Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew D. Bernstein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to LA in 1978 to attend Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Through one of my instructors, Bill Robbins, I was introduced to various staff photographers for Sports Illustrated magazine. I learned the specialized technique of lighting indoor arenas with big strobe units. I was able to get my foot in the door at the Forum with the Kings and Lakers. My first big break was shooting the 1983 NBA All Star Game at the Forum for the NBA. I became the Dodgers team photographer in 1984. I co-created NBA Photos in 1986 and became their first official photographer. My career spans over 40 years, including holding the position of Director of Photography for AEG’s Crypto.com Arena and Microsoft Theater.
I am a co-founder of a sports content platform called Legends Of Sport.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My photography career path has been full of many ups and downs, but that is what makes it so fulfilling. I was not encouraged to be a sports photographer at Art Center., however I’m from Brooklyn and that resistance only fueled my passion to succeed. My field is very competitive. I’m proud of my longevity with key clients of over 40+ years. Integrity is the cornerstone to my success. Talent, of course, must be a given, but overall professionalism has made my success possible.
At this point in my career and life, I probably should be looking at a nice, quiet retirement. However, my Brooklyn genes have kicked in and I am pivoting to continue building my sports content platform, Legends Of Sport. The challenges are many and very different from building my photography career and business, but I find them exciting and definitely fueling my creative energy for the rest of my work life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My photography company provides full-service team, venue and event photography services. I have built my company to always produce the highest quality of photography with the highest level of professionalism. The photographers and support staff I have hired throughout the years have helped my company become the top in its field.
My content company, Legends Of Sport, celebrates legendary athletes, teams, moments, venues and personalities in sports. I host a weekly podcast, “Legends Of Sport” which can be found on all major podcast platforms.
What were you like growing up?
I was into all kinds of sports growing up in Brooklyn: Stickball, football, street hockey and hoops on the playground and schoolyard. Always the shortest kid in my neighborhood I knew I’d never play varsity sports. But I fell in love with photography at 14 and married my two passions to aspire to be a sports photographer.
Sports was always the way my Dad and I bonded so it was wonderful to repay that to him when I started traveling to prestigious sporting events and took him along.
Contact Info:
- Website: adbphotoinc.com & legendsofsport.net
- Instagram: @adbphotoinc & @legendsofsport
- Twitter: @adbphotoinc & @legends_ofsport
- Youtube: Legends Of Sport
Image Credits
Magic/Michael, Michael with trophy, Kobe B&W, LeBron in air, Magic/Bird, Mamba Mentality: All ©Andrew D. Bernstein/NBA Photos/via Getty Images Legends Of Sport podcast photo, Kirk Gibson baseball: ©Andrew D. Bernstein Hockey from above photo: ©Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI/via Getty Images
