I’ve been there. I know you have, too.

6 am lift. Summer practices. Mid-week games in the dead of winter. Doing your homework on the bus after a road game at 10pm. Researching endless college teams, looking for your next home.

The hard work and long hours are grueling, but they’re worth it, because it’s for a sport that sets your heart on fire.

If you’re hanging up the cleats after graduation, or perhaps looking forward to wearing a new team name on your chest in college, you’ll want these memories saved forever.

My name is Elsye, and I’m a former gymnast and cheerleader, who went on to cheer at a championship Division 1 collegiate program in Ohio. My college cheer experience paved the way for me to have a fulfilling career in sports social media and photography. After graduation I worked full-time in the sports industry, coordinating endless media days and photographing hundreds of games for programs such as UNLV, Northern Illinois University, Oakland Athletics, Vegas Golden Knights, and the NHL.

My point is, not only have I been in your shoes, but I’ve spent years working professionally alongside athletes like you. If you’re looking to include your sport in your session and honor the years of practice with photos that will last forever, you’ve found the right place.

Planning your session

An athlete’s schedule can be pretty chaotic, especially during senior year. My best advice is to plan early to work out the logistics around scheduling.

When working with athletes, I find coordinating around practices and finding availability for the school facilities (fields, courts, locker rooms, etc), and waiting on new uniforms to come in are the most difficult aspects of scheduling! Consider scheduling your session before school returns in the fall, be open-minded to the potential of early-morning sessions, and communicate with your coaches and athletic directors throughout this process!

If you’re going to wait until spring - which is totally an option - reach out to your photographer in January or February.

Pro-tip for my dancers and cheerleaders: When I was a high school senior, I did my on-field senior photos a few hours ahead of a home football game! The field was cleared, the lines were freshly painted, and I was already at the school in gameday makeup and hair. It worked out so smoothly!

Senior Athlete Session Ideas

The Full Uniform, At Your Home Field

A classic look, and by far my favorite style of senior photo session. Your uniform is bound to match the colors of the signage and scoreboard on the field, and it looks so natural in its element! Not only will we take photos on the field, but we might use the bleachers, fencing, bench, scoreboard, goal posts, or even the locker room. This is a great time to take action photos, too!

Varsity jacket or jersey plus jeans, at your high school

A slightly more casual take on athletic-focused senior photos. Perfect for athletes who don’t want an in-your-face “I played sports” theme. Don’t worry about your high school building looking “boring” or not photogenic - the focus will be on you, not the building! Odds are it will make for an attractive, cohesive background that will match your look.

Uniform and equipment, in nature

Now that so many schools have their own photoshoot days for their teams, showcasing sports in a toned-down way is much more popular! This is a great option if you’re out-of-season or if your facility will be difficult to access. Many seniors choose to wear a jersey with jeans or athletic shorts and pick 1-2 props. Work with your photographer and communicate ahead of time so they can help you plan for a great nature background!

Equipment props and casual outfit

Another increasingly common style! Bonus points if your equipment matches the colors of your outfit. Casual outfit ideas include a team graphic tee or hoodie, a neutral top and jeans, a solid color dress or jumpsuit, or any outfit that may match your school colors.

Your local little league park

Such a sentimental idea! If you spent your youth playing at a local park, let’s take a trip back to where it all began. Love the nostalgia!

What To Bring

Your favorite jersey, or even a few

It’s great to have options! If you have more than one jersey, bring them all along. You don’t need to switch between them if you don’t want to - but we can hang them up in the background and use them as props. Note: if you’re out-of-season, coordinate with your coach or athletic director ahead of time to get access to your school-owned gear.

Varsity jacket or warm-up jacket

A great layering piece, especially if you’re a multi-sport athlete. Try wearing something neutral-colored or school colors underneath.

The right shoes

You can definitely wear casual shoes - but if your uniform requires certain footwear, make sure you pack it along!

Equipment

Often the most-forgotten props! Bats, balls, gloves, masks, poms, sticks, pucks…make sure you’re bringing them all. Wrestlers - I won’t make you put on your headgear, but you can at least hold it in your hand or set it next to you during your session!

Got custom designed gear or maybe a piece that’s extra-special to you? Let me know - we can get plenty of detail photos.

Accolades

Team won a regional or state title? Consider asking to borrow the team trophy for your session. Any rings or important medals are great to include as well. I am a huge fan of ring details!

Early childhood memento

Have one of your early uniforms, or perhaps that pin from second grade tee-ball that grandma kept? What a precious way to honor your past during your senior session…bring on the waterworks from mom!

Additional Inspiration

Are you a senior athlete in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin? Consider booking Elsye J Photography as your senior photographer! Learn more here.