LL Baseball/Softball - What about the outfield??

[HotShots]

I am beginning to get more and more requests to shoot some little league baseball, softball, and T-Ball games. What I am finding is that the younger the child, the less that happens in the outfield and somtimes even in the infield. Getting pictures of the pitcher, batter, and catcher are relatively easy in the sense that there is something happening at those positions on every play.

When you shoot for a team, how do you ensure 1) that you get a picture of each player? and 2) that those pictures are worthwhile (show some action)?

[OPD1008]

I always try to get some pics before the game while the team is warming up and also between innings. Usually the coaches will hit fly balls to the outfielders and grounders to the infielders during pregame warmup. I've been able to get some great shots that you couldn't tell were during warmups.

[Redfish]

Warm up is a great place to get some "safety" shots - otherwise it can be tough. but shooting tighter can capture good facial expressions as they become board

As for the shot of the pitcher - next time move to the front side so you can see her face - it will make a better shot. I like the composition - just from the other side

[Mbrescio]

As already stated. Warmups are the best time to ensure that you get everyone on the team. I walk around the field during warmups and between innings to ensure everyone is photographed.

[HotShots]

Thanks everyone. I was about to come to the same conclusion on my own. I appreciate your feedback.

[clark220grit]

Some of the greatest shots I've taken are of 4 & 5 year old outfielders that that become consumed with bordem to the point of escaping into a world of there own.

I am constantly on the watch for priceless "non-action" shots when it comes to these little athletes.

Clark

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[dmwierz]

Shooting safety shots during warm-ups is great advice, but Clark is onto something. With the younger kids, the action is less "picture worthy" and many of the kids will never even get into a play anyway, so it becomes more about capturing them doing whatever they happen to be doing while they bide their time in the field. These can be the real gems.

Get everybody batting, grab the occasional play in the field, and then wander up and down both baselines taking shots of kids being kids.

[madmmac]

At that age, they all get to bat and you should be able to capture some kind of action or reaction.

[kenyc]

I always try to get some pics before the game while the team is warming up and also between innings. Usually the coaches will hit fly balls to the outfielders and grounders to the infielders during pregame warmup. I've been able to get some great shots that you couldn't tell were during warmups.

Yep, those, just in case they don't get in the game shots.

Also it can fun to get some dugout/non-game shots. Sometimes these turn out great.

KAC