Ways2Raise

What is it?

Sports Team Photography involves taking high-quality photos of local sports teams during matches or training sessions and selling the images to players, parents, and supporters. This method works well for teen fundraisers because it combines a creative skill with community engagement, providing a service that people value and are willing to pay for.

Why does it work?

People cherish photos that capture memorable moments in sports, especially action shots and team celebrations. By offering personalised, professional-looking images, you tap into the emotional connection players and families have with their sport, making them more likely to purchase your photos to keep or share.

What you'll need

A decent camera (DSLR or mirrorless preferred, but a good smartphone camera can work)
Memory cards and spare batteries
Photo editing software (free options like GIMP or mobile apps)
A portfolio or sample gallery (online or printed)
Permission from club/team organisers to photograph events
Printed order forms or an online ordering system

Step-by-step plan

1

Research local sports clubs and teams in your area and contact them to ask for permission to photograph their games or training sessions. Explain that you’re raising money for your expedition and offer to provide photos to players and families.

2

Prepare your equipment and practice taking action shots in different lighting conditions. Focus on capturing clear, dynamic images of players in motion, team huddles, and celebrations.

3

Attend the matches or training sessions, take lots of photos, and make notes of players’ names and numbers to help with identification later.

4

Edit your best photos to enhance brightness, sharpness, and colour balance. Crop images to focus on the subject and remove distractions.

5

Create a catalogue or online gallery for each team or event, and share this with players, parents, and supporters. Include clear pricing and ordering instructions.

6

Collect orders and payments securely. Offer prints (A5 or A4) or digital downloads, depending on what your customers prefer.

7

Print and deliver the photos promptly or send digital copies via email. Follow up with customers for feedback and potential repeat business.

How to advertise it

Post flyers at local sports clubs, community centres, and schools
Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your best shots and tag local teams
Create a simple website or online gallery where people can view and order photos
Ask team coaches or club organisers to share your service in newsletters or WhatsApp groups
Attend matches with business cards or order forms to distribute in person

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £50 and £150 per event, depending on the size of the team, number of photos sold, and pricing. Regular gigs with popular local teams can increase earnings over time.

Top tips

✅ Build good relationships with clubs—reputation and trust lead to repeat bookings

✅ Focus on quality over quantity: sharp, well-composed photos sell better than large numbers of average shots

✅ Offer packages (e.g., a set of 5 prints for a fixed price) to encourage bigger sales

✅ Always get written permission from the team or club before photographing minors

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Not securing permission, which can cause problems with privacy or club policies

⚠️ Underestimating the time needed for editing and delivering photos promptly

⚠️ Setting prices too high or too low without considering what the local community is willing to pay