Most people think basketball photography is just pointing at the action, but at the D1 level you need a shot list. In this video I break down the complete system I use as the Creative Director for Colorado State Athletics to cover an entire game from start to finish—home or road, any gym in the country. It’s not just angles, it’s four buckets (chapters) that build an actual story: Arrival, Setting the Scene, Game Time, and Postgame. I start with travel and arena entry—wide angle, varied perspectives, and I’m always hunting that jumbotron/tunnel frame that makes the building feel big. Then I shift into warmups: shoes getting tied, stretching, routines, and my non-negotiable “pregame bounce” because everybody deserves a moment that makes them feel like that dude. From there it’s reactive game coverage—baseline under-the-rim action (I bookend games there), the point guard dribble-up at 200mm, threes from different baseline angles, coaches, and especially portraits in timeouts because that’s where you separate yourself. I also talk about mixing horizontals, changing elevation (stands/rafters), hunting details, and finishing strong with handshake lines, fan moments, locker room access for big wins, and press conferences. Stick to this and you’ll stop walking out of gyms guessing—you’ll leave with a story every time.