Score Big with Soccer Scrapbook Pages

Soccer is a great sport for kids. In many places, it is the first organized sport that they are able to play. It teaches teamwork and sportsmanship; it is also great exercise and fun. Unfortunately, children's soccer is very difficult to photograph and thus very frustrating for scrapbookers.

I remember my son's first soccer game; my husband and I both brought our cameras. We took loads of pictures only to discover that they all looked the same: crowds of kids with shirts down to their knees bunched around the ball. Since it was his first game, I scrapped them anyway. However, I have since learned a few tricks that allow me to get better soccer photos which lead to better soccer layouts.

The Sequence
When photographing children's sports, a popular technique is to capture a sequence of photos to illustrate movement, such as a baseball player swinging a bat. Although this effect is somewhat difficult to capture in soccer, it is possible. For example, I have learned that my son will shy away from the bunched kids, but if he can get the ball to himself he will break away and take it down to the goal. goal and the corner, I was able to capture a sequence of him scoring a goal. Every time my son seemed to get the ball, I started shooting photos. By combining shots from two different goals, I was able to depict the sequence in this layout.

Never forget to photograph the "happy dance" that they do after scoring a goal.

Awards
There is nothing that lights up the face of a child better than receiving a trophy. Don't forget to bring your camera to the last game of the season in case they receive a trophy.

Team Photos
In our town, the leagues always have a picture day where a professional photographer takes a team photo. However, I prefer a less formal group photo of the team posing at the field, such as the one in the layout "our allstar" above. Always have your camera ready in case the team decides to pose.

After many games, the teams line up to shake hands or high-five the other team. This is another opportunity for a good team photo. Position yourself so that you see the faces of your own child's team and the backs of the other team.

Indoor Soccer
Indoor soccer is the photographer's worst nightmare. You are stuck on the bleachers at one end of a room with poor lighting. My suggestion is to bring the camera to every game in case your child happens to do something interesting near the end where you are sitting. At the end of the season, create a multiple photo layout of the best photos from the season. In this layout, I used four photos: two of his back when he was near me because they are clear photos, one of him shooting a goal (my luckiest of the season), and a lousy faraway photo of him doing his "happy dance."

Uniform
Whether you have your child pose for a photo, or scan in the team logo, make sure you include at least one photo that shows the uniform including the league logo and your child's number.

Journaling
Whether or not you are happy with your photos of the soccer season, soccer layouts should include the following information:

• Team name and league name
• Dates (If the layout is about a particular game, then that date should be included, otherwise just the season and year.)
• Score (If your child's league keeps score, don't forget to include the score of the game or their season record. If they had a losing record, put that small or in hidden journaling.)
• Highlights (Did your child score three goals in one game, or make 20 saves? Don't forget to include this information. This season I'm keeping a record of how many goals my son scores in each game which I will put in his scrapbook at the end of the season.)
• Awards (Whether the team won their division and went on to the state championship, or your child won an award for best sportsmanship, don't forget to include this special information in your journaling.)

Even though photographing soccer can be very challenging, playing soccer can be very rewarding for children. Bring a fast camera and take lots of photos hoping to get some good ones. However, even if you don't love your photos, use the best you have with journaling to remember these happy times. Don't forget to share your layouts in the gallery.

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