Team Media Days & Athlete Portraits
Creative sports portraits designed around your athletes
For Teams
A media day should do more than document who was on the roster. It should capture the personality, confidence and identity of the athletes who make up the team.
I create customized media day experiences for Brecksville-Broadview Heights teams. Sessions can range from clean, natural portraits to dramatic multi-light images with bold shadows, colored accents, smoke and creative props.
For Individual Athletes
Individual athlete portrait sessions are available for players who want a session built completely around their sport. These sessions allow more time for multiple uniforms, equipment, locations, lighting setups and creative ideas than would normally be possible during a full-team media day.
They are a great fit for athletes who want sports-only portraits, senior features, social-media content or photographs that celebrate an important season.
Choose Your Look
Uniforms & Gear
Uniforms and sport-specific equipment are often the most effective props. Footballs, helmets, soccer balls, bats, gloves, sticks, nets and other familiar gear help the portraits feel connected to the athlete.
Props
Flags, chains, stools, team signs, colored lighting and atmospheric effects can add personality when they fit the concept. Smoke or fog may also be available depending on the location, weather, safety requirements and facility approval
Lighting
Photos can be taken in natural light or with dramatic multi-flash setups, or a combination of both. Multi-flash sessions produce bold, high-impact portraits that are especially effective for season promotions, social media, senior features and statement images.
Built Around Your Team
A successful media day starts well before the first athlete steps in front of the camera. We'll collaborate together to lay out ideas and have a plan that covers everything to make the day run smoothly.
How It Works
1. Start With the Vision
Tell me about the sport, team, number of athletes, location and the type of images you have in mind.
2. Develop the Plan
We will determine the lighting approach, important groupings, props, approximate schedule and an efficient flow for the athletes.
3. Media Day
I arrive with the selected lighting and equipment, test the setup and help guide each athlete through poses and expressions. The goal is to keep the experience organized while still allowing personality to come through.
4. Gallery Delivery
The finished photographs are professionally edited and delivered through an online gallery as high-resolution digital images that are easy for the team and families to download and share.
FAQ
What type of photos are created?
Most team media days include a mix of individual athlete portraits, full-team photos, and smaller group photos. Depending on the team, we may also photograph athletes by class, position, or other meaningful groupings, along with fun, personality-driven photos with friends and teammates.
What are natural vs. dramatic portraits?
Natural portraits use available light or subtle flash to create a clean, realistic look that feels connected to the field, court, or surrounding environment. A flash may sometimes still be used to even out the light, however its effect is intended to be minimal.
Dramatic portraits use controlled lighting to create a bold, high-impact “sportrait” look. This often involves multiple flashes, stronger shadows, edge lighting, darker backgrounds, and sometimes optional atmospheric effects.
Can we combine natural and dramatic portraits?
Yes. Although most teams stick with one type of lighting during a session, a combination can be done if desired;
How many athletes can participate?
A team media day works best with 15 or fewer athletes. Ideally limit it to a varsity roster or upperclassmen.
Can an individual athlete book a session?
Yes. Individual athlete portrait sessions are available and can be customized around one athlete, one sport or several uniforms and concepts.
Where can a media day take place?
Sessions can be planned around a local field, court, gym, stadium, practice facility or another approved location. The available space, lighting, power, weather and facility rules will help determine the best setup.
Are parents involved?
Yes. For team media days, I also ask that a number of parents assist. It's helpful in keeping the athletes organized, providing additional idea brainstorming, and checking results.
What should athletes bring?
Athletes should normally bring their complete uniform and the equipment associated with their sport. We can also team-specific gear (balls, bats, sticks, etc.) and other props during planning.
What happens if the weather does not cooperate?
For outdoor sessions, we will discuss weather alternatives in advance. Depending on the lighting plan and location, that may mean adjusting the time, moving to a backup area or rescheduling.
Ready to Plan a Media Day?
If you’re ready to create something memorable, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let’s start shaping a session for your athletes. I am happy to answer questions and talk through ideas.