Welcome
to the crew
We love the art of photography, but we also understand the business. Over the years we have refined our process to walk the line between art and commerce. This page helps you get up to speed on what we expect and how we do it. Thanks for being here. We look forward to seeing your photos!
Camera settings
To keep our photography consistent from event to event, we use standard camera settings. They are what our customers have come to expect. Please review them and ask us any questions.
Aperture
- Use the widest aperture your lens allows, ideally f/4 or wider
- Use aperture priority to lock in your f-stop
Shutter speed
- No slower than 1/1000
- Auto ISO is preferred; let it ride as needed
Drive mode
- No faster than 10–12 frames per second
- Using a mirrorless camera? Dial the frame rate back to something manageable
File size
- JPGs only, straight out of the camera. No RAW files
- Keep files under 5MB to speed up uploads
- Need help? Take a few test photos and we'll check them for you
Action reminders
- Photos should be vertical and tight
- Auto rotate on
- Indoors or under lights? Turn anti-flicker on
Card & gear prep
- Format new memory cards before your first game
- Dual card slots? Record to the backup card as well
- Turn in your primary card, not the backup, in a coin envelope
- Always bring extra memory cards, coin envelopes and batteries
Photography process
We only photograph registered athletes, so every game starts with your assignment card.
Your assignment card
- The scheduler gives it to you before your assignment
- It lists the game time, field and the athletes to photograph
Who you photograph
- Only athletes listed on your card
- No random photos; stick to your assigned players
Cleanup matters
- Delete any photos of athletes not on your list
- This keeps galleries clean and focused
Look for the orange band
Registered athletes wear an orange band on their shoe. Only photograph athletes wearing an orange band, unless you're told otherwise.
- Before the game, check that every athlete on your card has an orange band
- If any are missing, radio the scheduler to sort it out
- Take test photos before games to confirm your settings
Close-ups first
Photograph close-ups of the athletes on your card before the game starts.
- Capture athletes warming up without others in the background
- Follow the example photos for guidance
What every customer gets
Deliver these for every customer to keep recovery to a minimum. Recovery is our term for photographing a player again.
Action photos
Not every player gets game play with the ball, but these are the photos parents request most.
"Mommy" photos
A close-up that shows intensity and excitement during the game, for every player who signed up, even if they don't get game time.
Quantity
The second biggest request is enough images to choose from. It varies by sport, play time and assignments, but aim for 75–100 quality images per player.
Group photos
Spontaneous team moments: dugout reactions, huddles, victory celebrations, coach interactions and more. Do not take posed team photos.
Radio etiquette
You get a radio at the start of every day. Every Glossy Finish team member uses the same channel, so keep non-work chatter to a minimum and the channel open. Remember: anyone nearby can hear your radio.
Acceptable
- Relaying relevant information to the scheduler, sales ambassadors or Glossy Finish staff
- Talking with other photographers about player locations and field coverage
- Asking office staff to bring gear: memory cards, batteries, water
Not acceptable
- Non-work conversations with other Glossy Finish staff
- Negative comments about plays during the game
- Negative comments about players, coaches or parents
Communication
Ask
It never hurts to ask. Need player information? Ask a parent or coach, or radio the office.
Report
Report any envelope discrepancies over the radio right away.
Own your field
Don't be shy. You're in charge of your field and your assignment card.
Controversial plays
If someone asks about a controversial play, just say: "I didn't get it." Our photos are not used to dispute plays or calls.
Schedule
Tell your manager early about schedule conflicts or time off.
Parent photographers
- You have the right to be on the field. No one else does
- Glossy Finish is fully insured and authorized for field access
- If a non-Glossy Finish photographer is on the field or in the dugout, radio the office
- Stay focused on your game; we'll handle it from there
Where you'll work
Trusted by leading youth sports organizations nationwide.
Have fun and create memories
Expect long days and the occasional challenge, but we have your back and will help find solutions. Stay in the moment and keep communicating. We're camera to customer: every photo matters.
Keep growing
Log into the app to review your work and see it the way the customer will. Take notes on what to improve for your next game.