High School Sports Photography

[seamonkey03]

I have a question for all you sports shooters. =) I've been shooting a good bit of little league softball for a while now and I'm wanting to move up into high school. What's the best way to do that? Little league was easy for me since I coached with a lot of the coaches last year, so I just asked if I could shoot their games. Should I approach the coach and ask if it's ok? Do I just tell them I'm there and tell parents if they'd like some photos here's my card? Little league seemed so much simpler. LOL. Thanks for any input!

[Comanche]

High school sports are not that hard - except football.

For the typical basketball game or wrestling or track meet, all you need to do is just show up. The coaches could care less - they have a game to play. At most games, you will see the typical Dad With a Camera and they get right down next to the court. You can too. Just pass out your cards during half time and right after the game.

Much better than the coach is the school athletic director. Depending on the school district, that could be the head football coach or a separate AD. Its not a bad idea to contact that person, then you are covered for all the sports. The AD may ask you to wear some sort of credential. Knowing this person is a big plus when football season comes around. If you act in a professional manner, the AD may allow you onto the sidelines for football.

Be prepared for making less money than shooting youth sports. By the time the kid makes the high school varsity, Mom and Dad are tired of going to games all the time. In junior high or for JV squads, Mom still thinks the kids are cute and want photos.

Good luck.

[andyz]

I shot football by befriending the teacher in charge of the yearbook. I give them images. I am not in this for the money, don't have any sales (although I did have requests) because I have no tax ID soe sales tax, assumed name, etc. I think if you sell, you need to set up a formal business.

Back to the point, policies change. I asked about shooting basketball and will be considered a "volunteer" under the new ISD rules and am now having a background check done and whatever else they need.

[slater62586]

Honestly, it depends on what high school you wanna shoot.. For example, Odessa Permian is very hard to shoot. They wanna know why your shooting and who your shooting and what company you are with.
They are becoming very tough... I'm thinking I will lose my pass next season unless i get on with MaxPreps.

If you are truely wanting to just shoot and you really dont care who..

Get a hold of LSCSN.com he's a member on the site and that is his username, He is a great guy and is always needing photographers.

[Tom]

I tried to get a credential to the high schools around me to shoot some games for fun. Got denied. Couldn't get credentialed to shoot those games, but I shoot pro sports all the time.

Go figure.

[seamonkey03]

Thanks all! That's some great info!