Advice for getting into kids sports

[eregister]

I have been shooting digital for a few years and mostly do Event type photography. I shoot a lot of horse shows and car shows and print onsite and also have a website I do sales from.

I would like to start to expand into kids sports. I am looking for any advice, websites, or suggestions. I am thinking of sending letters to coaches at local schools to do team/individual shoots. I'd like to do local soccer/baseball/football/cheerleading teams and events.

Thanks,
Ed

[KerryG]

What NOT to do is to show up with a big lens and start taking pictures, there is a serious creep-out factor for the parents. Before shooting any, take some flyers and business cards to some local games and ask if any of the parents would be interested, then, if you get interest from 3 or 4 people, its worth it to show up at a pre-arranged game to take the pictures. Usually the parents are more interested as it gets closer to the end of the season, especially if there are play-offs. Once people get used to seeing you and you have built a reputation, then you can just show up at the play off games with a little sigh, get parents to sign up for photos so you know which kids to shoot.