Photography Tips for Cheerleading: How to Pose for Cheerleading Photography
Just like the sport itself, photographing cheerleaders is all about capturing the vibrant energy, teamwork, and athleticism that define the sport. Whether it’s the high-flying stunts or synchronized routines, every moment in cheerleading tells a story of dedication, hard work, and team spirit.
Effective photography not only preserves these moments but also brings the excitement and spirit of cheerleading to life. In this guide, we offer essential tips for posing and photographing cheerleaders so you can become even better at creating powerful, dynamic images that truly reflect the intensity and passion of cheerleading.
Understand the Dynamics of Cheerleading
Cheerleading is a fast-paced and energetic sport, which can make it challenging – yet rewarding – to capture in still photography. To highlight the motion and energy, you should focus on timing your shots to freeze the most energetic and spirited moments like:
- Jumps
- Stunts
- Tumbles
- Endings
This, of course, requires quick reflexes and an anticipation of what will happen next. When you master these skills, you will be left with the ability to capture the fleeting yet impactful actions beautifully.
Teamwork, especially formations, are central to cheerleading as group stunts and pyramids are used to showcase the collaborative spirit of the team. Therefore, you should try to catch these moments on camera. Position your camera to highlight these formations, making sure that every team member is visible and that the symmetry of the pose is in focus.
Another aspect of cheerleading that might be easily overlooked is facial expressions. These are trained frequently as they support the intensity of the spirited cheers and dedication of the team. If you are able to capture these genuine moments, you will be able to tell the full story of the entire performance through just a few choice shots.
Our Top Poses for Cheerleading Photography
Catching the essence of cheerleading on camera requires a mix of well-composed group shots, dynamic individual poses, and perfectly timed action shots.
Group Poses
Group poses are a staple of cheerleading photography, ideal for highlighting the team’s unity and coordination. Classic formations like pyramids and stunts showcase the strength and balance of the entire team. In order to create balanced and powerful group shots, position the team to bring the symmetry and structure to light. It is also important to make sure that everyone is visible and the formation is clearly defined. Try shooting such a shot from a slightly lower angle to enhance the sense of height and grandeur – especially in a formation such as the pyramid.
Photo: Sheryl Bashore, Sheryl Z Photography
Photo: Sheryl Bashore, Sheryl Z Photography
Individual Poses
For individual poses, you should try to focus on the skill that makes each cheerleader stand out. This could be:
- Jumps
- Kicks
- Tumbling
Capturing the height and motion in jumps requires precise timing. Make sure you shoot at the peak of the jump to maximize the impact. For a stunt, try to position yourself to capture the full extension of the pose – whether it’s a high kick or a mid-air split. A fast shutter speed is essential to freeze these moments while retaining the sense of movement – naturally, without blur.
Action Shots
Action shots are essential for taking pictures where the true energy of cheerleading shines through. Mid-air poses, like basket tosses or flips, require impeccable timing. This means you need to anticipate the peak moment of action to capture the cheerleader at the height of their motion. To freeze such a motion while still conveying the movement, always remember to use a fast shutter speed combined with panning techniques, which can add a dynamic blur to the background while keeping the main subject in sharp focus.
Photo: Sheryl Bashore, Sheryl Z Photography
Pay Attention to Lighting and Angles
When it comes to capturing the energy of cheerleading, lighting plays a big role. If you are shooting in outdoor settings, natural light can be your best ally. Aim to have the photo shoot during golden hour – early in the morning or late in the afternoon – to achieve a soft, warm lighting that enhances the vibrancy of your photos. In order to avoid harsh shadows, make sure to position the cheerleaders with the light source directly behind or to the side while using a reflector or fill flash to balance the exposure. If you are shooting in indoor settings, use artificial lighting strategically to make sure the cheerleaders are well lit.
Other than lighting, angles are equally important as they can dramatically impact the perception of height, movement, and form. Shooting from low angles is ideal for stunts as the emphasis on height and power plays to the cheerleaders’ strengths and makes the action appear more dynamic. For group formations, shooting from a higher angle can capture the symmetry and structure – but some formations, such as the pyramid, might benefit from a lower angle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles as this will help you find the most flattering and impactful perspective for each shot.
Photo: Sheryl Bashore, Sheryl Z Photography
Don’t Hold Back on Communication
Clear instructions, as with any type of sports photography, are essential to ensure the cheerleaders understand how to pose effectively. From your spot behind the camera, you are able to spot which poses work and what angle is the most flattering. Therefore, don’t be afraid to be specific about what you need from the cheerleaders – whether it’s the placement of their hands in a stunt or the timing of a jump. Remember to use positive reinforcement to guide them into the right poses and to help them understand how each adjustment improves the shot.
Encouraging confidence is equally, if not more, important. Cheerleaders perform best when they feel comfortable and confident, which shows in their pictures. Create a relaxed environment by offering praise and feedback – especially feedback that can boost their confidence and help them project the enthusiasm and spirit that are key to great cheerleading photos. You can also show how the poses look in photos along the way to help them understand what can improve the shot further.
Photo: Sheryl Bashore, Sheryl Z Photography
Bring it All Together for the Ultimate Result
Capturing the essence of cheerleading requires a blend of dynamic poses, thoughtful lighting, and strategic angles. By focusing on energy, teamwork, and individual skills, you can easily create impactful images that reflect the true spirit of cheerleading. And remember – don’t be afraid to practice and experiment with these techniques, as it will only help you perfect your skills in cheerleading photography.
