How do I decide what games to cover?

I get far more requests to cover games than I can possibly do, so it forces me to make some difficult decisions about which games to cover each day.

As you may know, I do sports photography mostly because I enjoy it. During school sports seasons, I often spend 25-30 hours per week taking, editing, and sharing photos. 

But I also have a full-time job, so I need to make decisions about the games that I take photographs at.

School sports

I primarily photograph high school varsity games and events in Bow and Concord since these are closest to my home.

I cover high school games for the Concord Monitor and that takes me to other capital area venues as well.

When I can, I try to get to Bow MS games — usually at least a couple of games for each team (and sometimes more).

I try to prioritize Bow High School varsity home games whenever I can, and I aim to put special games – like Bow Senior Nights – on my calendar as soon as I find out about them.

Outside of Bow, booster clubs and parents often hire me to cover specific games, like their own Senior Nights.

American Legion

During the summer months, I focus most of my time on Senior Portraits, but I also cover as many Concord American Legion games as I can.

Bow rec leagues

During the peak of school sports seasons, that’s often all that I can do since I have commitments for my “real” job. 

However, I will occasionally go to a local recreation league game. 

I will often go to special events for these leagues, like BYBS Opening Day and the BAC Basketball Tournament.

If a Season Pass member for the current season has a child playing, I will try to give those games priority, but sometimes it simply isn’t feasible.

After that, it’s really just a question of having the time (and energy!) to attend the game and then edit the photos afterwards.

Unfortunately, there are too many rec league teams in town for me to get to all of them since each game requires 60-90 minutes of editing time on top of the length of the game.

Guaranteed coverage

While I’m happy to take requests and do my best to accommodate them when I can, the only way to guarantee that I will cover an event is to hire me to be there. 

For example, travel teams, non-Bow school teams, and private event hosts have paid for me to come to their games and provide photos.

I don’t have a lot of openings for these engagements (and it isn’t really my focus), but it is an option if there is a game you really would like to have me photograph.

Additional questions?

My wife, Jen, handles all of these requests and is happy to connect and let you know what might be possible. Just contact us to find out more.

This guide was last updated on March 26, 2024.