What Every Parent Wishes They Knew Before Media Day
If you’re a parent of a youth athlete, you already know how fast these seasons fly. One minute you’re tying their shoes for t-ball and the next they’re asking for new cleats every season because their feet don’t stop growing.
Media Day is usually chaotic for families. You’re trying to get your kid ready, track down a clean uniform, fix a stray hair and still make it to the gym on time. And even with your best effort, the pictures sometimes turn out… fine. Not great. Not terrible. Just fine.
But here’s the truth most parents don’t know.
There are simple things you can do to make your child’s sports photos look incredible. The kind that actually captures their personality and confidence instead of stiff smiles and flat lighting.
Over the years I’ve photographed hundreds of youth athletes in Holton, Topeka and all across Northeast Kansas. These are the things parents tell me they wish they had known sooner.
1. The uniform matters more than you think
Wrinkles show. Dirt shows. That last-minute snack spill definitely shows.
If your athlete has two jerseys, bring both. If one looks better in person, I’ll use it. Bring the whole uniform - from shoes to helmets! Often we take close ups but there is always a chance feet show up! Bring any special gear that is important to add to the look - mouth guards, face shields, socks, game day towels, chains, eye paint. Come game day ready!
2. Hair should look like “them,” not perfect
Parents stress about this, but kids feel fake if their hair doesn’t look like their everyday style. Neat, clean, and natural always photographs best.
3. Confidence shows up on camera
The most common parent confession after a session is, “I didn’t realize how nervous they’d be.”
Kids perform better when they know:
photos will be quick but not too quick!
they’ll be encouraged
they’ll get to try a few fun poses plus we encourage fun props! Think about spirit weeks, game themes or just fun props to help your athlete have the most fun!
they can show a little personality… it is encouraged!
they will have fun! The more they move and have fun the more they will love their photos.
Players get energy from each other. The group shots are our favorite.
4. Green gym lighting will never do them justice
This is why professional lighting changes everything.
Your athlete deserves photos that highlight who they are instead of fighting the gym overheads.
5. They want to feel cool, not posed
Kids light up when the session feels fun.
A little swagger. A dramatic pose. Fog machine energy. Nike ad energy.
These are the moments parents end up framing.
I love the swagger… it is cool without being too cool.
6. This age doesn’t last long
One day you’re cheering from the bleachers.
The next they’re too big for youth leagues and on their way to high school sports. Believe me.. it goes fast… really fast. I still have my son's full size cardboard cutout in my basement and smile every time I loo at it.
Photos are the only thing that stops time for a moment.
If you want Media Day photos that actually feel like your kid, I’m here to help. See examples and booking options at:
https://www.stillandwild.com/media-day-and-sports
