How to approach Sports Team Photos?

Hello,

I've been playing around with different types of photography and now I was

thinking of getting into sports team photos. I'm probably going to stick to

outdoor sports since I only have a Nikon D70 and a SB 800. I may move into

other things later but I want to be able to use ambient light. My question is,

how to go about starting all this? I know how to shoot groups. I just don't

know how to approach the coach or the head of the organization. When I go to

the place what do I say? Do I say, "Hey my name is so-and-so and I'm a

professional photographer. I was wondering if you would like to have a picture

day for your team?" How does that sound? And then if they say yes how do I go

about organizing the whole thing. I definately want to do pre-paid packages so

Do I tell the Club that is the way it will be and the coach will select the

best pose for the individual shots? Will the coach be kinda posing the team?

Is there some standard pose for baseball or soccer and other sports? Also,

when I do it for the first time should i tell them it's my first time because

what if they ask to see examples of my previous work? I just have so many

things that I don't know how to start. Any advice from anyone who has done

this before would be great. Thank you so much.

Personally, I'd spend several day getting some good shots of the teams so I'd have something to show. Any peddler will tell you that you can't do business from an empty wagon.

It might be an idea to send letters to the teams advertising your services. If you can try and do one of these type of shoots first, even if it means doing it for nothing. This way they will be able to picture(no pun intended)their team having a similar package.

Hey Craig,

I'm not too sure what you mean by doing this type of shoot for free and they will have an idea of what thier package may look like. I'm sorry but can you explain that a little more clearly. From what I gather you are saying offer my service for free...but would that include prints because I don't think that a sports team will pose for me and expect nothing in return. But if i give them prints, that costs me. What do you suggest I do???

"It takes money to make money!" I have done several shoots + prints for free building my reputation in the industry. A customer�s reality is their perception. If you can give them quality work to look at and possibly a reference, it will do more for your business than starting from the ground up.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Elizabeth

So Elizabeth what do you suggest i do? Do work for free to build samples? Why don't I just charge really low prices for the beginning. I just don't agree that any professional photographer should do work for free. I have experience in shooting so why do I need to sell myself short? I'm sorry if it doesn't seem like I appreciate your advice because i do. It's just that I don't see how giving away free stuff will get me ahead.