Your kid has worked hard for this season. You want photos that actually show it. But maybe you’re not sure how it all works, which package makes sense, or whether it’s even worth it.
It is. Here’s everything you need to know…
What Actually Happens at a Sports Action Photography Session?
It’s not as complicated as you might think. It’s actually pretty relaxed.
Once you book a sports action photography session, you’ll get a few questions from me via email. Jersey number. Position. Which side of the field your athlete is usually on. How much playing time they typically get. Any specific shots you’re hoping for. This is the part that makes the difference between a photographer who finds your kid in the crowd immediately and one who spends half the session guessing.
On game day, all you have to do is just show up and do what you normally do. Watch the game. Cheer. Eat your snacks. I handle the rest.
I show up early, blend into the crowd, and get to work. Your athlete won’t know I’m there, and that’s exactly the point. They don’t have to worry about posing or getting distracted mid-game. I capture them in real time while they play the way they always play.
About a week after the game your private online gallery lands in your inbox. High resolution images, ready to download, or print, and keep forever.
Individual Session vs Team Session… Which One Is Right for You?
This is the question I get most often from parents.
Book an individual session if:
You want every photo to be of your athlete and no one else. An individual session is one hour, one athlete, 30 images, all of them focused on your kid. The action, the reactions, the sideline moments, the celebrations. If this is a milestone season like their senior year, first season, a big showcase, or you just want the full spotlight on your athlete, this is the one.
It’s also the right call if your athlete doesn’t get a lot of playing time. Before your session we talk through this and plan coverage around it: warmups, dugout moments, pre-game interactions, teammate celebrations. There are always powerful moments to capture regardless of how many minutes they’re on the field. Every athlete deserves to be seen.
Book a team session if:
You want to share the cost with other families. A team session spread across a full roster is significantly more affordable per family and every player gets coverage. I spend two hours strategically positioned to capture every athlete on offense, defense, and in between. You can expect at least 100 images across the full team.
Just keep in mind that team coverage means the lens is shared. Depending on roster size individual athletes will typically have around 7–10 images each. If maximizing photos of your specific kid is the priority, an individual session is the better fit.
Book tournament or showcase coverage if:
It’s one of the big ones – where everything is on the line. Think Tournaments, Recruiting Showcases, Rivalry Games. This is full immersion from warmup to final whistle. This includes coverage of three games over the course of a weekend or four hours of continuous coverage on a single day – both of which includes 200 images.
Quick Decision Guide for Sports Photography Packages
Still not sure? Here’s the shortcut:
- Individual — you want all eyes on your athlete + guaranteed coverage
- Team — you want to share costs + cover the whole squad
- Tournament — it’s a big event + you don’t want to miss a single moment
See full packages and pricing here.
What About Sports Portrait Sessions?
Action shots capture what your athlete does. Portrait sessions capture who they are, right now, this age, this jersey, this team. Sessions happen right at your venue so your athlete shows up where they’re already comfortable and confident. Available as a standalone team booking or paired with action coverage through the hybrid package.
A lot of families do both. Once you see the portrait photos you’ll understand why.
One More Thing
There is no such thing as a wrong question when it comes to booking. If you’re not sure which package fits your situation, reach out and tell me about your athlete and the event. We’ll figure it out together.
This season is happening right now. Let’s make sure you have the photos to prove it! Book a session or reach out to me here with your questions.
MVP Photography is a Seattle sports photography studio capturing the moments youth and high school athletes work all season for. Specializing in game day action coverage, team and individual portraits, and tournament photography across the greater Seattle area.
As a former athlete, wife of a former professional athlete, and sports mom herself, Melissa shows up to every session knowing exactly where to be and what moments matter most.
When your family is ready to stop settling for blurry phone camera shots and start building a gallery worth treasuring forever, MVP Photography is who you call.
