The Sharpe Image » Charlotte Bobcats

March 1, 2010. NBA. The Dallas Mavericks at the Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Sharpe — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:56:54 +0000

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood (33) slams the ball home against Bobcats Forward Gerald Wallace (3) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I got to tell you, I really thought that the Bobcats were going to win this game. They really stayed within a few points of the Mavericks when they were behind, and they were up by as much as 15 points during the 1st half. It just seemed as if the Bobcats grew “cold” in the 3rd period. They threw nothing but “bricks.” Could not hit the side of the barn…………….on the other hand, the Mavericks just seemed to become on fire with the 3 point shot from the outside. Just hitting everything, nothing the Bobcats could do stopped the air attack.

Here is my take from the game. I thought that I gad a pretty decent game. There are some things that I missed, but all in all I think that I did OK from an Editorial standpoint. All of these images were shot with my Nikon D300. The lenses used were my 17mm~35mm f2.8, 70mm~200mm f2.8, and my 300mm f2.8. I set my ISO at 2000 as usual for the Arena Lighting, but I slowed my shutter speed to 650 with at f 3.4. I wanted toi try this to get the extra depth of field. The problem with me and the slower shutter speeds is that I tend to knock things out of focus down there. I admit it, I can really screw up when I break below 1000. But I seemed to do OK with it on this night. Maybe I am getting used to shooting from the uncomfortable “Indian Sitting Position,” whatever it was, I did OK with it.

Most of the shots that I got were of the drives to the basket. Just seemed to be what was working for me. I really like the Bobcats. I know that there is a ton of controversy that surrounds them, but I still think that they put on a GREAT Show. Now that it seems as if Michael Jordan is going to become the majority owner. This has created more controversy, but I think in the end they are going to be a contender no matter what. So aside from the photography aspect that I like to talk about on this Blog, I am telling you to do your self a favor and become a fan………no, they do not win every game, but it always seems to be a good time for the fans!

Please enjoy the image. If you have a comment, please feel free to leave it.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) drives to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) jams a dunk home while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan sits while his team is playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) shoots against Jason Kidd (2) while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd (2) passes the ball while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love this next Image. Gerald Wallace (3) is such a dynamic player. I think that he is very “under rated,” and possibly on of the best players in the league. He is truly a Joy to photograph. This shot, and the two that follow are possible my favorite from the whole night.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) drives to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) flies to the basket for the score while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I shot this after Gerald Wallace git a finger jammed in his eye. That was a scary moment. He actually left the Court during play without calling for a time out. I hate to see things like this…..but from an Editorial point of view, editors like shots like this. Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt. He returned to play after sitting out for a few minutes…..but a scary moment none the less.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) tends to his injured eye while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan and Gerald Wallace (3 ) sit and watch while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler (4) fights for the ball while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This kid, Tyrus Thomas, that the Bobcats picked up a couple of weeks ago seems to be really good. Again, a very dynamic player. I real powerhouse at the Forward Position.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) drives a basket home while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) gets the rebound while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Tyrus Thomas talking with Gerald Wallace. I think that Tyrus is going to work out well for the Bobcats.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) talks to Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are some “Heated Moments” from the game. Here again, it is always good to capture the “emotion” of the game. Something other than just “plays” from the action. Something that tells the story.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) contests a foul against him while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats head coach Larry Brown yells at the referee while his team is playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shows his displeasure to a foul call while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) voices his displeasure with a foul call against him while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Not really a heated moment, but a moment none the less. Raymond Felton looking up at the score board.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) checks the score while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love these next 2 shots. In the first, you would think that Stephen Jackson might have thought this a football game instead of a basketball game. It seems as if he almost tackled Brendan Haywood to stop the basket…..needless to say, this drew a foul.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood (33) gets fouled by Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14) drives to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

More Action from the “take.”

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (0) slams the ball home while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) takes it to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, that is it from this game. Like I said, I really thought that the Bobcats were going to win, but it was not to be on this night. No matter what people seem to like to say, I like this Team. Do yourself a favor and come out to a game. I think that you will have a great time.

Please let me know the good and the bad of the photography.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

C-ya,

Sam

Jan. 5, 2010 NBA: The Chicago Bulls at the Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Sharpe — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:12:47 +0000

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives against Gerald Wallace (3) while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This was a close game. The Bobcats trailed all night long until the last 3 minutes of the game, then they really started to figure it out. I was jazzed to be able to shoot this game. I grew up watching Michael Jordon, so there is a certain air about the Bulls…………..I can vividly remember watching Michael Gordon, Scotty Pippen, and the rest of the Chicago Team that dominated Basketball under Phil Jackson in the era of the 90′s. Watching these guys play when I was younger was one on the reasons I wanted to take up Sports Photography. So to get the chance to shoot them really did me good. All the images that are here were shot with my Nikon D300 Camera Body. All were shot at ISO 2000, and I bounced the shutter speeds back and forth from 1000 to 1250. The following set of images I shot from up in the stands. I have looked at this angle before shot by other photographers, but I really have never decided whether I liked it or not. True, it is something different, that is why I did it. Most of the shots did not work out in my opinion, but some did. I will do it again sometime soon, so here is what I got from “up top.”

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center forward Joakim Noah (13) tips off the game against Nazr Mohammed (13) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I thought this next dunk worked out well. It is of Gerald Wallace (3) taking it home after getting the ball and screaming down the court. I liked the way I caught him completely off of the floor.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) slams a dunk home against Luol Deng (9) while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is of Boris Diaw (32) fighting for the ball. I shot this from up top, and I thought that it gave it a nice angle. I shot this with my 300mm 2.8 lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw (32) fights for the ball against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In these next series of images, I shot some individual players. These are good sellers for magazines. Websites pick them up also at the end of the night if the player had a really good game. There were shot with both my 70mm~200mm 2.8 lens, as well as my 300mm 2.8 lens.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward D.J. Augustine (14) against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This was something that I poped off with my 300mm lens. Flip Murray was standing near me during a time out. I framed this such that to leave room for text to the left of his face. I thought that his face was just a “tick” tight, but it was a 300mm lens, so that is what I got.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

Vinny Del Negro is a pretty interesting Character when it comes to coaches. Not as physically animated as is out Larry Brown, but he can have his moments. In the image below, I caught him talking with his team during a time out. The thing that I like about this is that I was able to capture him speaking so that you really knew that he was communicating with the team. I shot this with my 70mm~200mm lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro talks to his team during a time out against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Vinny trying to plead his case to a referee. Again, shot with my 70mm~200mm lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro talks with a ref while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The rest of these images were shot with my 70mm~200mm lens.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) drives to the basket against James Johnson (16) while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really love this next shot. I caught Kirk Hinrich (12) basically just trying to “strong arm” Flip Murray (22) out of the Basket. I wish that you could see the faces better in the image……..but other than that, I think that it gets the point across to the foul that occurred.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) is fouled by Kirk Hinrich (12) while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are some Lay ups from the game. This was not only a very physical game, but it just had some really great visual moments to it. Here are some. Again, these were shot with my 70mm~200mm Lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard John Salmons (15) shoots against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I shot this next image from across the court with my 300mm 2.8 lens. It is hard to really get this shot to work out, but I think I did it with this one. I just liked it.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) slams the ball to the basket against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center forward Joakim Noah (13) drives to the basket against Gerald Wallace (3) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas (24) shoots against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobtas win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are some of the more physical moments of the game that I was able to catch…….this game was a brawl. This image below kinda reminded my of Dodge-ball from my childhood.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center forward Joakim Noah (13) gets ready to pass against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14) goes for the rebound against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) drives against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward James Johnson (16) looses the ball while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) gets the rebound to win against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love getting something when the ball get loose. I have not been able to catch a “scrap” this year…..but the season is still not over. This was shot with my 70mm~200mm 2.8.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes for a loose ball while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14) passes against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, that is about it for this game. I hope that you can get out and sww the Bobcats if you have a chance. They are a great team……and probably the best value for your sports entertainment dollar in Charlotte.

Till next time, thanks for taking the time to read.

Sam

Dec 22, 2009. NBA Detroit Piston @ The Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Sharpe — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:39:33 +0000

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (3) drives past Nazr MoHammed (13) while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, it was getting towards Christmas, and the weather was freezing outside, but the Bobcats have been on FIRE! I’m glad, because after the Season that the Panthers have had, it is about time that someone in this town started winning. It just makes things that much more pleasant when it comes to doing my job. All the images that I am about to show you were shot with my D300. I am using a 70mm~200mm lens, and my 17mm~35mm lens for right under the basket. The above shot was taken with my 17mm~35mm lens. I love this angle, a lot of the time the Ref gets in my way with it, but when it works out, it is sweet……………..I really need to try it with the camera right on the floor mounted on a small stand firing with a remote, but I guess that I am afraid that it might get “wiped out” by a player falling on me. I think that I am going to try it soon along with a remote. Here are some other shots that I did with it from a hand held position on the floor.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons center Chris Wilcox (9) drives past Gerald Wallace (3) while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final Score Bobcats 88 Pistons 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

All of the above images were shot at an ISO of 2000, shutter speed 1000 @ f3.2. As mentioned above, they were all shot with my 17mm~35mm lens. They image below has the same technical data, but it is of a rebound. Getting a rebound can be tuff sometimes because you are always working around the referee. Here is one that worked out for me.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (3) gets the rebound against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is why I have a fear of being wiped out! It is a real cool shot, but I just barely avoided the hit……it could have been big!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Stephen Graham (23) goes after the rebound against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next images were shot with my 70mm~200mm lens. These are some images of the more physical aspects of the game. All of these were shot at ISO 2000, shutter speed 1000 at f2.8

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton (32) fouls Bobcats Gerald Wallace while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really thought that Gerald Wallace got hurt in the shot above. This next image is from the same sequence, but I cropped in Horizontal. I thought that it had more visual impact on the Horizontal.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko (33) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I thought this next Image was kinda funny. Gerald Wallace was pleading his case to Coach Larry Brown over something, and Larry just wanted him to sit down. I love Coach Brown!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) talks to head coach Larry Brown while playing against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

More Physical Basketball!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (12) drives against Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14)while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Players setting up a play during the action.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (12) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The next series of images are lay-up and scores during the game. All were shot with my 70mm~200mm Lens and my Nikon D300.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard forward Austin Daye (5) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

DaJuan Summers (35) drives up against Gerald Wallace (3) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva (31) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bobcats 88 Pistons 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Stephen Graham (23) drives in against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (12) drives against Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) drives and shoots against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next shots are of one of the Bobcats Dancers. These girls are good!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Charlotte Bobcats cheerleader dancer performs while the team plays against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Look for the Chicago @ Charlotte Blog coming soon.

Thanks for reading!

sam

December 20, 2009. NBA: Shooting Basketball for the first time, and loving it!

Sam Sharpe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:34:00 +0000

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

OK, I have just started to shoot NBA, so this is all somewhat new to me. I have never shot a Basketball game until November 25, 2009. It is something that I have always wanted to do, and being a professional sports photographer, it is something that I should do. I have always been a fan of the NBA, growing up in Washington DC, it was all about the Washington Bullets. That’s right, I STILL think of them as the Bullets. So I have a handle on what the sport is all about. I have always said that to really shoot a sport well, you have to understand the sport. I understand basketball, but to say that I was a bit nervus when I went onto the court is somewhat of an understatement. Fortunately for me, my friend Chuck Burton (head of AP in the Carolina Piedmont Region) was there to give me some pointers……………….so I was able to figure the basics out pretty fast. The following Images are a collection of images that are from my “takes” from the first 5 games that I have shot. I really like shooting the sport, I look forward to shooting it and making it another part of my career.

All of the images that I shoot in the Time Warner Cable Arena are at an ISO of 2000, shutter speed 1000, f2.8 or 3.2 depending on the lens I am using. All the following images are shot with my Nikon D300 Camera Body, and either my 300mm f2.8 lens, my 70mm~200mm f2.8 lens, or my 17mm~35mm f2.8 lens.

The image below was shot at the start of the Bobcats-Raptors game. This was the first game that I ever shot. I really liked this shot because of the while banner behind the Team’s hands. I think that really helped break in the background and helped it out. This image was shot with my 300mm lens.

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats gather during pre game against the Toronto Raptors at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This game is really all about the competition at the basket. Most of these images were shot with my 70mm~200mm lens. I really like to catch the player just really driving towards the goal. These can be very cool shots, and to me, it really is the essence of what Basketball is all about. The following images are of guys just driving hard for the goal.

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes up for the slam dunk against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Gerald Wallace (3) (in the image above) is real playmaker for the Bobcats. He is like a rocket ship when he heads skyward, real hard to stop.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next series of Images, I played around with my wide angle lens. This lens is nice because it can produce some very dramatic images. The wide angle, along with moving around under the basket, produced what I thought were some nice moments. I think that I may have been able to do better had I had more experience, but for the most part I was happy with what I got.

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes up for the dunk against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 97 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe,www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler (6) against the Toronto Raptors at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bobcats 116 Raptors 81. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes for the lay up against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was shot with my 70mm~200mm lens out to 70mm. It is of a 3 point shot, which to me is hard to catch while really telling that it is a 3 point shot. I got lucky with this one……..I think that it works well.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here is another 3 point shot, but in this one I am pulled closer to 200mm with the 70~200mm lens.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (2) takes a shot against Charlotte Bobcat D.J. Augustin against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

One thing that I have found very hard to do, is to get a really good shot at the opposite goal. You are shooting across the court, and the action is naturally going away from you. It is very hard to get “faces” in the image. I think that it works better on the “rebound” image than the actual score. Here are some images that I shot. I know that they do not have the faces in the image, but I still like them from a “pure” competition point of view.

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Toronto Raptors at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bobcats 116 Raptors 81. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Celtics win 108 to 90. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is of a rebound. Again, you can’t see the faces of the players, but I love the way Gerald Wallace (3) is just flying through the air to get the ball.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) gores for the rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In these next 2 images, I caught the player’s reaction to being “called” on something. I really need to pay more attention to the “drama” that goes on in breaks between the action. Editors love these images and therefore they sell. It will be to my advantage to pay more attention. Like I have vowed to really work on my “passing game” in football, this is a priority of mine in basketball. Here are 2 examples of images I caught.

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward center Rasheed Wallace (30) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Catching a dunk is cool, I quickly found that I was wanting to really catch the “intensity” of the game. Basketball is a very fast paced, intense Sport. itis not always about the shot, here are some images that I caught that were pure intensity.

I just really love this next shot, it is just has “competition” written all over it

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu (44) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bob cats 116 Raptors 81. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next image, I love the look on Labron’s face. At this point the Bobcats had taken the lead, and I think the Cavaliers were a bit worried.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) gets ready to shoot against Cavaliers LaBron James while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Here are some other shots that I thought showed good intensity

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (1) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward sheldon Williams (13) gets rejected by Charlotte Bobcat Stephen Graham (23) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Celtics win 108 to 90. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) drives to the basket against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This game can also be a very physical game. I think that this is a very important “story line” when it comes to shooting Basketball. I am getting better at nailing some of the more “physical” moments, here are some of the better images that I thought that I captured. In this next image of LaBron James, he “tweeked” his ankle good, he was walking around trying to walk it off…………..as you can see from the expression on his face, he was not happy.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hurts his ankle against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, Gerald Wallace really got taken out. He was not hurt, but at the moment it was scary.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 shots are from the same series. I posted them both.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (1) drives against Bobcats Gerald Wallace (3) at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I think that I like the one below better.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (1) drives against Bobcats Gerald Wallace (3) and Nazr Mohammed (13) at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next shot is of Chris Anderson (11) being blocked by Derrick Brown (4) while going for a rebound. I thought that it was very cool.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Derrick Brown (4) and Chris Anderson (11) of the Denver Nuggets go for the rebound at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next imag is of a pure “rejection” at the goal. This is different from the point of view that it is a really good defensive play. I thought that it worked.

In this next shot, I was really struck by the fact that Chris Duhon (1) has his eyes closed in the shot. I am sure he opened them right up the next split second, but I thought that it made for a very dynamic shot.

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks guard forward Chris Duhon (1) drives past Raymond Felton (20) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 97 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, I was trying something different. I shot Stephen Jackson (1) throwing the ball inbounds. I think that it would have been a better shot had more players been in the frame in front of him, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) throws the ball inbounds against the Denver Nuggets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next images I would consider portraits. Portraits are very big with Editors, and I really need to post more of them. The one of Chris Anderson is just so “nasty” I love it!

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward center Chris Anderson (11) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

What can you say about LaBron other than this…….he is just so good.

Raymond Felton (20) driving to the hoop.

Well, I think that I did OK for my first few times out. Remember, I am used to shooting cars traveling at 180mph, so all of this was new! I like it, and I plan on making it another chapter in my career. Please give me any feedback that you see fit. I am always looking for ways to improve!

Thanks for reading!

Sam