NBA Jams…Photographing the LA Clippers from the floor at The Staples Center.

IS IT THE SHOES?!?

Ok, now that I’ve lost half of you with an obscure-ish video game reference, I’ve got something exciting to share! I had the amazing privilege of photographing the LA Clippers versus the Golden State Warriors on Saturday from the floor at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This was seriously one of the coolest things I have ever done. Not only was this the first NBA game I have ever been to, it was also the first basketball game I have ever photographed, talk about some pressure! Arriving early, myself, and my friends and fellow shooters who came along, Sarah and Emily, got a chance to meet up with Andy Bernstein, Director of Photography for the Staples Center, got my credentials, and then had a quick tour of the inner workings of the press room and gear storage. Andy and his assistant Johnny were great guides and hosts and awesome people to meet; not to mention, amazing photographers as well, make sure to take a look at Andy’s work.

The staff was a great help as well, giving directions and helping me navigate around the huge center.Standing on the floor and looking up at all the seats really made you feel small out there.I got to prep my gear, then headed out to shoot the first quarter from slot 4 on the Warriors side. The action was insane, and shooting was tough, switching back and forth from a Canon 1Ds Mark III with a 70-200mm lens for down-court shots, and a Canon 1D Mark IV with a 24-70mm for the up close action.

After that, I took the 2nd and 3rd quarter to wander and photograph all through the center, before returning to shoot out along side Andy in the number 13 slot for the final period. The game was great, really face paced, and both teams really played hard. In the end the Clippers prevailed, beating the Warriors 112 to 104. Afterwards, Andy walked myself, Sarah, and Emily around the floor, showing us where he had placed remote cameras to capture all the action, and he snapped a photo of the three of us as a memento. As I said before, this was an amazing experience, and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity. That being said, there are some huge personal thankyous in order. First off, thank you to Rich Fuller and Andy Bernstein for setting the whole thing up and offering me the opportunity. Thanks again to Andy and Johnny for being such great hosts, and thank you to the staff of the Staples Center for all their help as well. Lastly,   thank you to the Clippers and Warriors for a very exciting game. This was a day I definitely won’t be forgetting.

Let me know what you guys think of my shots!

-Joe

PS: Here’s me on the floor, camera in each hand! Haha!