I’m taking you behind the scenes of me shooting my first ever NBA game—Kings vs. Nuggets—inside Ball Arena. This wasn’t just “new credential” hype either. I’m there to photograph Nate “Nick” Clifford, a CSU alum and Colorado native who’s been a constant on my channel, so the whole night felt like a full-circle moment. From the media entrance and the tucked-away media room to getting my first look at the court lighting, you’re seeing the real, unfiltered process. Once I dropped my gear, I went straight to Nick’s pregame routine and started working close with my 35mm, then tested a Prism Lens FX starburst filter just to see what NBA arena lights would do. I was hunting frames that felt intentional—like pulling the Nuggets logo into the composition while still keeping Nick the main subject—then adjusting angles (even up in the bleachers) when the first idea wasn’t hitting. I also talk through the biggest differences from college: tighter floor access, fewer sideline boxes, and even how fast the film sessions happen right on the court. Even without living courtside, I still found ways to build “man in the arena” frames, got lucky with the exact logo shot I wanted, and ended the night with my favorite photo—Nick as the hometown hero with his people showing love after the final whistle.