JFP Partners with SSA for Bold & Moody Sports Portraits!

Introduction
This season, Jayme Forston Photography (JFP) took on an exciting new partnership with the Swansboro Soccer Association (SSA) to offer sports portraits across all age groups and teams. From the littlest kickers to the seasoned players, every team got the chance to capture the spirit of their season—and I couldn’t be more thrilled to help make it happen! This collaboration also includes a streamlined, paperless ordering system with Photoday, making it easier than ever for families to view and order portraits with just a few clicks.

Why SSA?
I first reached out to SSA over the summer because I noticed a gap: many teams beyond the classic and micos levels didn’t have the chance to get professional portraits. This partnership is about more than just photos; it’s about community. By offering these portraits, JFP is donating 10% of all proceeds right back into the local sports community. Anyone who knows me would tell you I have a love for soccer, just like my dad and his dad had. This is our way of supporting our small town and giving back to our community.

A Whole New Level of Team Photography
While I’ve done team portraits in the past, this project was at a new level. Did I expect the sheer volume of players? Absolutely not. Did I experience unexpected challenges, like broken lights on day one that forced me to shoot without my trusty off-camera flash? You bet! But the end results? A dramatic, moody style that stands out from the bright, classic shots I’m known for with my seniors. This is sports portraiture, JFP-style: bold, intense, and uniquely impactful.

Making It Easy for Families with Photoday
With the help of Photoday, families can enjoy a seamless, paperless ordering experience. No pre-payment required! Once the portraits are ready, families can preview both individual and team shots before deciding to purchase. This flexibility was important to me—especially for community projects where we want to make sure everyone has a chance to own these memories without feeling pressured. Another reason I partnered with Photoday is the opportunity it allows my clients to mix and match their players. As a momma of five, I dread swiping the card for five different portrait packages each season. With Photoday, a parent can buy two digital downloads and choose any two individual players they choose to fill that order. It’s the little things, right?

Unique Style, Local Impact
Let’s be real: not everyone loves a dark and moody sports look, and that’s okay! When it comes to sports photography, I wanted to go in a different direction than the bright, airy vibe I use for my senior portraits. And you know what? It was a blast to get creative and edit these shots with a moody edge, focusing on each player’s intensity and individuality. Even though this project had its challenges, the chance to bring out each athlete’s spirit while giving back to my local community made it all worth it.

A Labor of Love for Swansboro
In total, I uploaded 684 portraits to Photoday—a monumental task but a rewarding one. Between delayed jerseys, weather-related shoot cancellations, and spending countless hours editing each portrait to ensure quality, this was no small project. But when I look back on it, every hurdle was worth it. Giving SSA athletes a memorable and unique portrait experience, and seeing the reactions from families, reminded me why I love what I do.

Wrapping It Up
In the end, this project was a labor of love for Swansboro and the athletes who bring our community to life. While senior portraits are my primary focus, JFP is always up for projects that help support and celebrate our local community in new ways. Thank you to SSA for trusting me with this opportunity and to everyone who has shown their support. Here’s to capturing memories that our Swansboro athletes can look back on with pride!

Interested in individual sports portraits? JFP would love to show you what we can deliver!

Get in touch HERE.