Wait, isn't your whole blog about how great it is to take photos with a 'proper' camera? Not really, it's about how great it is to take photos. That's all.
Yes, it's true that even the newest smart phones can't compete with the (quite pricey) technology of the likes of Canon or Nikon but there are fundamental rules to photographing sports that will make your mobile pics stand out.
All photos in this post were taken with an iPhone 14 Pro, some in portrait mode and others in live photo mode.
Check your settings
Before you even open the camera app, make sure your phone is set for success. Don't assume you're using the best settings as default, especially with newer models that offer high spec options (sometimes at the expense of your storage space).
It's worth spending five minutes Googling the best camera settings for your phone model.
Clean your lens
First things first, make sure your lens is not covered in fingerprints or pocket fluff. It might seem obvious but you'd be surprised how many perfectly good shots are ruined by a slightly mucky lens.
I'm not talking about a deep clean with specialist wipes, just rub that lens against a clean bit of your clothing and you're good to go.
Shoot low
Especially with younger children, the lower you can hold your phone the better they will look in the photo.
At a minimum try to hold the phone at their eye level for a clearer and more detailed shot of their faces. Or go the extra mile, like this photo, and shoot from the ground.
It also gives you a better chance to follow two bonus rules:
1) never cut off feet; and
2) have the ball in the shot.
Looking up to your players, rather than down, also makes for more engaging team shots.
Move around
Standing in one place the entire match means you're missing out on a lot of different shots. Parents tend to congregate around the half-way line, which is not a bad spot but you'll get players passing you sideways most of the time.
Find spots to get better shots of players coming towards you head on.
Keep your lines straight
Not one to worry about when you're taking the photo but after, make sure your horizon line is straight.
Grassroots pitches are seldom flat or even and you're likely moving your phone all over the place to keep up with the action. Just make sure you give the photo a quick edit so the horizon line of the pitch is not tilted.
The same applies for vertical lines like goal posts. If possible, try to straighten it all up.
Use Live Photos
Live photos in iPhones or motion photos in Androids are a great way to increase your chances of getting that perfect shot, because you have a few seconds either side of your "main" shot from which to choose.
It's particularly useful for team photos, where inevitably someone will have their eyes shut.
Goalkeepers
Got a goalie in your life? They're probably the hardest to shoot. During a match, they're either standing still or being rushed at by a dozen other players. Getting good action shots of a goalie is hard work.
Except during the warm up. Chances are your goalie is getting some one-to-one warming up with either a coach or another player before the match starts. This is where I often get the most interesting action shots.
Shoot and share responsibly
Last but not least, a note on our responsibilities. Both teams are there to play and have fun, but mistakes, mishaps and bad tempers can also happen. Emotions often run high. Sometimes it's better to put the camera down and just be present.
As for sharing your photos, everyone has different levels of comfort with social media so please be mindful of that if your photos include other children.
The FA has useful guidelines on photographing youth football.
Have I convinced you to try out some new tricks with your phone? Happy snapping!
You can also save this quick reference guide to your own camera roll to jog your memory next time you're pitch side.
