Preparing For Photo Day

We’ll do our part to capture and deliver our great sports photos, but how you look is up to you! Here are a few important tips on how you can best prepare to have your photo taken and look your best at your upcoming photo shoot.

ICON Sports photography takes photos of youth sports teams and individual photos of sports teams and leagues in California. Professional photography of boys and girls and youths in athletic sports across California.
Read this before your photo day appointment
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Uniform & Gear

Wear your complete, clean uniform

Jersey, shorts or pants, socks, and any team-specific accessories β€” all freshly washed and wrinkle-free if possible. Be sure to wear your game shoes as well - no flip-flops or Crocks, please!

Bring your sport's equipment

Ball, glove, bat, stick, racket, helmet β€” whatever's part of your game. Props make for dynamic, authentic portraits that show off what you do.

Stick to your team colors

Avoid mixing in non-team apparel β€” a differently colored undershirt or street shoes can really stand out in photos. When in doubt, ask your coach.

Both jerseys? Bring them both

If you want shots in your home and away uniforms, bring both β€” or check with your coach before photo day to see what everyone else on your team will be wearing.

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Appearance & Grooming

Tidy up hair before you arrive

Hats, helmets, and headbands are fine if they're part of your uniform. Make sure your look is intentional β€” the camera catches everything.

Skip heavy face paint or big jewelry

Small accessories are fine, but oversized earrings or face paint can distract from your portrait - unless that's the look you're going for. We want the athlete be the focus.

Clean and neat wins every time

A clean uniform and put-together look makes a huge difference on camera β€” even small details like tucked-in jerseys and clean shoes show up clearly.

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Arriving Ready

If you're on-time, you're probably late! Be there a few minutes early

Photo days run on a tight schedule. Late arrivals can back things up for everyone. Confirm your team's exact time with your coach beforehand.

Arrive dressed and shoot-ready

Don't arrive needing to change, tie shoes, or hunt down your gear. Walk in ready to step in front of the camera.

Know your team's photo time

Check with your coach or league coordinator so you know exactly when to show up. Last-minute scrambles are stressful β€” and we can't always hold a spot for you if you arrive late.

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Attitude & Energy

Bring your game face β€” or your best smile

Think about how you want to be remembered. Confident, energetic athletes photograph best. Own it.

Relax and have fun with it

We're here to make you look great β€” that's our job. Trust the process, follow our lead, and you'll be amazed at what we can do together.

Listen to your photographer's directions

We'll guide you into poses and angles that work for your sport. A little direction goes a long way toward exceptional shots.

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Tips for Parents

Pre-order online before photo day

Please order your photo shoot ahead of time, using the link we (or your coach) sends to you. Nothing to figure out on the day means a smoother experience for everyone.

Help younger siblings stay calm and patient

Photo days move quickly and we need athletes focused. A little preparation for younger kids waiting around goes a long way.

Dress for the weather underneath

For outdoor shoots, have a jacket handy for before and after. No one takes their best photo when they're shivering β€” or sweating through their jersey.

A Few Things to Leave at Home

  • Chewing gum β€” a surprisingly common culprit in otherwise great shots
  • Non-team branded gear or shoes (unless officially part of your uniform)
  • Oversized jewelry, chains, or distracting accessories
  • Anything valuable you'd worry about during a busy photo day
  • A bad attitude β€” good energy is contagious and shows up on camera!