Example: Detroit Lions Thriller celebration with players in blue and silver.
The Lions category celebrates the energy of Detroit football culture. Look for blue and silver gear, fan signs, and motion that tells a simple story. Before kickoff, follow the flow toward the stadium and frame a subject with flags or hand made banners. Use leading lines from railings or sidewalks to pull the eye to your main subject, and keep edges clean so nothing steals attention. For action, a fast shutter like 1/500 will freeze a jump or a high five. For motion, try 1/30 and pan so the background blurs while the subject stays sharp. Set white balance to daylight or shade so blues stay true, and expose to protect highlights on bright jerseys. Ask permission for close portraits, and aim for gestures that read fast, like a clap, a cheer, or a fist bump. A small still life also works: gloves, a scarf, and a ticket on a bench can say Detroit without a logo.
Tigers
Example: Detroit Tigers dugout celebration with Spencer Torkelson.
The Tigers category focuses on baseball texture and tradition. Build a simple story with the colors orange and navy, then add details that show the setting. A still life of a ball, a glove, and a cap on wood feels classic; shoot it at f2.8 for soft backgrounds, or f8 for crisp detail on the stitches. In the park, use chalk lines, bases, and rows of seats as strong leading lines. When a fan walks past, try a pan at 1/30 so the scene streaks while the subject stays clear, or freeze a quick laugh at 1/250. Keep the horizon level and watch corners for clutter like cups or signs. Move to open shade for even skin tones; at night, raise ISO with care and expose for mid tones. Look for moments that feel like baseball without needing a scoreboard: hands on a railing, a bat on a bench, or a focused face before the pitch.
Pistons
Example: Hooper dances on the court during a dance moment.
The Pistons category is about indoor energy and bold graphics. Court lines, rail pads, and seat rows give you strong shapes, so place a subject where two lines meet and let color do the rest. Arena light can be mixed, so use a fixed white balance and aim for a shutter near 1/200 or 1/250 to avoid blur. When you want motion, drag the shutter to 1/20 or 1/30 and follow the movement. A wide aperture like f2 to f2.8 helps isolate a subject against the crowd. Hunt for reflections in polished floors, glass, or even a phone screen to double the action. Keep backgrounds simple by moving your feet, and crop in camera to avoid distractions like exit signs. Look for gestures that read instantly: a clap, a point, or a jump. Red and blue blocks of color make strong frames, so use them as foreground or background to anchor the composition.
