Why Sports Banners Matter and Why We Photograph Athletes the Way We Do

If you’ve ever walked into a gym or stadium and caught yourself admiring another team’s banners, you already know the truth. Sports banners are more than decoration. They set the tone. They tell the story. They give your athletes a moment to stand a little taller. And honestly, this is where the magic really happens.


Because once you’ve invested in great photos, banners are the piece that pull everything together. It’s the place where all those individual portraits, all that energy and personality and confidence, start to feel real. When you hang a banner, you’re planting a flag that says, “Our team is here. We have a purpose. We have it together.”




Why We Photograph Athletes the Way We Do

A lot of people think Media Day is all about the excitement. The lights. The fog. The hype. And yes, that part is fun. We love going into schools or team facilities and creating an experience that feels big. Athletes get that spark in their eyes. Coaches get excited. Parents peek in to see what’s happening. It feels special.

But there’s another reason we shoot the way we do, and it’s the reason your final banner looks as strong as it does.

A clean, intentional player portrait in a confident pose is the foundation of every great banner. When the lighting is right, the angles are flattering, and the pose has purpose, that one portrait becomes the visual anchor for your team. It’s what creates consistency. It’s what makes every athlete look like they belong together. It’s what turns a simple design into a polished, professional banner your athletes can be proud of.

Even with all the fun Media Day energy, the portrait is what matters most. It’s the image your banner depends on. When every athlete has a strong, consistent portrait, your whole program levels up. The banners look intentional. The players look confident. The team looks unified.

Banners Make Your Athletes Look Incredible

There is nothing quite like seeing your players larger than life. When the photography is done well, the final product becomes something your athletes will never forget. Parents see it. Opponents see it. Your community sees it. It becomes a visual reminder of all the work they’ve put in.

Banners Make Your Team Look Organized and Professional

A well photographed and well designed banner instantly communicates that your program pays attention to the details. It shows pride. It shows unity. It shows that this season matters. Teams with strong visuals stand out before they ever step on the court or field. It’s not about being flashy, it’s about showing your athletes deserve to be represented well.

Banners Make Your Program Easy to Identify

When your team hangs banners, everyone in the space knows exactly who you are. That benefits the athletes, the coaches and your school’s reputation. A standout banner becomes part of your identity. It makes your team memorable.

This Is Why Great Photos Matter

You can’t fake a good banner. The design can only go so far if the photos aren’t strong. This is where investing in quality photography pays off in ways your team feels all season.

Because when the images are powerful, the banners are powerful. And when the banners are powerful, your team presence is powerful.

You’re not just decorating a gym. You’re building a culture that says, “We take pride in who we are.”

Ready to Create Banners That Make People Stop and Stare

Still and Wild works with teams to create portraits that are bold, clean, intentional and full of personality. When it comes time to order banners, you’re choosing from images that already have impact.



If your team wants banners that unify your look and elevate your program, reach out. We’re ready

Kim Bear

About Kim | Photographer at Still and Wild

If you live in or around Topeka, you’ve probably noticed how hard it is to find headshots that actually feel real. Most people end up with photos that look stiff, overly edited, or just not like them. That’s exactly why I started Still and Wild: to create portraits that feel like you on your best day.

I’m Kim Bear, a Topeka-based photographer who believes your headshot should work as hard as you do. I specialize in professional and creative headshots that help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across Topeka, Holton, and Northeast Kansas show up with confidence. My approach is relaxed, guided, and designed to help you look natural and self-assured in every photo.

When you book a session with me, it isn’t about forcing perfection. It’s about finding that spark, the mix of calm, confidence, and personality that makes people stop scrolling and say, “That’s who I want to work with.”

Why people choose Still and Wild

Most of my clients tell me the same thing: “I hate having my picture taken.” But by the end of their session, they’re relaxed, laughing, and usually saying, “That was actually fun.” I guide you every step of the way, from what to wear to how to pose, so your photos feel effortless, natural, and flattering.

I photograph headshots, personal branding portraits, and lifestyle images throughout Topeka, Holton, and nearby Kansas communities, blending modern studio lighting with lifestyle-inspired direction. The result is a polished but personal look that helps you stand out both online and in person.

What makes Still and Wild different

The experience at Still and Wild is personal from the very beginning. You’ll never be rushed through your session or posed like everyone else. Every session is customized to highlight who you are and what makes your story unique. My goal is to help you walk away with photos that feel like you, confident, approachable, and authentic.

After years behind the camera, I’ve learned how to use light, movement, and genuine connection to bring out your most natural expressions. Many people think they’re not photogenic, but what they really need is someone who understands how to guide them comfortably through the process. I know how to capture that perfect balance between professional and real so your headshots feel natural while still looking elevated.

And then there are the results. My clients use their photos to grow their businesses, attract better opportunities, and build stronger brands. I’ve worked with professionals across Topeka and the surrounding area who tell me their new photos changed how people respond to them online and how they feel about themselves. Whether you need a LinkedIn headshot, brand photography for your business, or a creative concept for your next project, I’ll help you create images that make people stop and pay attention.

Ready to look like the professional you already are?

Let’s create something that feels completely you.

Book your headshot session today and walk away with portraits that help you stand out online and in real life.

https://www.stillandwild.com
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The Hidden Benefits of Booking a Stand-Alone Athlete Portrait Session