I often talk about my search to find the human elements in sports.

When photographing youth sports, the humanity is EVERYWHERE.

In fact, at a Little League game last night, a group of parents and I were trying hard to stifle laughter as we watched a seven-year old hopping up and down on first base, um, "holding" himself, as he obviously had to go to the boys' room.

And this was only in the FIRST inning!

I was only a spectator, and didn't have my cameras, but the player's mom had only momentary hesitation at shooting her son's predicament.

Needless to say, a bathroom run was in order at the end of that inning.

These types of moments are priceless, and make for just as valuable photos as the ones of your kids swinging bats and throwing balls.

Decades from now, these photos will bring back the memories of youth sports better the "official" team photos that you order through the league.

Here are a few shots of my the human side of sports that I captured during a recent game.

This shot was taken with a 24mm lens, and all I did was reach around the fence and take a quick shot as the batter was heading to the plate to hit.

It's hard to criticize a kid for getting bored during the game. After all, don't you parents get bored when your own kids aren't at bat? Hopefully, one of the lessons the kids learn in 78'ers is that making sand piles isn't one of the fundamentals of baseball.

Getting hurt is part of the game. My son got hit in the face by a ground ball that took a bad hop while he was playing first base. I saw that he was hurt, but let him try to manage it himself until I thought he really needed me. I know if I would have went over right then, he would have brushed me off so he wouldn't be embarrassed. So I just kept watching.

He never said a thing, but kept wiping tears from his face, even through his next at-bat, as he led off the next inning. But when he walked out to his position in the field, I alerted his coach to check on him, and sure enough the tears had overcome him. And like a true journalist, I shot pictures before going over to comfort him.

Seems cruel, I know, but I was watching him very carefully the whole time. Part of growing up as a kid is learning when you can manage a situation, and when you need some grown-up help.

On a happier note, a great chance to make a nice picture is at the end of the game, when the team gathers for a cheer. I just raised my camera over my head and shot a "Hail Mary" picture down into the group of players.

Good luck with your own photography as you capture your young ones at play. If you're shooting digital, don't be afraid to take lots of shots (I sure do!), but keep in mind that the experience is much more fun for everyone involved if you don't let the camera dominate the day.

Keep those comments and questions coming. I certainly appreciate your feedback!