What are the differences between Team Picture Day and Media Day

Nothing, and I do mean nothing, is growing in demand these days as much as Media Day services.

It's not hard to understand why.

Media Day takes the old fashion team picture day format, dowses it with gasoline, adds some dynamite, and takes a blow torch in order to reinvent it.

Personalities shine. Shenanigans reign. It becomes a highlight of the entire season.

But it's not for everyone.

Actually, I get a lot of inquiries from coaches and parents for Media Day services, when what they mean is Team Picture Day.

It's easy to get the two services mixed up, but they are distinct experiences and produce different results.

Today, let's dive into the what makes Team Picture Day and Media Day services different so you can make the right choice this season.

What do I get out of Team Picture Day or Media Day?

Nothing separates the two services quite like the end result.

And the end result is what ultimately determines which service is right for your team or club.

Let's look at Team Picture Day first.

This is what we've all come to know over the decades. A photographer shows up, usually during a practice, takes pictures of all the players, then gets the team together for one large photo.

Of course, Creative Sports Photography puts its own signature on Team Picture Day to elevate the whole experience. But you get the idea.

When all is said and done, parents can purchase prints of their players and team.

Media Day, however, is way different.

First of all, not only is it a groovier vibe, but it's also a whole separate event that can take up to two hours.

During that time, though, players get to let loose. They get to show off their personalities. Flex muscles. Point at the camera. Jump. Wrap themselves in a flag. Recreate the Step Brothers movie poster. Wear a crown. Scream into the lens.

The experience is freewheeling and spontaneous.

When Media Day is over, the whole team has access to the final, edited images. The team and players can download the digital image files and use them to market their team online.

How are the costs different?

First, it's important to say that every photographer has a unique pricing structure. That includes sport and athlete portrait artists like Creative Sports Photography.

That being said, generally speaking, there's usually a difference in pricing between Team Picture Day and Media Day.

For Team Picture Day, there's often an upfront "session fee" that covers the a few basic items like the photographer's time (shooting, editing, and so on).

When the photographer wraps up editing, he or she will then sell the images in the form of prints or digital downloads to parents.

Some parents buy. Some don't. Either way, they have the option.

Media Day, however, is often priced differently.

When Media Day is finished, the team and players are able to download the final, edited digital files. That's why there's usually a higher "session fee."

The Media Day photos, essentially, are paid for upfront. Teams and players also paying for the right to use them in their marketing, which is higher value than just personal use (like making prints).

Which one is right for my team?

I’ve had coaches reach out to inquire about a Media Day, but what they’re really asking about is Team Picture Day. The two terms can often get confused for one another.

Basically, as an organization, you just need to decide what you want to get out of the portrait event and experience.

If you want something straightforward and provide parents with purchase options, then go with a simple Team Picture Day.

But if you’re looking for images that you can use to market your team or club, then Media Day is your best option.

Dave Pidgeon is the owner and chief image maker at Creative Sports Photography, a premier image service for youth athletes. Dave is based in Lancaster, Pa., and available anywhere. You can reach him at dave@creativesportsphotography.com.