Courtesy Andrew D. Bernstein
LOS ANGELES — When the Clippers season concluded this past May, in a postseason series loss to Dallas, it marked the end of a few eras.
It was very well known that the end of the 2023-24 season meant the franchise was leaving Crypto.com Arena behind for the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood. It was not known then that Paul George had played his last game with his hometown team.
The contest also marked the final NBA game assignment for a Los Angeles-based Hall of Fame photographer. Andy Bernstein worked for NBA Photos – where he brilliantly captured the league from a unique spot (sitting on the court) – for more than four decades and close to 5,000 games.
Acknowledging his tremendous contributions to basketball media, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame named Bernstein a Curt Gowdy award recipient in 2018.
A native of New York, Bernstein remains here with the NBA as a consultant and mentor. He will spend more time hosting his popular podcast (Legend Of Sport), and with this NBA season underway without him toting a camera in hand, he answered these questions from The Sporting Tribune.
The Sporting Tribune: How do you reflect back upon your 43-plus year career with the NBA in that position?
Andy Bernstein: I have a lot of gratitude that extends to many people who helped me along the way: My two teachers at Art Center College of Design, who believed in my talent, the folks at the Forum who let me in the door to shoot games, and of course many people at the NBA starting with the late Commissioner David Stern. It’s gratifying to know that some of my photos helped define the visual history of the league.
TST: What will you miss the most as you step away from that role?
Bernstein: I always loved the camaraderie among my crew, fellow photographers, media members, team and league staff, ushers, and fans. The relationships I established reach beyond the court. I will also miss the 48 minutes when the ball is in play, and being locked in to do my job at the highest level every game.
TST: Who were some of your favorite NBA personalities to shoot?
Bernstein: I was lucky to break in during the Showtime Lakers era and the Magic/Bird era. Magic was always a blast to shoot. I had to be on my toes every time the ball was in his hands. MJ (Michael Jordan) was a challenge I enjoyed every time I got to shoot him. Shaq was a great subject on and off the court. Phil Jackson as well. My No. 1 has to be the Mamba, Kobe Bryant. To have an athlete in front of my camera for all 20 years of his career and at the level he played was a gift. We established a friendship very early that extended past his retirement from the court.
TST: From coaches like Pat Riley to Phil Jackson and beyond. How did you earn the trust of those in charge?
Bernstein: Trust is earned, definitely. In the world of professional sports you only have one chance to prove yourself worthy of that trust. I always tried to be my authentic self, not have hidden agendas, and never be a distraction.
TST: Why do you like best about the books you collaborated with Phil and Kobe Bryant on?
Bernstein: Both of the books were true collaborations. Phil and Kobe had a lot of input from the early concept of each book through content and design. It was a joy for me to have my photos illustrate the themes and also have creative input on the final result.
TST: You for many years, you had a unique view of Bryant’s unprecedented desire to be great. What is your take away from his work ethic?
Bernstein: Kobe’s work ethic was second to none. I was around great players, coaches and trainers throughout my career, but the Mamba took things to another level. His obsession with his craft, and his relentless pursuit of greatness pushed me as a photographer. I always felt he was watching me too and how passionate I was with my craft. We made a great combo when it came time to do our book together.
TST: Can you talk about some of your favorite photos? Start with a photo of Michael Jordan in the locker room after he won his first NBA championship in 1991.
Bernstein: It’s funny that two of my most memorable photos are not action shots.They are more photojournalistic. First one has to be Michael Jordan hugging his first championship trophy with his dad by his side in 1991. That was a quick moment I happened to be right next to as the chaos of the Bulls championship celebration was breaking loose in the visitors locker room in the Forum. A close second to that photo is my photo of Kobe meditating in front of his locker in Madison Square Garden shortly before a game during the 2009-10 season. It was shot in black and white because that was the style I was doing for the “Journey To The Ring” book that I was working with Phil Jackson. (It’s) another moment in time captured behind the scenes that I’m really proud of.
Courtesy Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE
TST: One of your recent game photos of LeBron James went viral. What was so unique about that image?
Bernstein: That photo was shot with a remote camera on the opposite side of the basket from where I was sitting on the floor. It’s an angle I created by cutting a hole in the base of the basket stanchion and placing the camera on the floor inside the hole. The perspective is really cool. Because I was situated on the opposite side of the court, I could only see LeBron’s back as he went up for the breakaway dunk. I’m only able to shoot one frame so I had to time it perfectly. When I saw the ball on his hip while he was in midair I pushed the remote trigger button. One millisecond later and I’m sure his arms would have been covering his face. This photo happened just a few weeks after Kobe’s tragic passing. A Lakers video editor somehow found footage of Kobe doing the same exact dunk on the same basket from a few years back. Seeing the video side by side was eerie. Some people said LeBron was channeling Kobe by doing the same dunk. That helped the photo to go viral.
TST: From capturing a legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar skyhook, to a modern player like Ja Morant jumping out of the gym, what is the key to get that perfect shot?
Bernstein: A great photo is a combination of preparation, anticipation, experience, and a little bit of luck. It also helps when it’s a star player or a historic moment.
TST: What is one sport you have shot you consider the most challenging?
Bernstein: Hockey. The speed of the game combined with a limited view from a small shooting hole in the end boards makes hockey extremely challenging to shoot.
TST: What is the basic, easiest advice you can give to a photographer to improve their craft?
Bernstein: The most important thing I tell aspiring sports photographers is to shoot, shoot, keep shooting, and when you don’t feel like it, shoot some more. Learn something every time you pick up your camera. Try something new. Take chances. Fail so you can succeed. Seek out photographers whose work you admire and pick their brains.
TST: In recent years you have developed another passion with the Legends Of Sport podcast. What do you think makes a good podcast?
Bernstein: Every person I’ve interviewed has a story about how they started. A story about who helped them along the way, who they learned from. I love uncovering and discussing those stories with my podcast guests. I learn something from every person. I think the guests can sense how genuinely interested I am in them and their journey.
TST: How much preparation goes into your interviews?
Bernstein: A lot. Preparation is the key to a successful interview. The guest will know if I’m not prepared and I pride myself on being ready for every conversation. My content team and I spend a lot of time researching each guest. We watch and listen to previous interviews and try to find a nugget or two that may not have been discussed before.
TST: And finally, who is your dream podcast guest – athlete or otherwise?
Bernstein: I have a few dream guests: Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Mike Tyson and Michael Jordan. Stay tuned. ...
For more than 20 years, Jeff Moeller has been a voice in the Southern California pro sports community. He contributes to The Sporting Tribune on a semi-regular basis. A huge photography fan, Jeff’s photo of Darryl Strawberry during batting practice at Dodger Stadium was honored as “Photo of the Month” by his 11th Grade teacher.