Tips for Capturing High School Sports in the Twin Cities

As a Twin Cities high school sports photographer, I’ve learned that capturing the energy and excitement of games isn’t just about having the right gear. It’s about mindset, curiosity, and having fun while you work. High school sports are chaotic, unpredictable, and full of emotion, and learning how to navigate that chaos is what separates a good photographer from a great one.

Here are my top tips for photographing high school sports and making the most of every game.

1. Embrace the Chaos

High school sports are a completely different world from college or professional athletics. The energy is raw, the plays are unpredictable, and sometimes the sidelines are just as wild as the game itself. Instead of trying to control the environment or fight the unpredictability, I’ve found it’s far better to embrace the chaos.

The moment you stop fighting it, you start capturing authentic moments: the underdog touchdown, the player celebrating with teammates, or even the coach’s animated reactions. These are the images that tell the real story of the game.

2. Get Outside of the Popular Sports

An electric bench celebration at East Ridge

Football, hockey, and basketball might be the go-to games everyone wants to photograph, but there’s incredible opportunity in the “less popular” sports like volleyball, lacrosse, or swimming. These sports often have unique angles and moments that you won’t find in the usual crowd shots.

When I step off the beaten path, I get to experiment with composition, lighting, and timing in ways that push my creativity and make my portfolio stand out. Plus, it gives students in these sports a chance to have their hard work documented and celebrated.

3. Observe, Don’t Absorb the Emotion

It’s easy to get swept up in the emotion of the game such as the excitement, the tension, and the heartbreak. But as a photographer, your job is to observe without absorbing it. Staying detached enough to anticipate moments and focus on framing is crucial.

This doesn’t mean you ignore the energy but I want you to channel it into your images. By watching carefully and predicting the flow of play, you can capture that perfect action shot before anyone else sees it coming.

4. Be Curious, Not Judgmental of Other Creators

Every photographer has their own style, and there’s always something to learn if you approach it with curiosity. Whether it’s another local sports photographer or a college shooter visiting a game, I try to study what they do without judging it.

Ask yourself: “Why did they choose that angle? How did they catch that moment?” This mindset not only makes you better but keeps the sports photography community collaborative rather than competitive.

5. Have Fun While Working

Finally, never forget why you started shooting sports in the first place. Yes, it’s your job...but it’s also a chance to have fun, experiment, and enjoy the energy around you. When I’m enjoying myself, my photos reflect that energy. Players, coaches, and fans respond to the enthusiasm behind the lens, and it shows in the images.

High school sports photography in the Twin Cities is challenging, exciting, and incredibly rewarding. By embracing the chaos, observing the action, staying curious, and keeping the experience fun, you can capture moments that truly tell the story of the game. And isn't that what it’s all about?