How NBA Photographer Andrew D. Bernstein Captured The League’s Greatest Moments

The legendary documentarian talks that Michael Jordan picture, befriending Magic Johnson and more. HYPEBEAST Features - Go in-depth and learn more about the culture. [HYPEBEAST]( [Features]( October 18, 2019 [How NBA Photographer Andrew D. Bernstein Captured The League’s Greatest Moments]( The legendary documentarian talks that Michael Jordan picture, befriending Magic Johnson and more. ANDREW D BERNSTEIN/NBAE GETTY IMAGES If you’ve seen a classic [NBA]( picture, the likelihood is that Andrew D. Bernstein took the shot. Whether it’s Michael Jordan crying while hugging his first Championship trophy, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson locking arms in the paint or Kobe soaking his ankles in ice, Bernstein has captured it all. Speaking to HYPEBEAST at the NBA’s Crossover event in London, Bernstein discussed his early days as a staff photographer at Sports Illustrated, how he forged relationships with [Kobe]( and Magic, and the scene, or lack thereof, at the [NBA’s first ever All-Star Game](. HYPEBEAST: What did you learn from your early days as a photographer? Andrew Bernstein: Learning in school is one thing, but learning the job on the street, at the venue, is invaluable. When I started to work for Sports Illustrated, I learned everything you needed to know about doing a location shooting, carrying lenses around, shipping, film, how to work with athletes, if you’re doing portraits, all kinds of stuff. And the most valuable thing I learned was how to light an indoor arena with these gigantic strobe lights, which continues to this day. Well, it’s all about trust. If the person you’re speaking to or working with trusts you, because they know that you’re a professional and you’re there to do your job, you’re not there to make them look bad, you’re not there to put them in a compromising situation. I had to establish that very early. ANDREW D BERNSTEIN/NBAE GETTY IMAGES What kind of access did you have at the first All-Star game? You’re just winging it. Nobody gave me any kind of direction. They said, “The game starts at 12. Come at 11:30.” There was no fanfare before the game. It was just a game. There was no weekend attached to it — no dinner, no anything. So I kind of just did my thing. I’d cruise around the locker room. I did this sort of impromptu team photo. It was just me, by the way, that first couple of All-Star Games, there were two or three [photographers] until ‘85. Compare that to today, when we have at least 20 photographers and another 20 support staff; it’s become this gigantic beast of personnel. [READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON HYPEBEAST →]( [banner]( [banner](   [More HYPEBEAST Features]( [[FASHION]( [8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week]( [[EDITORIAL]( [Sadio Mané is Ready for the Next Level]( [Get The App Free on iOS and Android]( Follow --------------------------------------------------------------- 2019 HYPEBEAST Limited. All Rights Reserved [Manage Subscriptions]( You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to HYPEBEAST's marketing emails. You can unsubscribe from us any time by clicking [here](. It may take 48 hours to complete the unsubscribe process. Contact subscription@hypebeast.com for assistance on any enquiries. Our Mailing Address: HYPEBEAST, 10F, KC 100, 100 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong