How to Take a Great Team Photo With a Large Squad of Cheerleaders

Knowing how to take a great team photo with a large squad of cheerleaders starts before anyone steps onto the floor. Uniforms, hairstyles, flying roles and personal heights all shape the final image, while a busy venue can make coordinating dozens of people surprisingly difficult.

A strong portrait should feel like the entire team is present without making every cheerleader appear identical. Planning the formation, light and shooting order helps the photographer create a clear image while keeping the session safe, comfortable and efficient for Australian school and competition squads.

Plan the composition around the squad

Begin with a visual roster rather than a simple head count. Note uniform colours, hair accessories, glasses, tattoos, shoes and any cheerleaders who must remain in the centre because of their role. Include the expected number of flyers, bases and standing members so the formation does not become unbalanced when one section arrives late.

Give the squad one primary visual hierarchy. A broad front row, shallow tiers and a compact centre group usually preserve more faces than several deep rows. Coasters can use the PLATOV reference as a starting point for sketching the intended shape, then adjust it for the available space. Photographing from slightly above the front row helps shorter members remain visible without creating an exaggerated high-angle portrait.

Build a safe, readable formation

The squad should receive a short safety briefing before posing begins. Stunts belong in the portrait only when they follow the coach’s normal practice, use appropriate mats and have trained spotters providing the required support. A flyer should never be asked to hold an unsupported position simply to keep a camera running.

Two practical lists can help the team create a balanced arrangement.

Formation options

• Place kneeling or crouched members across the front, with taller teammates in a single standing row behind them.
• Build two shallow tiers rather than placing several people behind one another.
• Use a compact centre group for flyers and bases, with standing teammates forming balanced wings.
• Create a gentle diagonal so the image feels active while every face remains visible.
• Arrange the squad in a shallow arc when the photographer is positioned several metres in front.

Preparation and access

• Mark floor positions with removable, low-contrast tape.
• Keep walkways, doors and emergency exits completely clear.
• Place stunt mats where the coach and safety team require them.
• Assign trained spotters to every stunt group.
• Keep water, sunscreen and broad-brimmed hats nearby during outdoor sessions.

Once the positions are marked, ask the squad to settle into the shape before expressions are directed. Small gaps between shoulders help the photographer distinguish faces, while the front row should leave enough space for knees, shoes and uniform skirts to remain visible.

Choose a position that works

A full-frame camera fitted with a 35–50mm lens is a useful starting point for a large group. The photographer should create enough distance to include the full formation rather than switching immediately to an ultra-wide lens, which can stretch people at the edges. A phone photographer can use its main or moderate telephoto camera and move backwards, avoiding the distorting effect of the widest setting.

Look for a slightly raised, central viewpoint such as a low stage, hall riser or safe set of venue steps. Keep the camera level with the middle row so the front and rear lines do not appear dramatically tilted. For a squad divided across an oval or large hall, the production principle behind a second-shooter case still applies: one photographer can capture the main block while another covers a separate warm-up group.

Control light and protect colour

Outdoor sessions in Brisbane can place a squad beneath intense summer sun and high UV levels, while Melbourne’s changeable spring weather can turn bright cloud cover into flat light within minutes. An open, shaded area may produce a more flattering portrait than direct midday sun. Keep the squad hydrated, but bring hats and sunscreen into use only before the photograph so they do not alter the chosen hairstyles.

Expose for the brightest white uniform and watch the histogram to preserve detail. Shooting in RAW format allows colour and exposure to be refined later, especially when the squad wears navy, red, gold or metallic trim. White balance should be set for the actual light rather than left to change unpredictably between frames. Reflective shoes and metallic accessories can also flare, so position the photographer where the light falls across the group rather than directly behind it.

Hold attention through movement

A team portrait works best when it captures unity rather than demanding identical expressions. Give simple cues: feet together, shoulders relaxed, eyes toward the camera and one confident breath before the shutter is pressed. The photographer can call individual sections by name, which helps restless members understand when the group is ready without creating constant movement.

After the main portrait, make a short sequence of action photographs. Capture preparation, movement and a settled team moment, but do not encourage dangerous jumps merely for a dramatic frame. Venues shared with AFL, NRL or local football clubs can also introduce noise and changing light, so the shoot should be scheduled between fixtures whenever possible. Indoor school carnivals and cheer competitions present a different challenge, with fluorescent lighting, banners and spectators competing for attention in the background.

Run a calm picture-day schedule

Booking should include the venue, expected squad size, session length, group priorities and a decision-maker who can confirm attendance. The practical steps in a youth league scheduling guide translate well to cheer events: agree on the date and arrival time, nominate one coach to approve the list and establish a communication method for changes.

On the day, organise the shoot in a predictable sequence. Photograph the full squad first while everyone is fresh, followed by leadership groups, stunt teams, age divisions and individual portraits. Keep athletes waiting in shade or an air-conditioned room rather than in full uniform beside the active shooting area. If the venue includes a netball court, football field or multipurpose hall, allow extra setup time for shared equipment and changing court markings.

Deliver and archive the final image

A comprehensive event gallery should contain the main team portrait, smaller subgroup photographs and a selection of action images. Families should be able to view the finished images after picture day and pre-order their preferred photographs through a straightforward gallery. ProEventPhoto is based in Northeast Ohio and serves multiple U.S. locations, so Australian organisers should confirm travel and availability rather than assume local coverage; its ProEventPhoto service details outline the relevant photography and ordering options.

Protect the privacy of minors by limiting gallery access to approved family contacts and recording consent for any public use. Keep the original files, chosen crop and group information organised so names can be matched accurately when orders arrive. The concrete next step is to send the coach a one-page shot brief containing the date, venue, squad size, formation, emergency contact, indoor backup and image deadline.