First time shooting NCAA basketball

Okay, I will be heading to Carver-Hawkeye Arena to get my feet wet in college basketball before conference season starts and the place is (I'm assuming will be) full of photogs and people, etc.

Was wondering what the normal media set up is? Like, is there a media workroom or do photogs just do photos courtside?

Also, just some general things to expect would be nice. I've shot basketball and everything before, just not D1. And I've not had any experience at Carver, so if anyone has please help a brother out! I read in the media guide that there was an overhead camera/tv platform, is this something for remotes or could someone go up and shoot for a bit, then move down court side?

In most D1 schools there will be a taped off area on one side of the baseline, this is usually for photo and video the other side baseline are usually for the school cheer and dance team. Most arenas will have a photo work room to setup and leave your gear. Depending on how big the game is and if it is televised will determine how crowded the baselines will be. Also if you are going to be covering alot of basketball get one of these or something similar it will save your back.
http://www.crazycreek.​com …ne-chairs/longback-chair/

gromeo wrote in post #13395341
In most D1 schools there will be a taped off area on one side of the baseline, this is usually for photo and video the other side baseline are usually for the school cheer and dance team. Most arenas will have a photo work room to setup and leave your gear. Depending on how big the game is and if it is televised will determine how crowded the baselines will be. Also if you are going to be covering alot of basketball get one of these or something similar it will save your back.
http://www.crazycreek.​com …ne-chairs/longback-chair/

Is that taped off area first come-first served? I think I've seen where photogs will tape business cards down. I'm shooting both teams so I'll probably just be on one side of the court the whole night.

And I'll have to pick up one of those. I shoot a lot of basketball, but only at high schools until this week. And high school gyms have a conveniently placed wall behind the baseline to lean against...colleges obviously do not so I'll have to get one of those.

kyleo92 wrote in post #13395358
Is that taped off area first come-first served?

It depends. Last year every game I went to for OSU there was a sheet in the media room with your designated spot. That hasn't been the case this year. So it really depends on the school.

malibubts wrote in post #13395454
It depends. Last year every game I went to for OSU there was a sheet in the media room with your designated spot. That hasn't been the case this year. So it really depends on the school.

I don't think there is too much media there for Iowa at all...but I would imagine assigned seating is probably mostly done during conference games? I'm assuming what I've learned in other things is that conference games have more media? I know they generally just televise conference games...

Any one here every shoot at Carver in IA City? Really curious about that overhead camera platform...will just have to see when I get there to shoot I guess.

I got to say, was very different compared to other professional events (knowing that college isn't technically pro, but still). But, I cover NASCAR/IndyCar events which do bring more danger when shooting so they do require photo/safety meetings. There are also more things that go on in a day. So, seemed weird where you just show up, flash your credential to a security card and off you go.

And I'm def. not in basketball shape. My back was worn out and my feet were asleep. Yikes. That chair is an investment I'm about to make I think. I don't really need it for highschool, because my gyms have a built in back support (a.k.a. padded wall) where I sit. But if I will have this before shooting another college game, guarantee it!

Was fun though. I had some envy going on...wish I could shoot 1/640, f3.5 iso1600 without strobes in a gym. WOW...consistent and even light...was fun not to have to battle the very extremely high iso to fight for as high of a shutter speed as possible in a dark dungeon. Maybe we can get another stimulus package that I can use to get some strobes! (You listening Washington...don't have to give one to everybody...just me)