Jordan Brand Classic

About two months ago I contacted a website via Twitter regarding a post they made looking for a freelance NYC photographer. Little did I know what opportunities would arise from this. I thought I might be shooting a small event, but I was definitely mistaken.

After a few email exchanges I found out that I would be shooting the Jordan Brand Classic, an annual event sponsored by Michael Jordan featuring all of the top high school players (in the country and in the world). I was sent to their practices to watch them play and it was amazing to watch these kids, who have never played together, play like they have practiced for years with each other. On Sunday I entered Madison Square Garden through the media entrance with gear in hand…

When this all started I had NO idea that I would be sitting baseline at Madison Square Garden shooting these games. This was probably ONE OF THE COOLEST things I have ever done in my life (let alone my photography career). I was feet from these kids, sitting baseline and even had kids fall on me, but it was amazing. Basketball, in my opinion, is probably one of the hardest sports to shoot because of the difficult lighting conditions and the fast paced action that happens during the entire game. You never know if the player is going to drive down the lane, take a jumpshot, pass the ball or go in for the dunk so you always need to be prepared. It definitely challenged my photography skills to the limit, but I am SO glad that I did it. It’s definitely something I would love to do again just for the challenge.

Thank you to DraftExpress for giving me this AMAZING opportunity to photograph the game and getting me the media credentials for MSG. The rest of the pictures can be seen on Flickr: Jordan Brand Classic on Flickr. Also check out my shot that was published on Sports Illustrated’s website: Cory Joseph, Myck Kabongo, Kevin Pangos – Luke Winn