Episode 28 with Andrew D. Bernstein: Photography, Preparation, Legends

Bernstein’s photography has appeared in thousands of newspapers and magazine covers worldwide, as well as major advertising campaigns for over 30 years. Recent commercial projects include featuring some of the world’s top athletes for Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Icy Hot and GlaxoSmithKline. The unique personal rapport Bernstein has developed with athletes over the years allows him exclusive access to special behind-the-scenes moments, some of which were showcased in the 2010 book he co-authored with legendary Hall of Fame NBA coach Phil Jackson, “Journey to the Ring”, documenting the 2009-10 Lakers championship season. In 2018, Bernstein collaborated with five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant on the worldwide bestselling book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” a unique look at Bryant’s 20 year career through Bernstein’s lens.

Andrew and his company, Andrew D. Bernstein Associates Photography, Inc., has served as team photographer for the LA Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers and LA Dodgers. In addition, Bernstein holds the position of Director of Photography for STAPLES Center and Microsoft Theater L.A. Live, the sports and entertainment complex in Los Angeles.

Recognized as a highly-skilled and innovative action and portrait photographer, Bernstein was involved in the creation of NBA Photos in 1986, which is recognized as the worldwide leader in licensing of NBA photography. He was instrumental in the creation of the position of Senior Director of NBA Photos, a position he held from 1986 through 2011, and he continues to serve as the longest tenured league photographer. He is the key photographic contributor to NBA Entertainment’s global media platforms, which include NBA.com, all league publications and NBA licensed products.

Sports fans off the printed page know Andrew, making frequent television and radio appearances to discuss his work. He co-produced a popular show currently running on Time Warner Cable SportsNet, “Through The Lens”, hosting discussions with notable Lakers and NBA personalities via his iconic photographs. Click here to view the teaser: https://vimeo.com/138102127

Bernstein was instrumental in the development and use of new technology, both on and off the court, including the multiple camera Flash Wizard II system, which revolutionized indoor sports action photography by using triggers and remotes with strobe lighting.

Bernstein is a founding partner of a new media and events company called Legends Of Sport that celebrates legendary athletes, teams and moments in sports. Bernstein hosts a weekly podcast called “Legends Of Sport.” The show’s third season is co-produced and distributed by the Los Angeles Times and is available to download through the L.A. Times App and online. The podcast can also be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, as well as other platforms. The platform and podcast can be followed on Twitter: @legends_ofsport, Instagram: @legendsofsport, Blog: www.legendsofsport.blog, YouTube and TikTok: Legends Of Sport