Partner with the Right Photographer for a Smooth and Memorable Sports Picture Day!

Hello, athletic directors, PTFA or PTA members, coaches, booster club members, and parents involved in sports organizations. I'm Michael Negrete, a photographer with over 40 years of experience. My career started on my high school yearbook staff and led to an associate's degree in photography from Chaffey College. I assisted on commercial and celebrity shoots for a decade before opening my studio in Claremont over 25 years ago. I also hold a business degree from the University of La Verne and am a Certified Professional Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America. I photograph seniors for local high schools, K-8 private schools, numerous sports teams, and family portraits. You're probably here because your organization needs a photographer for a sports team and individual picture day. I understand how overwhelming and frustrating this process can be for you. Please read on; I can provide valuable information and clarity to help you make the best choice.

Most leagues and sports organizations have several objectives regarding picture day and photography.

#1: Efficient Management of Picture Day:
Select a photographer with experience handling large groups to facilitate a smooth and organized event.

#2: Maintain High Standards of Photography Quality
Choose someone whose work will thrill the league, parents, and athletes.

#3: Foster Clear Communication
Aim for a photographer who communicates effectively with parents and players to minimize confusion and complaints.

#4: Establish Transparent Pricing and Timelines
Communicate pricing and delivery schedules to avoid unexpected costs or delays. Make ordering simple for parents, offer shipment tracking, and provide responsive customer support for any issues.

When selecting a photography option, you have several choices. You can choose a large studio specializing in sports and school photography, hire a parent from the organization who does photography as a side gig, or opt for a small boutique studio run by a passionate photographer/artist. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages.

While large studios may efficiently handle high volumes of work, their photographers often lack proper training and prioritize quantity over quality. Their primary focus is profit.

Many photographers who work in sports photography as a side job find it hard to manage big projects. They often set low prices, thinking the main cost is just the wholesale price of an 8x10 print, but they overlook expenses like planning, picture day, post-production, delivery, and customer service. This misunderstanding can lead to feeling overwhelmed and struggling to meet high demands. While low prices can be appealing, remember you usually get what you pay for.

My boutique studio offers high-quality photography and exceptional customer service. I create emotionally impactful images, even for large groups on busy days. We take a hybrid approach that balances efficiency and quality, specializing in sports photography for various sports such as soccer, volleyball, baseball, and high school athletics. Our goal is to simplify the process for leagues by understanding their needs and crafting plans that reduce stress and enhance their image with parents and athletes. We deliver photos that parents love while ensuring a fun experience for the athletes on picture day.

Stop worrying about picture day and switching photographers repeatedly. We don't want to be just another "vendor"; we aim to partner with you to create solutions that address your needs and continuously improve each season. A boutique studio like mine offers you the best of everything while efficiently meeting your most important objectives.

Our innovative sports photography system blends efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Please see below for more details on our process. We commit to making picture day a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone!