Summer Snaps! How to Take the Best Action Photos of Your Budding Gymnast

Whether your child is mid-cartwheel, beam balancing, or striking a victory pose in the garden, you know there’s a moment worth capturing - if only your phone wasn’t full of blurry limbs and someone blinking.

But fear not! With a few easy tweaks, you can turn chaotic flips into frame-worthy favourites.

Here’s how to take the best action shots of your little gymnast this summer - using nothing more than your phone, good lighting, and a bit of patience.

🤳 1. Use Burst Mode Like a Pro

Burst mode = your new best friend.

It takes a rapid series of photos with one tap - so you’re much more likely to catch the moment (instead of the pre-moment foot shuffle or post-moment collapse).

How to use it:

• On most phones, just hold down the shutter button.

• Review your shots afterwards and pick the best one - frame it, share it, or turn it into a meme.

  
  

☀️ 2. Make the Most of Natural Light

Lighting can make or break a photo - especially when your subject is moving faster than a squirrel on Red Bull.

Top lighting tips:

• Take photos outside or near a window - natural light is your friend.

• Avoid harsh midday sun if you can. Try morning or late afternoon for that soft golden glow.

• Don’t shoot directly into the sun unless you’re going for that moody silhouette look (no judgement).

📐 3. Get Low, Get Creative

Want to make your child’s cartwheel look epic? Change your angle.

• Get down to their level (literally squat down) for more dynamic shots.

• Shoot from slightly below to make jumps look higher and handstands more impressive.

• Try framing them off-centre for a more artistic vibe (and less Instagram "school photo" energy).

🏃‍♀️ 4. Anticipate the Move

The secret to a great gymnastics photo?

Knowing what your child is about to do - and being ready for it.

Ask them to repeat the move a few times. (You’ll probably only get the shot after the 3rd attempt and after you say “last one, I promise.”)

Pro parent tip:

If they’re doing a sequence (like a jump or tumble), start snapping early and keep going.

🌟 5. Capture the After-Move Moments Too

Sometimes, it’s not the flip - it’s the grin after the flip. Or the dramatic collapse into the foam pit. Or the moment they strike their “10 out of 10” pose for an imaginary judge.

These post-move moments are full of personality — and often make the most heartwarming (and hilarious) photos.

🎨 6. Get Creative with Poses & Props

If you're not chasing action shots, have a little fun:

• Strike a pose in front of the balance beam

• Do “before and after” shots (excited face → sweaty but proud)

• Let them design their own silly “gymnastics photo shoot” with props, medals, or club merch

You’ll end up with a set of snaps that tell a story, not just show a move.

📱 7. Edit Lightly, Share Proudly

A quick edit can brighten colours, straighten lines, or boost contrast — but don’t overdo it. Kids look amazing just as they are.

Then… share away!

Tag @WickersGymnasticsClub and use our hashtag #WickersSnaps - we love seeing our budding gymnasts in action!

💡 Bonus Tip: Know When to Put the Phone Down

Sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t photograph.

So once you’ve got a few good snaps, join in, cheer loudly, or just enjoy the moment. Memories matter more than the camera roll.

💬 Final Thoughts:

You don’t need fancy gear or professional lenses - just a phone, a little planning, and a whole lot of enthusiasm. With a bit of practice, you’ll be snapping stunning shots that capture your child’s progress, pride, and joy all summer long.

Now get out there and get snapping - because those wobbly handstands and wide grins deserve to be remembered. 💫