Last Chance to Enter: September 18th! | Enter Now
Juror Feature
Andrew D. Bernstein, Co-Founder, Podcast Host, Legends of Sport
Ever lost your camera equipment mid-shoot during an NBA Finals? Juror Andrew D. Bernstein has, and he still nailed the assignment. A Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame photographer, Andrew spent 43 years as the NBA’s official photographer, capturing the Lakers, Clippers and Kings, and co-authored The Mamba Mentality with the late Kobe Bryant. These days he’s traded strobes for storytelling as co-founder and host of the Legends Of Sport podcast. Read on to discover how four decades of split-second decisions behind the camera shaped his philosophy on what makes creative work truly stand out.
What does a typical day look like for you?
For 45 years my work day was centered around my photography business. Retired from active photography in 2024. Fully involved in growing the Legends Of Sport platform and weekly podcast.
What was your first job?
Team photographer for the Los Angeles Aztecs of the North American Soccer League in 1980.
Do you have any brainstorming rituals? What are they?
I rely on my longtime mentors and colleagues from 4+ decades in the world of professional sports. I also regularly have brainstorming sessions with my talented and dedicated content and production crew at Legends Of Sport.
When did you know that this career was what you wanted to do?
At 19 when I made the life changing decision to move from my native east coast to Los Angeles to attend Art Center College of Design.
What was the biggest pivot you had to make when working on a project?
Photographing professional sports requires constant adjustments on the fly. Losing the use of my strobes during the 1988 NBA Finals in Detroit’s Silverdome required quick thinking and in the moment decisions.
Do you have any hobbies that shape your work today?
I love reading biographies and autobiographies about sports personalities.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first started your career?
To have more patience and trust in the process of building a career.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends?
My amazing crew keeps me updated. Especially when I had to transition from film to digital.
What new territory of media, design or marketing are you interested in getting into?
Understanding how AI can help Legends Of Sport with content and activations.
If you weren’t working in this industry, what would you see yourself doing?
Probably teaching photography in high school
In an ever-changing digital landscape, what aspects of a project leave a lasting impression?
High quality production and content
Do you have any tips for entrants on how to prepare an award-winning entry?
Consider if an individual project or a full body of work is what you want to submit
What’s the first thing you look at when you view an entry?
Simplicity of design
How has your definition of “great creative work” changed in the last few years?
I pride myself on being prepared. Great work come from preparation–either behind a camera or behind a microphone
Beat the buzzer and enter your best work by Friday, September 18th. This is your last chance to enter this season.