Banner Photography for Sports Teams
Large format banners not only serve as a powerful display of team pride at games, competitions, and fundraisers but also play a crucial role in building morale among players and fans alike. Typically showcased on stadium fences or gym walls, these banners can range from 6 to 8 feet wide, offering a grand visual statement.
Welcome to the dynamic world of team sports banner photography, an essential element for high school and college sports teams to show their spirit and unity.
Large format banners not only serve as a powerful display of team pride at games, competitions, and fundraisers but also play a crucial role in building morale among players and fans alike.
Typically showcased on stadium fences or gym walls, these banners can range from 6 to 8 feet wide, offering a grand visual statement.
Crafting the Perfect Team Banner
The process of creating a team banner starts with understanding the size and composition of your team. For larger teams, simpler poses are recommended to ensure everyone fits seamlessly into the design, whereas smaller teams can explore more dynamic and complex arrangements. Additionally, individual senior banners offer a personalized touch to celebrate the final year of athletes, providing a memorable keepsake.
It's important to note that the aim is to capture the athletes in a more competitive and aggressive stance, moving away from the traditional, more casual school photo approach. This captures the essence of the team's spirit and determination, signaling a bold message to competitors.
The Photographic Process
The photography session is meticulously planned, with each athlete photographed individually under studio lighting, typically within a spacious school facility. This allows for a controlled environment to achieve the best possible individual shots, which are then expertly combined into a cohesive team composite. This process also includes an opportunity for light retouching and customization, ensuring each athlete looks their best.
Choosing a theme or template for the banner is a collaborative process, incorporating team logos and colors to create a visually striking design that resonates with the team's identity.
Usage and Impact
Team banners find their place in a variety of settings, from outdoor stadiums to indoor gymnasiums. The versatility of these banners extends to different occasions, with some teams opting for multiple banners to suit various events throughout the season. The size of the banner is crucial, as it needs to make an impact even from a distance, hence the recommendation to opt for slightly larger dimensions than initially considered.
Banners also offer an excellent opportunity to engage local businesses and sponsors, providing valuable exposure while supporting the team financially. This mutual benefit encourages community involvement and can significantly aid in covering the costs associated with creating the banners and other team expenses.
Beyond the Banner: Media Day
The banner photography session can be transformed into a comprehensive media day for the team. This offers a chance to capture a wide range of images for use across social media, effectively creating a stock catalog of images ready for the entire season. Planning for multiple uniforms and incorporating props can add a dynamic layer to the content, enriching the team's visual narrative.
Final Thoughts
Creating a sports team banner is a collaborative and detailed process that requires early planning and coordination. It's not just about the banner itself but about capturing the spirit, determination, and unity of the team in a visual format that can be shared and celebrated. For more information on the process, options, and pricing, engaging with a professional photographer early in the season is key.
Remember, a team sports banner is more than just a decorative element; it's a symbol of pride, achievement, and community. So, take the step to elevate your team's spirit and visibility with a professionally crafted sports banner.
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Headshot Clothing Tips for 2024
As we step into 2024, the question of what to wear for a headshot session remains as prevalent as ever. It's a topic I discuss repeatedly, given its importance, but it's crucial to remember that while your outfit plays a significant role, it shouldn't overshadow you.
As we step into 2024, the question of what to wear for a headshot session remains as prevalent as ever. It's a topic I discuss repeatedly, given its importance, but it's crucial to remember that while your outfit plays a significant role, it shouldn't overshadow you. After all, you're not marketing the clothes. Achieving a wardrobe baseline where your attire fits well and aligns with your professional image is key. Beyond this, the focus shifts to capturing your essence through expressions.
Remember, people rarely recall the specifics of what you wore in a headshot; they remember if you looked like you (not from twenty years ago).
The Importance of Fit
Fit is paramount. Opt for clothes that hug your body comfortably rather than those that are too loose. Men, ensure your shirt's neck size is correct, especially if you're wearing a tie. A well-fitting outfit not only looks sharper but allows for photographic techniques that can slim your appearance. An oversized garment, on the contrary, can add unwanted bulk.
Color and Pattern
Solid colors tend to work better than busy patterns. They draw attention to your face and expression, which should be the focal point of a headshot.
Dressing Appropriately
The degree of formality in your attire should mirror your daily professional wear. If suits are your go-to, then choose your favorite one for the session. If your ties don’t see much action these days, a smart sport coat with an open collar might be best.
Little Details Matter
Men's undershirts should be V-neck or absent to avoid distractions. Full attire is recommended, even for headshots, to accommodate different framing options. Shoes might not be visible, but they can enhance your confidence. Always bring multiple outfits to the session for variety and to ensure the best photographic outcome.
Attention Healthcare Professionals
For those in healthcare, modern fitted scrubs can look excellent on camera. White coats, though traditional, can be challenging to photograph due to their fit and color; scrubs often offer a more flattering alternative.
Style Trends and Accessories
Fashion trends come and go, but headshots are long-lasting. Sticking to classic, timeless pieces is advisable, though recent trends like oversized shoulders in women's attire may not translate well in headshots. Watches and jewelry should complement your look without overpowering it; simplicity usually wins out.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot session is about capturing the real you. Therefore, while clothing is important, it's essential not to overthink it. Choose outfits that represent you authentically and make you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, the right fit is crucial, especially for more formal looks. And sometimes, breaking the rules can work in your favor, provided it aligns with your personal style and the image you wish to convey.
In summary, your headshot should reflect your professional persona, not distract from it. By focusing on fit, appropriateness, and a touch of personal flair, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and impactful headshot for 2024.
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Your Corporate Headshot and Retouching — What to Expect
You wouldn’t believe the range of expectations I see when it comes to retouching and your professional headshot. Many of my clients and I are on the same page, but some do require some coaxing back to reality.
You wouldn’t believe the range of expectations I see when it comes to retouching and your professional headshot. Many of my Detroit area clients and I are on the same page, but some do require some coaxing back to reality.
This video covers my retouching philosophy along with a practical take on what we can and can’t correct in Photoshop, after the fact.
I also touch AI retouching and where it makes the most sense to use.
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My Quick Take of the Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8
The Canon RF 100-300mm f 2.8 is quite the lens. It is certainly overkill for headshots, but I’ve really been enjoying it for photographing my son’s soccer games and my daughter’s dance team half time shows. They are no longer the eager models they used to be at home.
The Canon RF 100-300mm f 2.8 is quite the lens. It is certainly overkill for headshots, but I’ve really been enjoying it for photographing my son’s soccer games and my daughter’s dance team half time shows. They are no longer the eager models they used to be at home.
The extra 100 mm of reach makes a big difference. And the build quality and refinements are at a whole new level relative to the current 70-200 2.8.
A sample from the Canon RF 100-300 2.8, under the stadium lights at a halftime show in the rain!
Check out the video for all my thoughts and observations on this amazing lens.
In short, this lens lives up to its hype, and then some.
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Can AI Add Pants to your Headshot or Personal Branding Photo?
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
By now, it’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nudging its way into every nook and cranny of the professional world. It’s reshaping the way we operate, yet I stand firm in my belief that it’s not ready to steal the spotlight just yet, especially not in the nuanced field of people photography. Let me share a snippet of my experience with AI in the studio.
The Headshot Studio Surprise
A client strolled in for a corporate headshot, wearing a sharp shirt, tie, and suit jacket, and shorts… He was under the impression that a 'headshot' was all we needed. However, the firm’s specs called for a 3/4 vertical portrait, actually quite common.
You see, the term ‘headshot’ has become a bit of a catch-all phrase. Depending on marketing needs, it might entail a waist-up portrait rather than the traditional close-up.
The Suit Pants Saga
So after a laugh, it was time to improvise. A reshoot was not ideal. So, I decided to try my luck with AI. With a full-length image shot, I turned to Photoshop’s new AI generative fill features to conjure up a pair of matching suit pants. Sounds straightforward, right?
The Results
The AI’s performance was, to put it mildly, less than stellar. Beginning with a well-lit, static portrait, the AI embarked on an odd journey of its own. It juggled around with the pose, added phantom accessories, and even concocted some new fashion trends.
A Fail, A Lesson Learned
This experiment was an eye-opener, showcasing AI’s shortcomings in a practical scenario. Perhaps there’s a way to better guide AI to desired results, but that discussion is for another day. The essence is, my clients seek a polished, consistent set of images. They invest in the assurance of quality and consistency, something that AI, is far from providing.
A Word to the Wise
So, the next time you’re heading in for a headshot session, save us both a laugh and some precious time - come dressed in matching attire from head to toe.
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