What makes the perfect MVP photo? We often receive questions regarding photo size, quality, and compatibility with our products. Our best answer is that the ideal MVP photo combines high resolution and image quality with basic photography skills. This article is meant to serve as a guide for those planning to reproduce sports photos as MVP products.
SELECTING A DEVICE & SETTINGS
The making of a great MVP Memory starts with the device and settings. Thanks to modern technology, the average consumer can purchase a relatively high quality digital camera for a minimal investment. The Nikon Coolpix L120, which offers 14.1 megapixels and 21x zoom, currently sells for $279.99 at Best Buy. In addition, many modern smart phones, such as the iPhone 4S and the Droid Razr by Motorola, offer relatively good image quality at 8 megapixels.
Low resolution photos lose detail at large sizes.
Most cameras are labeled according to a specific number of megapixels. Each megapixel contains 1 million block shaped pixels arranged in rows and columns. An image with more pixels contains more data and therefore allows us to view detail at large sizes. A camera’s megapixel label indicates the maximum number of pixels it can produce. In general, higher megapixel devices produce the highest quality images and are the best choice for large format printing.
Consumers must also choose the appropriate settings. It is important to note that a camera’s factory settings are not always preset to the highest available resolution. Therefore, we recommend manually selecting the resolution setting that meets your needs. Those who plan to use photos primarily for social networking or email purposes can choose a low resolution to conserve memory. However, those who plan to print photos should select a higher resolution based on the print size. In general, the optimal resolution increases as the desired print size increases. Those who wish to produce large format products such as wall graphics, posters, etc. should use the highest possible resolution. The MVP Memories Photo Guide provides detail on the recommended number of megapixels for various print sizes.
GAME DAY PHOTO TIPS
Now that you have the basic technical requirements, it’s time to focus on game day. We referenced our favorite photography blogs and web tutorials to compile the following list of basic tips.
Know Your Game
Big moments happen quickly. Knowing the object of the game and the habits of the players will allow you to recognize and take advantage of photographic opportunities. For example, a 3rd down and long play at a football game is likely to be a pass. Therefore, focusing on the quarterback or receivers will give you the best chance of capturing the shot. Child athletes’ actions can be more difficult to anticipate because they are still developing an understanding of the game.
Scope out the best possible background
Eliminate unnecessary distractions.
“The first thing I look at is the background. Whatever the action is, the background will complete the picture,” says Sports Illustrated photographer, Robert Beck, in How a Sports Illustrated Photographer Shoots His Kid’s Games. Avoid busy backgrounds with lots of fences, sponsorship signage, etc. Crowded stands are okay, but avoid backgrounds with one person passing by or standing around. Beck advises new photographers to crop out any unnecessary distractions. He also comments that a background with the team’s bench allows the photographer to capture the coaches and players behind the action. For more photo tips from Robert Beck, check out How a Sports Illustrated Photographer Shoots His Kid’s Games.
Burst
Burst mode, also known as continuous mode, provides the ability to quickly take multiple shots by pressing and holding the shutter button. Most DSLR and point and shoot cameras are equipped with this function. “Burst mode is our little secret cheat mode that will help us capture the action as it unfolds,” says Simon Bray in his article The Best Way to Learn Sports Photography. Burst mode accumulates a vast number of shots and requires a large memory card (or an extra). Use half time and time outs to delete unwanted shots if you are short on space.
Don’t Chimp
“Chimping” is the action of checking each photo on the LCD screen immediately after capture. It distracts your attention from the field, increases your chance of getting hurt,
Set a goal of ten to 12 good shots per season.
and could cause you to miss a shot. “While reviewing your pictures is okay, there is a time and place to do so. In sports, after the shutter clicks there’s no second chance. You must move on to the next play,” says Dak Dillon, author of 8 Tips for Taking Sports Photos Like a Pro.
Shoot Shoot Shoot!
It often takes more than one game to get the perfect shot of your child. Many don’t realize that professional sports photos published in the media comefrom a pool of 600-700 images. “You may not get a good shot of your kid in one game; think in terms of a season and hope for ten to 12 good images. If you get one or two good images from a game, you’re in there,” says Beck. Don’t get discouraged and keep shooting.
DID YOU KNOW?
MVP Memories can check your photo quality and recommend a print size before you place an order. Contact us at Sales@MVPmemories.com with questions.
