Team Photo Schedule

Getting Ready for Photo Day

A team photo is often the image that ends up in the yearbook, on the gym wall and in family albums for years, so a little preparation goes a long way. The tips below apply to every sport and level, from freshman squads to varsity, and help sessions run smoothly for photographers, coaches and athletes alike.

Before the session

• Confirm your slot with your coach. Photo times can shift with practice changes, weather or facility availability, so check with your coach or the athletics schedule in the days beforehand.
• Check your uniform. Make sure it is clean, the correct home or away set your coach has asked for, and that numbers and lettering are intact. Bring the whole kit, including socks and warm-ups if requested.
• Plan for the weather. Outdoor teams such as football, soccer and cross-country are usually photographed outside. Portland weather can turn quickly, so pack a towel or a dry layer to wear until the camera is ready.

On the day

Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early so the group can be arranged without rushing. Photographers typically line teams up by height, with coaches at the ends or back row, and take individual portraits either before or after the group shot. Leave phones, water bottles and bags out of the frame, and remove any non-uniform accessories unless they are part of required safety gear.

Missed your session?

Illness, injuries and schedule clashes happen. If you cannot attend, tell your coach as early as possible; some photographers offer a make-up day for individual portraits, although group photos are rarely retaken. Questions about ordering prints are normally handled by the photography provider rather than the coaching staff.

Parents and supporters who help coordinate photo day are always appreciated. If you would like to get involved with this or other team events, take a look at the Boosters page, or use the contact page to reach us.