Sun, Softball, and the Art of Chasing the Perfect Shot at the Allen JV Softball Game

Making the Most of a Sunny Softball Game

If you’ve ever driven past Allen Highschool on a game day, you know the softball field just buzzes with energy. Well, last week I found myself behind the fence at the JV game, camera slung over my shoulder, blinking into what felt like the brightest sun of the year. Not going to lie—photographing sports when the sun is shining straight at your face? It’s a challenge, and then some.

There was a great crowd there to cheer on the players, and I was excited to get some pictures. But here’s the thing: as a photographer, all that light can either be your best friend or your arch-nemesis. I spent the first few innings moving around (more than a few funny looks from the stands, I’ll admit), trying to find an angle where I wasn’t getting nothing but squinty faces and blown-out highlights.

After a bit of trial and error, I discovered a couple of sweet spots with just enough shade for balanced colors and crisp action. That’s where the magic happens—the catcher in full, white armor focused like a hawk, waiting to snag a neon blur out of the air. The ump, standing tall behind the plate, practically glowing against the green turf.

There’s just something about capturing that moment of anticipation before the pitch—a stillness right before the chaos. The atmosphere? Pure adrenaline, pure joy. But without a field pass or access to the dugout, I was working not only against the sunlight, but I was battling the fences as well! In the end, I was able to get some pretty decent shots.

Photographer’s Tips for Bright Game Days

• Move around—even if the stands are packed. Don’t be afraid to find your best light, even if it means doing a little dance along the fence line.
• Look for shade or use buildings and dugouts. Anything to block the direct sun and help with contrast.
• Set your camera to shoot in burst mode. You won’t want to miss that perfect play because the sun threw off your timing.
• Embrace the colors and shadows. Sometimes the bold sunlight gives you those deep, punchy colors you can’t get anywhere else.
• Edit in black & white. Often times when the light is a battle, creating a black and white gallery is something fun and new and solves the bright light issues.

Spring Can’t Come Fast Enough!

I’m already counting down to the start of the regular season in spring. Nothing beats the energy of these young athletes and their will to win—except maybe that feeling when you nail the perfect shot in challenging light. If you’ve got a favorite player you want to see frozen in action, or you just want to capture those team spirit moments, I’d love to help make it happen! As always, you can find me over at Paula Mason Photography.

Ready for your own sports action photos or want to chat about what goes into a great session? Drop me a line here, or just wave me over at the next game. Let’s make those moments last.

Hope to see you out on the field!

Until next time…