How to Photograph Your Kids’ Sports with a Smartphone

Are you looking for fresh ideas on how to photograph your kids’ sports with smartphone?

Getting a good action shot of your kid mid-game can feel like mission impossible. Plus, lugging around a big, expensive camera with all their sports gear isn’t always practical.

The good news? The smartphone in your pocket is more than capable of snapping some impressive sports action shots.

Below are my tried-and-tested tips.

Tips on How to Photograph Your Kid’s Sport with a Smartphone

Know Your Camera Settings

Taking great soccer photos of your little football star in the thick of the action is now possible using your smartphone. Before the big game, explore the camera features and practice with them.

If available, use the Sports or Action mode. This mode has a faster shutter speed to freeze motion.

Or, try the burst mode, which takes multiple shots within a second. You’ll have better odds of getting the money shot.

Most smartphones support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which brings out more details in the highlights and shadows. Some can adjust exposure, contrast, and color on the fly using filters.

Newer models now use AI to capture and process pictures at the same time. Many have instant scene detection capabilities that can optimize settings for a sports environment.

Take advantage of the Autofocus to track your subject even as they zip across the field. Meanwhile, the Portrait Mode is perfect for close-up shots of your kid during breaks or after the game.

Photographing basketball? Experiment with your phone’s night mode or low-light features to get the best possible shot if shooting indoor sports or evening games.

Keep Your Lens Clean

A smudged lens can cause hazy photos or unwanted lens flares. In sports photography, where there’s tons of fast action, a clean lens is even more critical.

Here are easy ways to keep your smartphone’s camera lens spotless:

• Use a cleaning pen or a soft makeup brush to sweep away dust.
• Fingerprints? Give it a gentle buff using a microfiber cloth.
• For stubborn dirt, use pre-moistened lens wipes. They clean without leaving streaks.
• Mix 70% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in equal parts. Dab it on a soft cloth and clean away.

Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Smartphone cameras work best in bright natural light. This is great for outdoor games.

You can get the best light during the golden hours, often in the early morning or late afternoon. You’re in for a treat if you’re lucky to have games scheduled around these times.

Midday sun can be tricky. It’s bright, sure, but it can also create harsh shadows and make your kids squint in photos.

Position yourself so the sun is behind you when you’re taking pictures.

Overcast skies act like a giant softbox. You’ll likely get consistent, well-lit images throughout the game with the diffused light.

Keep It Steady

Blurry photos caused by camera shake can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.

The latest smartphones usually have some form of built-in image stabilization to help with this. But sometimes, it’s not enough.

Check out my tricks to keep your phone steady and your photos crisp:

• Hold your smartphone with both hands and tuck your elbows close to your body.
• Lean against a wall, tree, or fence to stabilize yourself and reduce movement.
• A small tripod or handheld gimbal can be super handy, especially if filming parts of the game.
• If your phone allows manual control, use a faster shutter speed for action shots, preferably 1/250 sec or higher.
• Use the volume button for less shakiness.
• Digital zoom can amplify shake. If you need to zoom, move closer to the action.

Shoot in Panorama

For team shots or to capture the entire field or court, try your phone’s panorama mode. You’ll get unique, wide-angle images that really set the scene.

Here’s how to use this feature:

• Look for a high vantage point like the bleachers.
• Use a fast shutter speed (or just speed since smartphone cameras don’t have physical shutters) to freeze the action. Alternatively, shoot in Burst Mode.
• Move your phone slowly and smoothly. Some phones even have guides to help you keep it level.
• Time your pan with the play. It takes some practice, but you can capture some cool motion effects.
• Try vertical panoramas for basketball shots near the ring.

Invest in a Smartphone Lens

Photography lenses can dramatically improve your smartphone photos. These are small, attachable lenses that clip or screw onto your phone.

They give you capabilities similar to what you’d get with a DSLR camera. Here are some types of lenses you might consider:

Wide-angle Lens

• Great for capturing the whole field or court
• Lets you fit more into the frame without moving farther away
• Perfect for team shots or showing the overall scene

Telephoto Lens

• Helps you zoom in on distant action
• Ideal when you can’t get close to the field
• Can create a nice blurred background effect

Macro Lens

• For creative and super close-up shots
• Can be useful for detailed shots of equipment or uniforms

Fisheye Lens

• Creates a unique, curved perspective
• Can be fun for capturing the entire arena or stadium
• Adds a playful touch to your photos

Don’t Ignore the Sidelines

Some of the best scenes happen off the field.

Capture team huddles, celebrations, and interactions between players and coaches. These candid shots often tell a more complete story of the game.

Edit for Impact

Don’t be afraid to edit your photos afterward. Most smartphones have built-in editors that let you:

• Crop for better composition
• Adjust brightness and contrast
• Boost colors for more vibrant images

Remember, subtle edits usually look best.

For more control and creative options, use a photo editing app. Here are my top picks:

• Lightroom Mobile
• Snapseed
• Photoshop Express
• VSCO

Also check out these guides:

• Best Photo Editing Apps for iPhone
• Best Photo Editing Apps for Android

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, smartphone sports photography gets better with practice.

Don’t wait for game day. Have your kids run around the backyard and practice tracking their movements with your camera.

Final Thoughts

It’s now easier to photograph your kids’ sports with smartphones. Phone cameras have come a long way, and with these tips, you’ll have amazing pictures of your little athlete.

So, practice, experiment, and don’t forget to have fun.