I had a idea in the shower today... (sports photography)

[MOmilkman]

I have no idea why it was in the shower. Maybe because I think about photography a lot and dream of how I can make it my job someday. Maybe I think about how I can walk up to my boss, look him in the face and...... well, never mind, I digress.....

Im sure this isn't a revelation or a new idea or anything so please bear with me. Now that I have my dream camera, my next step is to get that dream lens. 70-200 2.8L IS.

I have visions of going to local high school events and photographing the kids in various events. (basketball, football, volleyball, etc) Then after the event, hand out business cards as people walk out directing them to a website where I can post the pics for sale.

I dream of making photography my living but I don't feel I'd be good working with "clients" for portraits so this seems right up my alley.

Has anyone out there had or have experience with something like this? How did it work for you?

[private]

I have not done that - BUT its a great way to get your name out there. There is nothing bad that can come of it - just figure out how much you are gonna charge and set up and try.

Also are there other photogs contracted to already do that...? Do a little more research - start with a game you know - you will have to be able to anticipate what will happen next to get the "money" shot.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by private

There is nothing bad that can come of it

Actually, there is. School's and parents are increasingly wary of strangers with cameras.

[spencer28n]

I believe you would need releases because if any other child is in your shot, it would be highly illegal.

[FrankLamont]

You do not need model releases to sell the images. Images can be sold separately as prints or digital files without any model release whatsoever.

A few pointers:
a) stay off private land - though technically once you've taken and gone, they can't ask you to delete unless their property is majorly featured; even so, you don't need a property release to sell a picture, just like you don't need a model release (see b). So if the game's on private land and they ask you not to take pictures... stop taking pictures. If they don't, or if you've already taken pictures, you can leave and they can't do anything.
b) don't advertise on your website with those pictures unless you get a model release. You can tell one of the people that if they sign the model release, you'll give them their images for free, etc - work out something, somehow, but without a model release, you can't use images on your website in a way that might even remotely look like advertising. That includes putting it up on your website/portfolio.

[Raoul Isidro]

Keep that dream alive!
(but always have a plan B)
All the best!

[GadgetRick]

Ok, been working hard to do something similar to this. I haven't, "rolled," it out yet but will soon.

My concept is going to the parents and selling your services, not just the picture. What I mean by this is, all parents who have kids who play sports have the typical studio shot with little Johnny holding the bat and then posing with his glove and a team shot. As a parent, I know we all get sick of these pics. What parents really want is little Johnny in action. This is why so many parents bring their little cameras. Unfortunately, as we all know (around here) it's very difficult to get the quality they're looking for out of some of the cameras they bring because of various reasons.

So my concept is to go to little Johnny's parents and charge them a fair amount (maybe $75 but haven't figured out the price yete) to take shots of little Johnny while he's playing baseball or whatever it is he plays. I could work with multiple kids playing at the same time. I would then provide them with the images on a disk (yes, full res, I have this thought out as well but not going into it at the moment) and/or prints if they like. I am planning to charge so little, mainly, because people are cheap. They're not going to pay me hundreds of dollars to get these shots and my endgame is to get in good enough to get the studio work eventually (once I get better at studio photography, too). Also can use the contacts I gain here for other photography jobs. I'm a sales person and am very good at the networking aspect and gaining referrals.

I've broached the subject with various people and so far everyone seems to think it's a good idea. As to whether I could sell my services for it, well, I don't know yet because I haven't tried yet.

I have some things going for me though. I'm VERY involved in sports and my son's school so I have access (cell phone contact) with all of the people I need to get in touch with to get permissions or to allow me to put flyers in EVERY kids' folder to take home. I'm also a coach so I have access to the leagues here but also in other cities. So I have the contacts, just have to figure out whether it'll work or not.

I've not tried it yet because I'm building a portfolio and I need to upgrade my equipment (currently shooting with Nikon D50 but buying a friend's Canon 50D soon). Once I have the equipment and the portfolio, I'll give it a go.

I have other ideas with regards to this but they're in the future.

[Dodgeinart]

Hey there,
A few thoughts on your idea...
First off check the laws in your location, but on public property you can take photos of anything where privacy is not expected-no bathroom/shower rooms etc, without a modeling release. However to make selling photos go more smoothly a modeling release would help. Do photojournalists get modeling releases? no and they sell their photos. If you step off the sidewalk onto private property that is a different story check your local laws, but that is private property and you have no rights to take or sell that picture without a property/modeling release. Yes on private property they can sue if you even take a picture- regardless of wether it sells or not.
Do you have any kids in any games? I have taken soccer pictures for all my kids teams for years and hand out business cards, then sell the photos for very little profit because it gets the name around and I'm already there with my camera. Now people know I'm there and any shots will generate more traffic on my site. This also allows their grandparents to view them on the other side of the country and again more traffic more orders.
Unless you are already on campus and known around people will be very suspicious of somebody showing up and taking photos of their kids. Yes it is legal, but that does not mean they will be receptive.
Unfortunately in photography you need to develop a communication with your clients typically before they buy photos. Best bet is to get to know people that have kids and hang with them as you begin the process.
Good luck but remember to always enjoy what you are doing or it will just turn into another job.

[MOmilkman]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, inspiration and ideas.

I like the idea of giving the first set of photos away free to build your portfolio. After all, you have to have something to show what you are capable of before someone is going to be willing to shell out money for it.
I am on board with the idea GadgetRick has. Getting the parents approval beforehand to shoot their child seems more appealing than shooting 1,000 plus pics at a single event and not getting any responses.

As with anything in photography, the hard part seems to be getting started.

Edit: Dodgeinart - No, I don't have kids (yet) but will in the next couple months. So your saying it would be better to hold off with this project until I have established myself with the school(s)?

[Dodgeinart]

Not at all. Get started as soon as you feel ready. I was saying that helps to develop relations with the parents of the kids you will be shooting.