Shooting Game 4: A Last-Minute NBA Photography Adventure

Freelance editorial photography is often unpredictable, and sometimes that’s where the magic happens. In early June, I received a last-minute call to cover Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. When I say “last minute,” I mean last minute.

From Lake Run to Tip-Off

I had just wrapped up a run at the lake when my editor called with an urgent request. The scheduled second shooter had to cancel, and I was the closest available photographer. The only problem? The game was in Oklahoma City, 3.5 hours away from my base in Fayetteville. Tip-off was at 7 PM, and it was already 2 PM.

With no time to spare, I skipped the shower, grabbed my gear, and hit the road. I pulled into the arena just an hour before the game started—a far cry from my usual routine of arriving hours early to scout locations and settle in.

Adapting to a New Arena

As the second shooter, I wasn’t positioned courtside. Instead, I had to navigate the crowded arena to find the best vantage points. Normally, I’d spend plenty of time scoping out the layout to determine “the spot,” but this time I had to figure it out on the fly.

The early part of the game felt like a whirlwind as I adjusted to the unfamiliar setting. But once I found my groove, I was able to focus on capturing the action. From the intensity on the court to the energy of the fans, it was an unforgettable experience.

Learning and Growing Through New Experiences

This assignment was my first time photographing an NBA game, and despite the challenges, it was an incredible learning experience. After over a decade of shooting sports, it was humbling to step into a new environment and feel like a rookie again.

That’s one of the things I love most about being a freelance editorial photographer—no matter how much experience I gain, there’s always a new challenge or unfamiliar situation that pushes me to adapt and grow.

Wrapping It Up

Freelance photography is about more than just capturing moments; it’s about thriving in unexpected circumstances. Whether it’s a high-pressure playoff game or a community event, every assignment brings opportunities to learn and evolve.

If you’re looking for a photographer who thrives on adapting to new challenges and delivering compelling visuals, let’s work together to bring your story to life.