SELECTING A DEVICE & SETTINGS

The making of a great MVP Memory starts with the device and settings.  Thanks to modern technology, the average consumer can purchase a relatively high quality digital camera for a minimal investment.  The Nikon Coolpix L120, which offers 14.1 megapixels and 21x zoom, currently sells for $279.99 at Best Buy.  In addition, many modern smart phones, such as the iPhone 4S and the Droid Razr by Motorola, offer relatively good image quality at 8 megapixels.

Low resolution photos lose detail at large sizes.

Most cameras are labeled according to a specific number of megapixels.  Each megapixel contains 1 million block shaped pixels arranged in rows and columns.  An image with more pixels contains more data and therefore allows us to view detail at large sizes.  A camera’s megapixel label indicates the maximum number of pixels it can produce.  In general, higher megapixel devices produce the highest quality images and are the best choice for large format printing.

Consumers must also choose the appropriate settings.  It is important to note that a camera’s factory settings are not always preset to the highest available resolution.  Therefore, we recommend manually selecting the resolution setting that meets your needs.  Those who plan to use photos primarily for social networking or email purposes can choose a low resolution to conserve memory.  However, those who plan to print photos should select a higher resolution based on the print size.  In general, the optimal resolution increases as the desired print size increases.  Those who wish to produce large format products such as wall graphics, posters, etc. should use the highest possible resolution.  The MVP Memories Photo Guide provides detail on the recommended number of megapixels for various print sizes.

GAME DAY PHOTO TIPS

Now that you have the basic technical requirements, it’s time to focus on game day.  We referenced our favorite photography blogs and web tutorials to compile the following list of basic tips.

Know Your Game

Big moments happen quickly.  Knowing the object of the game and the habits of the players will allow you to recognize and take advantage of photographic opportunities.  For example, a 3^rd down and long play at a football game is likely to be a pass.  Therefore, focusing on the quarterback or receivers will give you the best chance of capturing the shot.  Child athletes’ actions can be more difficult to anticipate because they are still developing an understanding of the game.

Scope out the best possible background

Eliminate unnecessary distractions.

“The first thing I look at is the background.  Whatever the action is, the background will complete the picture,” says Sports Illustrated photographer, Robert Beck, in How a Sports Illustrated Photographer Shoots His Kid’s Games.  Avoid busy backgrounds with lots of fences, sponsorship signage, etc.  Crowded stands are okay, but avoid backgrounds with one person passing by or standing around.  Beck advises new photographers to crop out any unnecessary distractions.  He also comments that a background with the team’s bench allows the photographer to capture the coaches and players behind the action.  For more photo tips from Robert Beck, check out How a Sports Illustrated Photographer Shoots His Kid’s Games.

Burst

Burst mode, also known as continuous mode, provides the ability to quickly take multiple shots by pressing and holding the shutter button. Most DSLR and point and shoot cameras are equipped with this function. “Burst mode is our little secret cheat mode that will help us capture the action as it unfolds,” says Simon Bray in his article The Best Way to Learn Sports Photography.  Burst mode accumulates a vast number of shots and requires a large memory card (or an extra).  Use half time and time outs to delete unwanted shots if you are short on space.

Don’t Chimp

“Chimping” is the action of checking each photo on the LCD screen immediately after capture.  It distracts your attention from the field, increases your chance of getting hurt,

Set a goal of ten to 12 good shots per season.

and could cause you to miss a shot.  “While reviewing your pictures is okay, there is a time and place to do so.  In sports, after the shutter clicks there’s no second chance.  You must move on to the next play,” says Dak Dillon, author of 8 Tips for Taking Sports Photos Like a Pro.

Shoot Shoot Shoot!

It often takes more than one game to get the perfect shot of your child.  Many don’t realize that professional sports photos published in the media comefrom a pool of 600-700 images.  “You may not get a good shot of your kid in one game; think in terms of a season and hope for ten to 12 good images.  If you get one or two good images from a game, you’re in there,” says Beck.  Don’t get discouraged and keep shooting.

DID YOU KNOW?

MVP Memories can check your photo quality and recommend a print size before you place an order.  Contact us at Sales@MVPmemories.com with questions.

Congratulations Winners of the 2011 FLYF Golf Outing

Recently, the staff from MVPmemories.com had the opportunity to be part of the Finish Line Youth Foundation’s 9th Annual Golf Outing, held at the prestigious Bridgewater Club in Carmel, Indiana.

Through the support of sponsors at events like this outing, the Finish Line Youth Foundation strives to make a positive impact in the lives of kids in communities across the USA.  The Foundation’s programs are focused on the development of active, healthy lifestyles through participation in youth programs.

In 2011, FLYF will provide support to over 100 non-profit organizations.  As part of its mission, the Foundation funds camps throughout the country that tailor to special needs children.  For organizations like Beyond the Ball of Chicago, they have made possible the construction of basketball courts for the kids of Little Village. In Oklahoma, they recently built a universally accessible “Dreamcatcher Playground” for underprivileged and disabled children.

The golf outing was a big hit with the 160 players in attendance.  The weather was perfect and the Bridgewater Club’s facilities were outstanding.  Prior to the shotgun start, players had an opportunity to interact with the tournament’s special guest, Jim Flick.  Jim is an ambassador for TaylorMade and the well-known coach for PGA greats, including Jack Nicklaus and Tom Lehman.  After their round, the players participated in a putting contest for a chance to win $10,000.  The tournament also featured a “19th hole” where closest-to-the-pin winners and others competed in a shootout to win a brand new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara.  The evening ended with “An Evening of Hope on the Green,” a dinner and live auction.  Some of the auction items included a Super Bowl package, a golf trip for two including new clubs and a custom club fitting, and many sports memorabilia items.

The tournament was won by Chris Susott, Todd McCullough, Kyle Bloom, and Scott Miller.  The team, which represented PNC Bank finished with a score of 15 under par.  While team PNC got to savor their victory, the real winner was the charity and the kids it supports.

According to Glenn Lyon, CEO of the Finish Line, “The 9th Annual Finish Line Youth Foundation Golf Outing was a great success this year, and thanks to the generosity of our sponsors we raised over $250,000; a new record!  This support is integral as our Youth Foundation continues to benefit children’s organizations across the country that promote active and healthy lifestyles, as well as camps for sick and disabled children.  I thank you for your continued partnership and generosity that allows us to make an immeasurable impact on the lives of thousands of children.”

MVPmemories.com caters to families with kids in sports and allows them to create their own instant replay on custom photo products like wall graphics, trading cards and canvas prints.  MVP Memories was proud to participate in an event that will undoubtedly have a positive effect on many young people.  We look forward to the opportunity to participate in future Finish Line Youth Foundation events.  With enough practice, maybe next year will be the year Team MVP brings home the champion’s trophy.

To learn more about the Finish Line Youth Foundation, please visit their website.

3.8 million.

PACE is partnering with ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment & Cognitive Testing), the most scientifically valid concussion evaluation system, to encourage education, evaluation, and post injury management and care.  As the nation’s largest concussion screening initiative, PACE will:

• Give schools (nationwide) access to free educational materials about concussions
• Supply up to 3,335 eligible schools with ImPACT test packages
• Aim to screen 1 million youth athletes

The ImPACT system currently benefits over 2 million athletes and soldiers.  Medical science and independent research have identified the system as and invaluable tool for neuropsychologists, certified athletic trainers, and licensed healthcare professionals.  ImPACT provides the following features and benefits:

• Includes a 20-minute computerized test
• Measures symptoms (memory, reaction time, processing speed, etc.)
• Provides objective, reliable data on brain function
• Sends info to email and smart phones
• Administrated by certified athletic trainers, doctors, and nurses
• School officials can be trained to administer tests

Dick’s has enlisted former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jerome Bettis, as the national spokes person for PACE.  Bettis, who survived multiple concussions during his career, admits that although he has not experienced post-concussion syndrome, he has noticed minor memory loss.  Could baseline testing earlier in his career have made a difference?

“I may have taken a baseline test at Notre Dame, but we never really used it until I was with the Steelers.  The problem I have is that there were a lot of dings and hits to the head that I thought was just me being cracked pretty good and that I needed to shake it off and walk it off.  Had I taken the baseline test earlier, it probably would have shown irregularities,” said Bettis.

You can express support for PACE through September 12^th by shopping at Dick’s Sporting Goods, sharing the program through social media, and using Facebook places while shopping at Dick’s.  Dick’s will donate $1 for each pair of athletic shoes purchased in its stores or on its web site during the designated timeframe.  In addition, they will donate $1 for every Facebook “Like” or Tweet featuring #DSGPACE.  Finally, they will donate $1 for each Facebook Places or Foursquare check-in at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores.

PACE launched on August 2^nd and is almost half way to their goal of providing 1 million screening tests.  You can track their progress at http://www.mydickssportinggoods.com/pace/.  MVP Memories recognizes the importance of the PACE mission and will definitely be clicking the “Like” button.

Merriam-Webster defines “criterium” as a bicycle race of a specified number of laps on a closed course over public roads closed to normal traffic.  The Centennial Criterium course led participants on a quest through the streets of downtown Madeira for periods of 30-75 minutes.  The amateur races kicked off the afternoon at 4:30 and led up to the men’s professional race at 8:15.   The men’s professional race, which was the main event, lasted approximately 75 minutes.  First place was awarded to Clay Murfet of Breinigsville, Pennsylvania.  The complete list of race results is posted to the USA Cycling web site.  Although the men’s professional race was the main event, the action was not limited to adults.  Children had the opportunity to compete in a one-lap “Fun Ride” for bragging rights and award ribbons.

In addition to the race series, the event also offered a variety of activities and entertainment for families and spectators.  Creativities, a Madeira based “do it yourself” arts and crafts studio, sponsored and hosted a “Kids Zone” with fun and games for little ones.  The space featured “Paint Your Own Pottery” and “Squeeze Your Own Lemonade” stations, as well as a bouncey house and sandbox.

The Madeira Centennial Criterium also offered a wide variety of food choices. Those who were in the mood for Mexican could visit the Taco Azul food truck and choose from quesadillas, tacos, and more.  The Pit to Plate BBQ and Saloon offered traditional comfort foods, such as pulled pork and sweet corn.  Finally, there were several choices to satisfy a sweet tooth, including East Coast Italian Ice and Frieda’s Desserts.  The wide range of choices presented many spectators with a difficult decision.

“I liked all of the varieties of food…it was hard to choose which to have for dinner. I’m glad I went with the pulled pork and sweet corn with the honey butter from Pit to Plate, it was delicious. The Wiggy Dip featured unique ice cream flavors and the blueberry waffle cone ice cream I had was a tasty treat,” said Brandon Schoonover, a Madeira resident and spectator.

MVPmemories.com was grateful for the opportunity to join more than 18 other Cincinnati based businesses as an exhibitor.  We enjoyed watching the race, socializing with the crowd, and sharing some of our favorite wall graphic and trading card designs.  One lucky attendee will receive a free large sports themed wall graphic of their choice.  Good luck to those who entered the drawing!  It was a pleasure to meet and share the event with fellow local businesses, such as Cincinnati Body Fit Boot Camp and Thirty-One Gifts.

Many Madeira residents and families took the opportunity to attend the event, socialize with neighbors, and support local businesses.

“We’re happy to live in a community that puts on such great events.  That was not something we were looking for when choosing our house so we’ve been pleasantly surprised.  My favorite part was that all the restaurants were local.  It was a nice change from the normal ‘fair food’ options,” said Kristie Schoonover, a Madeira resident and spectator.

Overall, the Madeira Centennial Criterium was a huge success.  With a wide variety of food, activities, entertainment, and exhibitors, the event had something for everyone, including families, athletes, and local businesses.  It was the perfect way to kick off the prestigious Ohio Triple Weekend.

Many local sports organizations have established web sites where parents and fans check scores, game times, and practice times.  Internet affiliate programs present an opportunity for those organizations to generate revenue from their existing web traffic.  The process is actually very simple.  An organization signs up for an affiliate program and places one of the retailer’s banner ads on its web site.  The organization earns commission each time a user clicks on the banner and makes a purchase.

Although signing up and placing the banner is an excellent first step, the most successful affiliate fundraising efforts involve promotion from the organization.  For example, an organization may promote the program by distributing flyers at key events or including a write-up in its newsletter. Most affiliate programs provide reporting that allows the organization to track the results of these efforts in terms of traffic, conversion, and commission.

Why should a local sports organization consider joining an affiliate program?

• Online affiliate programs require less planning than traditional fundraising campaigns.  An organization with an existing web site can sign up, place the banner, and start generating revenue in the same day.
• Traditional fundraising campaigns are typically seasonal or driven by a deadline, limiting the organization’s ability to generate funds year-round.  Most affiliate programs are ongoing and can provide a constant revenue stream.
• Many traditional campaigns require participants to sell items such as discount cards and food door-to-door.  The time spent engaging in door-to-door selling represents an opportunity cost for both parents and kids.  Internet based affiliate programs completely remove this issue from the fundraising process.
• Many traditional fundraising campaigns create competition among organizations.  There are a finite number of options.  Therefore many organizations end up promoting the same item to the same audience.  How many Entertainment® coupon books can one family possibly buy?  Affiliate programs allow organizations to separate from the fundraising clutter and earn revenue through products that genuinely interest their visitors.
• Affiliate programs are low-risk with little to no up front cost.

There are many affiliate program options, but it’s easiest to market products that will instantly appeal to your site’s visitors.  For example, sports organizations should promote products that appeal to young athletes and their families.

Affiliate programs offer attractive benefits, such as an easy planning process, a constant revenue stream, and little to no start up costs.  However, their current role seems to be as a supplement rather than a replacement for traditional fundraising activities.  Will they continue to grow as organizations learn how to promote and best take advantage of their benefits?  Is affiliate marketing the next generation of youth sports fundraising?

MVPmemories.com is a web site that offers custom photo products for the youth sports market. Users can upload sports photos and create custom wall graphics, trading cards, posters, canvas wraps, and more.  MVP’s sports themed designs are updated regularly to promote repeat purchase.  The MVP Memories affiliate program offers 10% commission on sales, several banner choices and marketing materials for key events, and the ability to track traffic, sales, and commission online.  For more information regarding the program, please visit www.MVPmemories.com/affiliates or call 513-204-9777.

We’re attempting to answer this question from two different perspectives. Melissa Molyneaux argues that “sports” are contests that require athleticism and provide an opportunity to win. John Hauer takes the stance that a “sport” must also feature some objective measurement, like a score, goal or finish line. Whats your opinion? Take our survey or weigh-in in the comments below!

Point – A Sport is a Sport – Melissa Molyneaux takes the stance that while the judging process is not always perfect, a sport should be defined by more than its scoring system.

Counterpoint – Sports Need Objectivity – John Hauer argues that we should reserve the title of “sport” for activities that can be played on the field, court, course or even in the back yard without the need for a “judge.”

Despite their ability to produce excitement and promote competition, many believe that activities such as gymnastics, figure skating, and diving should not be classified as sports.  The bulk of this argument is based on the fact that the winner is determined solely by judging, which allows for human error.  While I agree that the judging process is not always perfect, I can’t help but think that a sport should be defined by more than its scoring system.

I decided to do a little research on how my friends and colleagues define the word sport.  Without revealing the subject of this article, I asked the simple question “What does sport mean to you?”

My mini “focus group” agreed that physical ability plays a major role in competitive sports.  Many “subjective” sports, such as gymnastics, figure skating, and freestyle skiing require high levels of strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.  For instance, prior to the 2008 Olympic Games, gymnastics gold medalist, Nastia Liukin spent approximately 36 hours per week in the gym developing her physical strength and perfecting her craft.

My audience also listed competition as one of the major characteristics of sports.  Many “subjective” sports, such as gymnastics and figure skating encourage kids to train and compete as early as the age of five.  In fact, Michelle Kwan, the most decorated figure skater in American history, attended her first US National Championship at age 11.  Thousands of girls dedicate themselves both physically and financially, working to follow in Kwan’s footsteps and one day face their toughest international competitors at the Olympic Games.

Finally, “the presence of a winner” was also a popular answer.  Although the process for awarding a winner was not a concern, I feel compelled to address the critics’ main argument regarding the judging process.  I recognize that there is an opportunity for human error and opinion to influence the judging process.  However, many “subjective” sports are taking steps to minimize human error and promote transparency.

For example, the International Skating Union introduced the International Judging System following the 2002 Olympic Figure Skating scandal.  The new system provides a published numerical value (base score predetermined by difficulty) and score for each program element.  A technical panel identifies each element, assigns the numerical value, and records/replays video footage.  A separate judging panel reviews the quality of each element and upgrades or downgrades the numerical value based on performance and execution.  Each skater receives a piece of paper, which reveals the exact evaluation for each program element.

There you have it:  physical ability, competitive instinct, and a winner.  “Subjective” sports, such as diving, freestyle skiing, and gymnastics have all of the above and are absolutely “sport” worthy.  So, while I’m a huge fan of traditional team sports, I have to disagree with the critics.  Sometimes, it’s about more than crossing the goal line, making a basket, or reaching the finish line.  It’s time to call a sport a sport.

Years later I’m still bothered by that experience.  I see a need for judges in boxing, but also see the opportunity for mistakes and fraud.  Officials are supposed to judge boxers in four different categories: clean punching, defense, effective aggressiveness and ring generalship.  The problem is, even those terms are pretty subjective.

Subjectivity in sports certainly isn’t limited to boxing.  We’re all human and anyone who’s ever watched sports knows referees and umpires make mistakes.  Just a few days ago, with a perfect game on the line, MLB Umpire, Jim Joyce missed a call at first base that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a note in baseball history.  Joyce later saw the tape, recognized his mistake and publicly apologized to Galarraga.  A classy move for certain, but baseball replays can only be used for questionable home runs, so the end result was the same for Galarraga and the Tigers.

Then there’s the case of Tim Donaghy.  He’s the former NBA referee who was sentenced to 15 months in jail for taking thousands of dollars from a professional gambler for inside tips on NBA games.  He was using his power as an official to directly influence the outcome of the games he worked.

Every sport has some subjectivity.  Even golf, a sport that has rigid rules and an objective scoring system sees its share of controversy.  In 2010, Dustin Johnson needed a par or better to win the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.  His tee shot sailed right and landed in a sandy area that was trampled by the crowd.  Johnson finished the hole with what he thought was par and his first major victory.  As he walked off the course he was told by a PGA official that he had grounded his club in a “sand trap” and was assessed a 2 shot penalty, causing him to finish 4^th.

So the question is where to draw the line?  While Merriam-Webster defines a sport as “a particular physical activity engaged in for pleasure,” it misses one of sport’s most important aspects – winning and losing.  When those terms are included in the equation there is a clear need to account for the subjectivity that goes with it.  So my definition of sport is a little more focused:

Sport (noun):  A particular physical activity, engaged in for pleasure, that provides some objective way to measure success.

Examples of sports using my definition include any with a score, time, or other objective way of picking the winner.  Team activities like baseball, football, soccer, basketball and hockey are certainly sports.  While a referee can impact the game, the score ultimately decides the winning team.  Individually focused activities like track, swimming, tennis, and golf are also sports.  Whether you’re competing against another player or yourself, a clear objective measurement is in place.

But what about physical activities like gymnastics, cheerleading, ice skating and diving?  They all require athletic prowess, coordination, and strategy…arguably, in some cases, more than the sports mentioned above.  Divers, gymnasts, and skaters all work very hard to achieve perfection and the best go on to world titles and Olympic gold medals.  But in every case, the winner is “judged” to be the best.

In my view this hinges the outcome on human fallibility and creates way too much room for debate.  Call them contests or competitions if you like, but lets reserve the title of “sport” for activities that can be played on the field, court, course or even in the back yard without a third party present.

Now if someone could just explain why the spelling bee is on ESPN every year.  Maybe that’s a topic for another day.

As you can imagine, our products are very appealing to parents, grandparents, and others looking for great gift ideas for the children in their life.  The stars of many of the photos we’ve received are kids in action, playing the big team sports – soccer, baseball, football, basketball, and hockey.  Growing team sports like lacrosse, softball, and cheerleading have also been well represented.  We’ve also received photos of young athletes in individual sports such as gymnastics, swimming, ice skating, tennis, and golf.

While all of that was somewhat expected, we’ve been a bit surprised by some of the more extreme sports images people are submitting.  For instance, we recently received a photo of Jack P.  He’s 12 years old and already receiving serious attention as a BMX and motocross rider.  His Dad, Jim submitted a photo of him on his dirt bike in mid-jump, and asked us to create a custom cut wall decal.  When the product arrived, the family hung it in Jack’s room.  According to Jim:

“My son thinks it’s the best thing ever, and all of his friends now want their own.”

Whatever their favorite sport, our unique products are designed to celebrate your child’s all-star moments.  They make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, and more.  Ordering from MVPmemories.com is easy! Select the perfect product, upload your photo, and place your order.  We’ll quickly manufacture your custom photo products and deliver them straight to your door.  You’ll be amazed by their reaction!

We chose the April 29^th game vs. the Dayton Silverbacks.  I learned through our conversation before the game that the Commandos were the 2010 CIFL champions.  Perhaps this would be more exciting than I originally thought.

We arrived at the Cincinnati Gardens, home of the Commandos, and headed for the box office.  Although we chose not to purchase tickets in advance, we had no trouble securing nine seats together.  Tickets were affordable at $12 each for adults and $7 each for children.  We were also pleasantly surprised by the free event parking at the Gardens.

Our seats provided a great view of the field, which occupied the Gardens ice rink space.  I spent most of the first half noting the variation between arena football and traditional American football.  Primarily, I observed differences in field size, clock management, drop-kick field goals, and the absence of punting.  I’m sure that there are several others and will definitely review the AFL rules before attending my next Commandos game.

The 15-minute halftime show, which was complete with a positive message and an Elvis impersonator, was very family-oriented.  A D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) branded Camaro and the Commandos Cuties (cheerleaders) escorted “The King” onto the field for a “Jailhouse Rock” performance.  Afterwards, “Elvis” welcomed families with children to the field to party with the Cuties.

The result was a 41-7 Commandos win.  After the game, the Commandos were available for autographs and photos with fans.  I have to admit, part of me was tempted to stick around.  My involvement in MVPmemories.com prompts an interest in all types of sports photos, from youth leagues to major leagues.  My photo with a Commando as a custom poster?  Not a bad idea.

All in all, my first arena football experience was a positive one.  It didn’t produce NFL excitement, but the Commandos arena football game was fun, family-friendly, and affordable.  A $12 ticket covers free parking, admission to the game, team autographs, and of course, a performance from “The King”.