WORK VLOG: college basketball edition

Working a college basketball game, especially an ACC/SEC Challenge, is truly an electrifying experience! It's not just about watching the game; it's about being right there in the thick of the action, capturing every moment from behind the lens. Let me tell you more about what my day looked like, from setup to wrap-up. My morning started bright and early, arriving at the impressive Stegeman Coliseum. Before the doors even opened to the public, I was there, setting up my gear. It’s always fascinating to see the arena before it fills up – the calm before the storm, with basketball players warming up on the court, the scoreboard displaying test patterns, and the silence hinting at the roar to come. My camera for the night, a professional camera with a long lens, was meticulously prepped, ensuring all power outlets were ready for continuous action. There's a real art to getting those perfect shots, and having your equipment dialed in is step one. As game time approached, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The coliseum transformed into a sea of fans, especially those in red, cheering loudly. It was a full house, and the energy was palpable! Our role was to capture the 'roaming game action angle' tonight, which meant constantly moving to follow the intensity of Notre Dame battling the University of Georgia. Every dribble, every shot, every defensive play—it was all ours to document. Seeing the crowd erupt and hearing their cheers firsthand really fuels your work. And yes, working long hours means staying fueled too! I was definitely grateful for the dinner provided, a classic Chick-fil-A meal with fries, to keep my energy up during the fast-paced game. The game itself was a nail-biter, a truly good game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The scoreboard constantly flickered with player images and crucial game information, adding to the drama. When the final buzzer sounded, and the Georgia Bulldogs secured their victory, the court erupted. It's incredible to capture the raw emotion of a team celebrating their win, seeing the players and coaches in their red and black uniforms huddle together, celebrating. But the work doesn't stop when the game ends! Next up was post-game interviews. We moved to an area set up with a microphone attachment and the iconic 'GEORGIA BULLDOGS' banner in the background. Capturing the players' and coaches' immediate reactions adds another layer to the story. Afterwards, it was time to head back to the office, navigating the hallways with their distinctive black and white striped walls, past the auxiliary locker rooms. The final task of the night involved meticulously loading and labeling footage. This is crucial for organization and ensuring everything can be easily found for editing. It's a long day, but every moment, from the initial setup to the final labeling, is incredibly rewarding. If you're passionate about sports and media, getting involved in events like this is an unparalleled experience that truly brings you closer to the heart of the game.