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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