Keeper Wars Photo Survival Guide
This guide contains key insights from photographing over 1,000 games. These tips are designed to significantly enhance photo quality—and provide massive return on investment.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Fast Tips for Busy Parents
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Book Saturday games; Sunday is chaos
Schedule morning games when athletes are fresher, faster, and more energized.
Recruit helpers (other families, keepers) to manage balls and traffic, ensuring unobstructed shots.
Bring your athlete’s favorite jersey, gloves, and ball—pack backups for variety.
Don’t start games early. Allow sufficient rest time for optimal performance.
Text me immediately if there are schedule changes.
Portraits happen immediately after the game—plan accordingly.
Part 1: Pre-game Preparation
Book Saturday Games—Sunday is Chaos
We know your Saturday game schedules in advance, allowing for better photography planning and coverage. Sunday playoffs are unpredictable, get released last-minute, and often conflict with scheduling—avoid the uncertainty. The intensity your athletes display is the same regardless of the day. Doubtful? Browse my highlights gallery—can you identify championship matches from regular ones?
Fresher Legs, Bigger Leaps
This tournament is a marathon, where each game is packed intense action that tests your athletes endurance. Early time slots mean cooler temperatures, rested athletes, and sky-high dives. Plus, this also opens opportunities to capture bonus games if needed.
Pack the Kit
Bring the jersey, gloves, and ball your athlete feels most confident using. Pack extras if you desire more visual variety. While attire doesn't affect athletic performance, it significantly influences visual storytelling. Include essentials like snacks, hydration, a pop-up shelter for weather protection, and cooling towels.
Part 2: game TIPS
Don’t Start Games Early
The full rest period ensures stronger saves and that I'm present to capture the entire game. Starting early risks missing key moments since my arrival aligns precisely with scheduled start times. If referees offer an earlier start, politely decline.
Last-Minute Schedule Changes
If there are any changes in your schedule, text me ASAP so that I can plan accordingly.
Have 4 Helpers
Recruit four assistants to keep the action flowing and ensure clean, unobstructed shots:
Two ball shaggers: One feeds balls to the keeper (from behind the net to stay out of frame); one retrieves out-of-bounds balls.
Two traffic controllers: Positioned on sidelines, kindly pausing passersby briefly during active plays to prevent obstructions.
Fast Response Increases Scoring Opportunity
Encourage immediate action once your athlete secures the ball. Quick plays exploit the opponent’s inability to reset defensively, enhancing photo-worthy moments (e.g., quick throwbacks).
Part 3: Post-Game
Portraits Happen Immediately After the Game
Post-game portraits take just 5–10 minutes and capture gritty, authentic emotion heightened by adrenaline and sweat. Please remain on-site until we've completed these essential shots, crucial for powerful storytelling.
SCHEDULE Your Viewing Session
The viewing is a private, personalized session where we review all your images and bring them to life as legacy products! The window to booking this session is open for 48 hours after the event. The link will expire after that period and images will be permanently deleted.
Bonus: Mindset tips
Your athlete is not too young, too old, too inexperienced, or too experienced.
They don’t need to be the best athlete to have outstanding photos. Every athlete is extraordinary, and I will bring that out in my images.
Celebrate effort over outcomes.
Decades from now, no one will recall if the standout save happened in a preliminary round or a final. You will remember the heart, determination, and joy immortalized in a frame on your wall. Plan wisely, follow these guidelines, and create lasting artwork that transcends the weekend.
Weather isn’t an issue—it's a storytelling element.
Rain, fog, and wind add drama and depth. Stormy skies, muddy jerseys, and intense conditions create legendary visual stories.
Have questions? Feel free to contact me for more information!
