit Later

While you are taking photos, try to be in the moment and enjoy it. Don't get too caught up in trying to get the perfect shot. You can always edit the photos after the game, when you have more time to focus and make adjustments.

Share it with Us! 

We are thrilled to see our colts in action and would love to feature them on our social media. To make it easier for you to share your content with us, we have provided several ways for you to do so. Please see below for the options:

  1. Email:
    You can send your photos and videos to our dedicated email address, NCCOLTSMEDIA@GMAIL.COM
    Attach the files to the email, and don't forget to include your name and a brief description of the content.

  2. Online submission form:
    Visit our File Drop:
    2023 Fall Drop

  3. Social media:
    If you prefer, you can also share your photos and videos with us directly through social media platforms. Tag us in your posts or send them to us via direct message on Facebook or Instagram Make sure to include a description of the content and any relevant hashtags.

    Instagram: @northcarrollcolts
    Facebook: @northcarrollcolts


Photographing your child in youth sports is a wonderful way to preserve their memories and celebrate their achievements. By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well-equipped to capture stunning images that reflect the true spirit of the game. So grab your phone, head to the next game, and let the magic unfold!

We can't wait to see our colts in action!