09 Adam Berstein Legendary NBA photographer of 30+ years

Episode 09 — Andrew D. BernsteinIn Episode 09 of the Shoot Wisely podcast, I sit down with legendary NBA photographer Andrew D. Bernstein to talk about a career spent documenting basketball history from courtside.We discuss his close friendship and working relationship with Kobe Bryant and the process of creating the book The Mamba Mentality — a project built on years of trust, access, and shared vision. Andy reflects on capturing Kobe’s mindset, discipline, and evolution both on and off the court.We also dive into photographing Michael Jordan throughout his career, and what it was like watching those moments resurface in The Last Dance. From witnessing historic championships to defining cultural moments, Andy shares what it means to document greatness in real time.The conversation also explores his technical innovation — including introducing strobes and flash photography into live NBA action — a move that reshaped the visual language of professional basketball photography.This episode is about proximity to greatness, technical mastery, and earning trust at the highest level of sport.In This EpisodeBuilding a trusted relationship with Kobe BryantThe making of The Mamba MentalityPhotographing Michael Jordan’s careerWatching history replayed in The Last DanceIntroducing flash/strobe photography to live NBA gamesCapturing iconic moments from courtsideThe responsibility of documenting legendsAbout the GuestAndrew D. Bernstein is a pioneering NBA photographer whose career spans decades of basketball history. Known for his innovation in lighting and unparalleled access to the game’s biggest stars, his images have helped define how the world sees professional basketball.