Okay, I have a story to tell you that accompanies some of these images and I’m throwing K.I.S.S our the door tonight b/c it requires words - and not the three paragraph kind either.
Last year I shot my first game on court. Although I had been on court for some quick shots, I’d never actually sat through and shot an entire game. It was a big game - the Cavaliers where in town. I arrived and got a quick walk through on the does and don’ts of court ‘etiquette,’ got my “seat” assignment (floor spot) and set to work. I remember thinking wow, when you’re a fan watching the game you really don’t see how crazy it is down here. The court is in full motion from beginning to end with people walking through, camera crews skittering here and there, cords snaking after them, entertainers running to and fro, players, assistants, coaches, news people, dancers, season ticket holders, etc., etc. all in motion. All the time. It was exhilarating and beyond my wildest dreams fun, but also a very nerve wracking night for me. I felt like a piece of kelp caught in the tide swishing here and there as I ducked to avoid people walking by, was constantly clutching my camera bag to avoid wayward feet as people squeezed by each other in a seemingly never-ending line of traffic making it’s way around the court. I also had my first taste of the territorial photographer and in saying this what I mean is, photographers who’ve been doing this for a very long time, know their place, know their job and really just don’t have time to dabble with lost pieces of kelp. I get it, I do. It reminds me of how I felt about tourists after I’d been living in Manhattan for awhile and had become fully accustomed to the pace of life there. I remember thinking you could spot a tourist by their walk. It was slow. And like most New Yorkers (or so I thought myself at the time), I didn’t have a lot of patience for it.
I learned so much that night. It was the first time I was close enough to overhear heckling between the teams (which I was so shocked about and my dad had a good laugh when I told him quite indignantly that some of the Cavaliers were having themselves a heyday poking fun at Bobby J’s age and Nocioni’s accent. He informed me this was all part of the game. I felt like an over puffed mom whose child was being picked on - I wanted to smack the Cavaliers, I really did.) I learned that everything has a time, place and rhythm on the court and half of getting good shots is just knowing the schedule and knowing what to expect. I learned that sitting criss cross apple sauce for three hours is extremely hard on the backside and that holding a 70-200 f2.8 on top of a 5d with battery pack for that length of time would require more hours in the gym (I’ve since downgraded to a 70-200 f4 and am completely utterly happy with it….and the 5 pound difference).
But probably the most important rule I learned of all was 1. trust your instincts and not another photographer no matter how friendly they seem when they tell you it’s okay to step on court during the game and 2. Kings security is no johnny tutu but solid Arnold with bulk to back it up. How do I know this, you ask? Well, because - being the newbie on the block I listened to another photographer when she said I could run out on the court during a timeout and grab some shots. And got myself in a weeeee bit of trouble. Like four solid standing body guards of trouble (who were extremely sweet after the game when I ran up blabbering apologies and explaining it was my first time,etc. I have to say - I LOVE these guys. They are truly the support structure of the court and the guys who will help you get around and figure it out.They also keep our team VERY secure! :))
It’s a lesson I’ll never forget right along with that endearingly sweet fan who helpfully yelled “let’s get Barbie off the court, shall we?!” (my mom continues to insist that this was a compliment but I’m thinking - speaking generally - that being that it’s a man’s world down there it wasn’t so much a compliment. No, pretty sure not. And, side note, I’m pretty certain it was a Cavalier fan. I know a Kings fan wouldn’t be that unfriendly because we’re all one cool group of people, yo? :)).
Anyway! SO. Last week. Kings vs. Lakers I had my first chance to walk on court and shoot during action (warm up). It was the first time since my mishap (I’ve stayed rooted pretty firmly to my assigned seat since then) and I was aided by non other than my favorite entertainer, emcee, man of many faces…Mr. Armon the fabulous. I love this guy. Heart of gold and personality for stars. He literally let me walk beside him and shoot and it was THE BEST. I do think I trembled a little but hopefully no one noticed. I did my best cool impersonation - tried to look bored, looked at my fingernails a few times - you know, that routine. Anyway, below are some of those images along with other fun stuff!
K.I.S.S to return tomorrow.
Donte having some dribbling fun at Beno’s expense. Fun to see them goof around like this.
Dude, can we do yoga together soon? I need your flexibility. That’s insane.
Can you imagine? Here you are on court warming up and this is what surrounds you…in sounds fun in theory but I’m wondering how this would be after awhile. Cameras (oops!) in your face all the time…
fierce. I like it!
when I was first hired to shoot on court it was to capture expressions - all the laughs, etc., in between, before and after the action and for me, that is what the game has become about now when I’m there shooting. I love these moments. Love them. Oh yeah, and I’m guessing this was a call he wasn’t happy with. 
Candace working her mojo on the crowd.
this image is so sleek and like male modelish to me I think it goes with cologne.
Fresh and Armon - Personality Kings of the Court. So deemed by all.
my moment with Kobe. Do you feel the connection?
I love these two images - there is definitely fun dialogue that goes with this. Look at those faces!
speaking of faces and dialogue…here’s a whole story for you.
