Team photo day only comes around once a season, and whether you’re a coach, parent, or proud sideline cheerleader, you want your team to look their best. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure those team photos turn out sharp, professional, and worth framing. Here’s how to get your squad camera-ready with top tips for a successful sports team picture day.

Dress Like a Team: Uniform Checklist

Wondering what to wear for team photos? Keep it simple and consistent:

Full, clean uniform (including pads if applicable)
Matching socks and cleats
Hair neat and out of the face
No sunglasses or gum

If your team has multiple jerseys, confirm ahead of time which one to wear. Coaches and team moms: do a final uniform check before the first click!

Arrive Early, Stay Organized

Want a stress-free photo day? Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early. This gives the team time to get settled and avoid last-minute chaos.

For team leaders:

Hand out photo order forms or digital links ahead of time (at TriStar Visuals, we’re all digital — no paper order forms to keep track of!)
Bring a printed roster
Assign a parent to help wrangle the team and keep things moving

Trust me: organization shows in the final images. It also keeps the kids relaxed, which makes for better expressions and stronger poses.

Coach the Kids Ahead of Time

Let players know what to expect so they’re not caught off guard:

How to pose (serious game face or big smile?)
When and where to show up
What to wear for team photo day
When photos will be delivered

Throw in a little pep talk to hype them up and remind them this is part of the season they’ll always remember.

Final Details for Parents

Here’s your quick photo day checklist for parents:

Wipe faces and hands
Brush hair
Double-check uniforms for names/numbers
Pack water and a snack
Keep it upbeat!

Small details = big difference.

Coach’s Game Plan for a Smooth Photo Day

Coaches, your leadership matters just as much on photo day as it does on game day. A little extra preparation on your end can turn a hectic mess into a smooth, efficient experience (and let’s be honest—it’ll make you look good too).

Here’s how to be the MVP of team picture day:

Communicate Early and Often

Send out a reminder a few days before photo day with:

Exact time and location
What to wear for team photos (jersey color, full uniform, etc.)
Any forms or links parents need to complete beforehand

Don’t assume anyone remembers—assume they don’t and overcommunicate. Your parents (and your photographer) will thank you.

Print a Roster and Jersey List

Bring a printed team roster with jersey numbers. This helps the photographer double-check names with faces and avoid mislabeling individual shots. Especially useful for large teams or multi-squad organizations.

Assign a Photo Day Assistant

Have an assistant coach, team parent, or “designated wrangler” help organize the line and keep kids focused. Your job is to float and support—not chase kids down while fixing helmets. Divide and conquer!

Know the Order of Shots

Ask your photographer what the photo flow will be—team shot first? Individual poses? Action portraits?
Knowing the order helps you guide the group and keep things on schedule.

Set the Tone

The kids take their energy from you. If you’re calm, upbeat, and ready to roll, they’ll follow your lead. If you’re frantic and frustrated… well, that’ll show up in the photos too.

Pro Tip for Coaches:

Bring an extra jersey or socks just in case a player forgets part of their uniform. It’s a simple save that can avoid a major meltdown.

Capture the Memories—Without the Mayhem

Youth sports photography is about freezing a moment in time. With just a little prep, your team can look and feel like the rockstars they are. If you’re in Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Nashville and want a professional who brings energy, organization, and epic images to your team’s photo day, TriStar Visuals Photography has you covered.

📍 Serving Tennessee and North Georgia youth teams with high-quality photo day experiences
📸 Book your team today and let’s capture the season right!