When it comes to capturing unforgettable memories of your child’s sporting journey, a personalised presentation plaque is more than just an award; it’s a treasure. At Awards Club, we specialise in creating vibrant, custom plaques that capture the spirit of teamwork and individual achievements. To make your plaque truly special, one element stands out above the rest – the photo! In this post, we’ll share tips to ensure your photos are picture-perfect for our custom plaques.
1. Choose a High-Quality Camera or Smartphone
Gone are the days when you needed a professional camera to capture great shots. Most modern smartphones now come equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of taking excellent photos. To create a stunning custom plaque, we recommend using a device with at least a 12-megapixel camera. High-resolution photos allow us at Awards Club to print clear, vibrant images that make each plaque stand out.
Top Tip: If you’re using a smartphone, remember to clean the lens before taking photos. A smudged lens can result in a blurry or dull image, which may impact the final quality of the plaque.
2. Go for Natural Lighting
Lighting is everything when it comes to photography. For the best results, natural light is your friend. Try to take photos outdoors during the day or near a large window if indoors. This helps reduce harsh shadows and gives the image a crisp, natural look.
Avoid Flash: While using a flash might seem like a good idea, it can create unwanted reflections or alter the natural colour of the image. Stick to soft, natural light to highlight the true spirit of the moment.
3. Choose the Right Background
A clean, uncluttered background is essential for the best presentation plaques. A plain, solid-coloured backdrop helps the player stand out and ensures the focus remains on them. Green spaces, open fields, or a simple brick wall can make for great neutral backgrounds.
At Awards Club, we use advanced printing techniques to bring out every detail of the image you provide. A clear, simple background enhances this effect, making each plaque not just a token but a keepsake that captures the spirit of the player.
4. Capture the Head and Shoulders
For custom sports plaques, a classic head-and-shoulders shot works best. This framing allows us to focus on the player’s expression while providing enough space for team badges, names, and other details.
- Head Height: Ensure the player’s face is in the centre of the frame, with enough space above and below the head and shoulders to allow for cropping. This makes it easier for our design team to incorporate your image seamlessly into the plaque.
- Look Directly into the Camera: Have the player look directly into the camera lens. A confident smile or even a serious game face can make the plaque truly memorable!
5. Use Burst Mode for Active Shots
If you prefer an action shot over a posed one, use your camera’s burst mode. Burst mode captures multiple images in quick succession, allowing you to pick the best shot. Whether it’s the moment of a triumphant goal or a focused run, burst mode ensures you don’t miss that split-second expression of joy or concentration.
At Awards Club, we love action shots that convey the excitement and energy of the sport. Remember, the clearer the image, the more vibrant and personal the final plaque will be!
6. Maintain Consistent Quality Across All Photos
When ordering plaques for an entire team, it’s best to use a consistent setting, background, and framing for each player’s photo. Consistency in photo quality helps us at Awards Club create a cohesive design that looks fantastic when displayed together. It’s these small touches that turn your team’s awards into a professional-looking collection.
Pro Tip: Consider organising a photo day during training or match day to capture everyone’s photo in a similar environment. This way, each plaque will share a uniform look while showcasing each player’s individual personality.
7. Watch Out for Shadows and Sunlight
While natural light is ideal, direct sunlight can create harsh shadows on the player’s face. Avoid taking photos when the sun is directly overhead, as this often results in deep shadows and squinting. Instead, try taking photos during the “golden hours” – shortly after sunrise or just before sunset – for a softer, more flattering light.
If shadows are unavoidable, use a reflective surface, like a white poster board, to bounce light back onto the subject’s face. This simple trick can help produce a balanced, well-lit image.
8. Ensure the Photo File Format and Size Meet Requirements
For the best results, we recommend sending your images in a high-resolution JPEG or PNG format. Images should ideally be a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure clarity when printed onto the plaques. A higher resolution means we can enlarge and crop the image without losing quality.
If you have any questions about the photo requirements, our team at Awards Club is always here to assist. Simply get in touch, and we’ll guide you through the process to make sure your plaques turn out exactly as you envision.
9. Don’t Forget the Details
At Awards Club, we pride ourselves on creating personalised plaques that highlight each player’s unique contribution to the team. When submitting your photos, make sure to include details such as the player’s name, team name, age group, and squad number. These details are beautifully incorporated into the plaque design, making each award a cherished keepsake.
10. Trust the Process – We’re Here to Help!
The process of capturing the perfect photo can seem daunting, but remember, our team at Awards Club is here to make it as seamless as possible. We review each photo to ensure it meets the quality needed for our plaques and will get in touch if adjustments are necessary. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re committed to creating plaques that you and your team will treasure for years to come.
Make Your Team’s Plaques Unforgettable with the Right Photos
Capturing the right photos is key to creating stunning, personalised plaques that reflect the spirit and achievements of your team. By following these tips, you can ensure that each plaque from Awards Club is vibrant, personal, and uniquely yours. After all, every child deserves to be celebrated – let’s make sure their plaques are a memory they’ll cherish forever.
Ready to order? Get in touch with us today and let’s start crafting the perfect plaques for your team!