It's often difficult to get good photos of kids. Add sports like baseball, basketball, or soccer to the mix, and memorable shots become even more elusive. You may end up with blurred photos or uninspired moments.

You may not achieve professional perfection, but you can certainly get better images. The following are some tips for capturing the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Be prepared

Ideally, you should watch your child's entire event through the camera. That's the best way to ensure you're always ready for great moments. But it's probably also a quick way to put you in no mood for photography.

The best compromise is a little research. Try to learn as much about the game as a player must learn. You'll gain insight to separate great moments from the ordinary. Recognize which plays are the most difficult. Or anticipate when your child will take a leading role in the action.

Most digital camera has a sports-mode setting. Use it to capture the best action shots.

Close in

Don't be afraid to get close to the action. The bleachers can be limiting, especially for back-and-forth games like soccer or basketball. If you can, get closer to the sidelines and stay mobile.