Team Sports Photo Day: General Tips for Any Code

Every team sport has its own specifics, but a few basics apply across the board for both team photos and action shots — this is the general guide to use if your sport doesn't have its own page yet.

Team photos - Full playing kit, correctly worn — socks pulled up, any required protective gear on unless specifically asked to remove it for the shot. - Standard lineup: tallest players standing at the back, shorter players seated or kneeling at the front, evenly spaced so every face is visible. - Shared equipment (a ball, stick, bat or similar) is usually held centre-front by the captain or vice-captain. - Coaches and team managers are usually included at one end of the back row — check with your photographer on the day.

Action shots - The follow-through of a movement — after a hit, throw, serve or strike — almost always photographs better than the exact point of contact. - Keep your eyes on the ball, the play, or your equipment rather than the camera. It's the single biggest thing that makes an action shot look genuine. - Defensive and supporting-player action is just as photogenic as the player directly involved in the play — don't hold back if the camera's pointed your way. - If we ask for a drill or passage of play to be repeated, it's so we can get a sharp, well-framed shot — not a comment on how it looked the first time.