January 12, 2008 - Hawaii’s Matt Gibson gets a face full of Nevada’s Ray Kraemer’s arm in the second half at Stan Sheriff Center. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 50mm f1.4, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

Shooting UH hoops the last couple of games has been interesting. There’s been contact all over the place, and that isn’t only on the court.

The action has been so-so, with the usual stock armpit shots (which I try to avoid, but end up shooting anyway… just in case). I always try to find action that’s a little out of the ordinary, so Matt Gibson getting an arm in the face was a nice change of pace.

The photogs all have to sit on the baseline, which is a little tight. There are these tables that have been set up there, so we have to squeeze in between the tables and the baseline. With my height, there’s only so much I can fold up my legs. Sunday’s game was one of those where the refs were hugging the baseline, and, of course, stepping all over me.

Oh, and don’t forget the players. They end up flying into us, too.

Bobby Nash gets knocked out of bounds by a San Jose State player and the photogs get showered with player and ball.

November 16, 2007 - Hawaii’s Kareem Nitoto goes to the basket over Illinois’ Bill Cole as Mike Tisdale (54) defends in the first half at Stan Sheriff. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 50mm f1.4, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

Hoops time again. For me anyway, since I was on vacation last weekend.

I enjoy shooting basketball. Lots of action, and possibilities.

Those moments in basketball frozen in time look cool, too. It’s like strange sculpture. Wild expressions, bodies flying. Makes for good stuff.

The photogs all huddle on the baseline, crammed up against those tables set up by the basket. We get run over by sweaty players, stepped on by refs. A good time indeed.

I like to shoot with a 50mm under the basket. Some might say it’s a little loose, but I personally prefer that feel in basketball. I’ll use a 70-200 or a 300 for stuff on the far side of the court.

It’s still early in the season, and I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead.