Photo Guidelines and Best Practices

Photo Submission Requirements

To deliver a flawless, high-quality product, here are our basic photo submission requirements:
  • Minimum Resolution: We recommend photos be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) and no smaller than 2,000 pixels in width or height. This ensures your poster will look sharp and detailed.
  • File Formats: Please upload your photos in one of the following formats: JPEG, PNG, TIFF.
  • Number of Photos: Upload at least 2-3 different options for us to work with. This allows our designers to choose the best fit for your poster and avoid any potential issues.
  • Focus & Clarity: Action shots need to be clear, with the subject in focus and the movement captured without blur. Ensure good lighting for the best outcome.

Best Practices for Sport Action Photos

To help your poster look its absolute best, here are some best practices for submitting sport action photos:

1. Capture the Moment of Impact

 Action shots are all about energy, movement, and emotion. Aim to capture the moment of peak action—whether it’s a slam dunk, a soccer goal, or a key moment in a tennis rally. These are the shots that bring sports to life on a custom poster.

Best Tip: Use a fast shutter speed on your camera to freeze the action and avoid motion blur. If you're shooting with a smartphone, use "burst mode" to take multiple shots quickly.

2. Lighting is Everything

The better the lighting, the sharper and more vibrant the image. Natural daylight is ideal for outdoor sports, while indoor sports may require higher ISO settings or additional lighting. Try to avoid shadows on the player's face and ensure the subject is well-lit.

Best Tip: Position yourself where the light source (natural or artificial) illuminates the athlete. Avoid backlighting.

3. Get Close to the Action

When shooting action photos, the closer, the better! We want the focus to be on the athlete, not the background. Fill the frame with the subject to capture their expressions and athleticism up close.

Best Tip: Use a zoom lens if you're shooting from a distance or crop the image later to focus on the athlete. Make sure the athlete’s face is visible—it adds emotional impact to the poster.

4. Avoid Obstructions

Ensure the athlete or moment you want to highlight isn’t blocked by other players, equipment, or obstacles. Clear, unobstructed shots allow the athlete and the moment to stand out, making for a more dynamic and eye-catching poster.

Best Tip: Move around the field or court to find the best angle where your subject is isolated and free from distractions.

5. Highlight Expressions & Reactions

Some of the most powerful sports photos capture the raw emotion of the game—whether it’s the excitement of a win, the intensity of focus, or the determination during a key moment. Choose photos that reflect the passion and energy of the sport.

Best Tip: Look for candid moments where the athlete’s face shows concentration, joy, or even frustration—these details can make a poster feel authentic and alive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when submitting photos to ensure the best quality for your custom poster:

  • Low-Resolution Photos: Small, low-quality images will appear pixelated and blurry when enlarged.
  • Overexposed or Underexposed Photos: Overly bright or dark images can lose detail, affecting the overall quality of the poster.
  • Heavy Filters or Edits: Photos with excessive filters or edits can distort the natural colors and textures, making it difficult to create a clean design.
  • Crowded Shots: If the athlete is buried in a crowd, it becomes hard to make them the focal point of the poster.

Why Quality Photos Matter for Your Poster

Your custom sport poster is a celebration of your passion, achievements, and love for the game. High-quality action photos ensure that your poster reflects that same level of excellence. Our team at ModSportShop works meticulously to turn your photos into stunning wall art, and starting with great images makes all the difference.

Need Help? Contact Us!

If you’re unsure about the quality of your photos or need assistance with the submission process, feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to guide you through the process to make sure your poster turns out perfect!

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your custom sport poster from ModSportShop not only captures the moment but also looks incredible on your wall. Ready to create your personalized sport poster? Start your order today!