Dallas Mavericks + One Huge Fan + D300 = AWESOME

I haven't had time to write about a recent experience I had, but before Christmas something awesome happened to me. On a Friday night, I was on my way home from work when my father-in-law called. His best friend offered up his 2 tickets for a Dallas Mavericks game vs. the LA Clippers for that night. Now normally, I don't get too excited over Mavericks tickets because I go to a lot of games and this one against the Clip was expected to be "just another game". However, since Roger's friend's seats are in a VERY special place in the arena, I was VERY excited ! See, he sits on Row 3 of the same section that Mark Cuban sits in! And his seats are on the end of the aisle next to the players bench! So, the first part of the story is that I was going to the Mavericks game to sit 3 seats away from Mark Cuban and practically on the end of the Dallas bench.

The 2nd, and most exciting part of the story, is that I just received a new Nikon D300 camera, and I was anxious to try it out! So, I did some homework and found out that I could bring my camera to the game, as long as I did not use a lens that was longer than 4 inches. With that knowledge, I loaded up the D300 with my trusty Nikon 85mm f1.8 lens, and went to the game.

I was nervous entering the building with such a big camera. First, not many people bring cameras to the game, much less ones that cost $2500 ! Second, I was worried about security stopping me with it, and not knowing the "rule" about the 4 inch lens. But to my surprise, I put my camera through security without even a comment from the guards, and in we went.

The first thing I noticed once we go to our seats was that my choice of lens was going to be perfect. If you aren't familiar with the 85mm f1.8 Nikkor, it is a VERY fast, VERY sharp lens that is normally reserved for portraits. But it has its place in sports photography when you anticipate a low light situation where you need a little bit of reach to frame your subjects.

Almost as soon as we sat down the team entered the floor for warm ups. I was able to get some test shots going before the game so I would be all set once play started. I settled in on a Shutterspeed of 1/500th, AUTO ISO, and auto White Balance. By the time the game was over, I dialed in further to a fully manual 1/500th f 2.8, AUTO ISO. The D300 did a fantastic job of using the ISO settings to create the proper exposure. I chose the settings to be sure I stopped the action, as well as provided for a depth of field that gave me a chance to focus cleanly when I shot.

The results can be seen here. Since i was stuck in my seat and not able to move much, I was limited on exactly what I could shoot and when. I was pleased with several of the Dirk Nowitzki shots, and especially like the last shot in the group of Brandon Bass blocking a shot.

I was also able to capture a really great moment on the bench where Avery Johnson was sitting down, completely focused, while the game and activity around him seemed to be so chaotic. Its a photo that says "Leadership" to me when I look at it.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Please feel free to offer comments. I may do some limited runs of posters for "friends and family". I don't really have the consent of the Mavericks to do so, but I don't think Mark will care since we're all such big fans, right!?

CS