A large part of marketing has to do with understanding people. Moreover, we find out more when we study specific groups of people. Specifically sports related groups of people have been of great interest to marketing researchers and practitioners. An interesting area of research has to do with a sense of community and sports.
This sense of community can include a number of different perspectives. For example, it has been researched through athletes themselves. In addition, it has been explored from the viewpoint of parents of youth sports, and through volunteers. In each case, the sense of community that develops around sports and sporting events is one of the reasons people like to get involved.
Sense of Community, Photography, and Marketing of Sport
At PBnJphoto we recognize that sense of community is rooted in a few different places. First, the sense of competition surrounding sports is an important reason for the sense of community. Second is the fun that comes with sporting events. This fun extends from the athletes to their loved ones and of course to fans. Furthermore, fun exists at all levels, from the youngest sports leagues up to professional sports.
Third, sense of community is not only among participants of a particular event or team. Instead, at a more abstract level sports have become a part of our society. From a localized community activity to a regional professional sport team identity, our sense of community rooted in sports is all around us.
This sense of community is important to keep in mind when creating images related to any involvement of sports. This is the case no matter what type of community you are involved in. It could be a community sports league, or a school athletic program. Or perhaps you are involved in the marketing or products related to a professional sports team. In any case, the sense of community that you are working around is important to keep in mind. This is a driving force behind how PBnJphoto approaches sports photography.
PHOTO: University of Vermont Women’s Lacrosse team celebrating in front of net during win against St. Bonaventure University Bonnies (Right)