Kings v. Spurs (Pre-Season) 10.8.15

Though this was just a pre-season game, it was still extremely exciting to be back at the arena. I made sure to come extra early to get a few extra shots of stuff that happen before most people get in. CSN Correspondent James Ham pointed out that Becky Hammon and Nancy Lieberman were having a chat courtside, so I had to get a snap of that! It's awesome to see these two strong basketball minds sharing a bit before they duke it out during the game.

Pink was in the house tonight as the Kings had their breast cancer awareness day going on. Breast cancer survivors had the opportunity to stand at center court and be acknowledged during a very emotional presentation. I took the opportunity to pick up a couple of pink Kings t-shirts. I can't wait to wear them.

One of the biggest story lines this summer was the acquisition of Rajon Rondo. He had a down year last season and many experts around the country questioned the Kings choice to pick him up. I'm hoping that he and the Kings will surprise a lot of people around the league when the season starts up.

Before I knew it the game was starting. Slamson came out in his roller skates with a giant Sacramento Proud flag that he waved around as he zipped along on the court. What a great way to start the pre-season off! 

After the starters were introduced I was able to capture this photo of the huddle. I just love how we have a finger pointed upwards towards the Kings' goal this year. We can only move up from our struggles the last few seasons.

Here's a rare glimpse into the tunnel as the Kings Dancers run onto the court. The dancers have to wait there until their specific time-out is called so they can perform their routine. Tonight's group was mostly veteran dancers. All but one of the rookies were in the crowd watching... and learning.

The pre-season is a time when coaches see the new talent on the team. Seth Curry got his first taste of action late in the game. It was exciting to see him score a basket on his very first shot up. I hope he's able to succeed in the league.

It's always fun seeing a win, and the Kings did just that tonight. There is one more pre-season game to cover on Saturday, then it's a couple weeks before the home opener. Let's get this season going!

Kings Trivia Day with Scott Pollard 9.27.15

Kings Season ticket holders had the chance to enjoy some friendly competition at Track 7 Brewing Company yesterday afternoon. The Kings hosted a fun trivia day with special guest Scott Pollard. Pollard was a fan favorite during his tenure with the team.

The fans had a wonderful time enjoying each others company with some quality crafted suds at Track 7's spacious facility. I'm sure many of the season ticket holders who came out to the event will return to this fabulous location.

Scott Fresh was on the mic (as usual!) helping fans keep informed of the different things going on. I feel like its been a while since I've seen him so I just had to get this selfie. I'm sure there will be more of these to come as the season starts up!

No Kings event would be complete without the Kings Dancers and Slamson. They were around talking and taking photos with the fans. 

This is what happens when you give a Kings Dancer your camera! Roxy is here getting some Selfie Sunday pics of herself up! FYI - Roxy is one of the team captains this year!

Huge thanks to Scott Pollard for coming out and interacting with the Kings fans. He was awesome and gave of his time generously. Everyone loves seeing the former Kings when they come for a visit!

15-16 Season Tickets Have Arrived 9.23.15

I came home from work today to a very nice surprise in my mailbox. A black rectangular box with a Kings sticker was waiting for me. I excitedly brought it up to my room upstairs and opened it up.

Each season ticket member received this sweet photo book from the Kings. It highlights big moments in Kings history. This is especially significant since this season will mark the last at Sleep Train aka Arco Arena.

I was told that one of my photos would be featured in the book... and here it is! Thanks to the Kings for deeming this photo worthy of the book, and thanks for crediting it to me! It is such an honor!

So these badges will see a lot of work this season. I am still looking for people to join me at the games. If you'd like to purchase a part of my season tickets please contact me!

SKD Mini Camp 7.31.15

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything on this site! Well... it is the off-season, I guess! Anyways, it's been an eventful summer for me in my photographic endeavors. I've been busy with photographing weddings and events all around the Sacramento area. In the midst of all of that I did have a chance to check out the SKD mini-camp held in downtown Sacramento this summer. This camp is for all the dancers who made the roster for this upcoming season. The picture above shows the rookie dancers signing their Kings contracts - a very exciting moment for sure!

The dancers from the previous year didn't have to come as early as the rookies. I caught up with them outside the conference room while the rookies were doing their thing. It was great seeing all the girls who made it back on the team! They are a very strong and talented group, no doubt.

Of course the person behind all of SKD is Jenn Santich. She organized the camp and is the boss when it comes to the Kings Dance team. Jenn runs a tight and organized ship that always impresses. I could tell that she was eager to get started with this year's group.

The rookies got a run-down of the Kings organization and how it operates. They will have to be ambassadors for the Kings as they represent the team at many events throughout the year. Being an SKD is not just about dancing on the court! There really is a lot that goes into this job.

After all of the paperwork, the girls got to the real work. Jenn organized a special yoga class for the girls. They were definitely learning some new balance techniques as they attended the class. Already being great athletes, the SKD picked up what to do in no time.

I'm sure the SKD will once again soar to new heights this upcoming season. The team is strong and the excitement is higher than ever. These ladies are going to kill it on the court!

Willie Cauley-Stein's Day in Sacramento 6.27.15

Just a couple of days after the Kings drafted Willie Cauley-Stein, Willie found himself in Sacramento. I was fortunately enough to get the call to photograph his first full day in Sac-town! We got up early and headed off to the Embassy Suites where Willie was staying. We'd be using Uber all day to transport us to various locations around town.

The first stop of the tour the Sacramento midtown farmer's market. Here, Willie got a taste of the fresh foods Sacramento has to offer. He got to try a variety of fruits and local goods. In the picture above, Willie is tasting some locally produced honey.

The next destination was the courts on Mack Road. I was here last year when the Kings opened up these courts in the community. It was great to be back here seeing the courts being used for basketball. Quite a few kids were on hand to see Willie!

Willie had some great interactions with the kids. He was shooting around with them, signing autographs, and helping a few lucky kids dunk a basketball! The kids had a great time meeting the Kings newest player.

It was down to business after Mack Road. We headed out to the Kings Experience Center in downtown for Willie's first NBA press conference. He had to change out of his t-shirt and into a suite for this event. As you can see there was quite a large media presence for this.

Willie sat in the middle of Vivek and Vlade as he was introduced to the media. Willie was poised as he sat and answered questions from the different outlets. He's a total natural and you can tell he's done this sort of thing before.

Though Vivek and Vlade were there, Willie did most of the talking and did a great job of representing himself at the NBA presser. It looks like he's already got a good handle on how things go in the NBA!

When the media session was done the Kings staff gave Willie a tour of the Experience Center. He got to put on the Oculus device and get a 3-D look at the new arena and also got a chance to watch a promotional video as well. The video definitely pumps you up to be in Sacramento.

After a quick lunch we drove off to the US Senior Open. This was a huge event with a lot of security around. We all had to have special passes and an escort to get us around the grounds. The USGA did a wonderful job of welcoming all of us to the premises though.

Willie stood head and shoulders above most the people at the Senior Open so he was definitely noticed. Many of the folks attending the event took the time to wish Willie well and welcomed him to Sacramento.

Our final stop was at Gunther's Ice-Cream. Gunther's is my personal favorite place for ice-cream in Sacramento. Willie went behind the counter and scooped some ice-cream for a lucky patron!

Gunther's was the perfect place to end our tour of Sacramento. It was definitely a whirlwind of a day, but I think overall it was a good one. I really wish Willie the best as he begins his time here in Sacramento - there is so much to offer here! I'm glad he got a chance to get a taste of what it's like in this great city.

Kings Draft Party at the Mix and Firestone 6.25.15

The NBA draft was held last night. Kings season ticket holders had the chance to celebrate with a draft party at the Mix in downtown. Firestone Public House (just next door) also had their own draft party going on concurrently. I went to check out the Mix first, but got hungry after a few picks in so I went down to Firestone to watch the rest of the draft and try to secure myself some food!

Grant Napear was doing his show at his usual location whenever he broadcasts out of Firestone. Carmichael Dave was also on site talking to fans and participating in the show. The draft is always a big day in Sacramento, and it gets full coverage by the news media here.

Both the Mix and Firestone were absolutely packed with Kings fans awaiting the news of who the Kings would draft this year with their number six pick. A lot of rumors have been swirling around the Kings regarding their players, coach, and front office personnel. Today would be a big day to put the those to rest.

At the number six spot the Kings picked Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein is a very tall big man that is known for his defensive capabilities. A loud cheer went up as he was picked by the Kings. It'll be interesting now to see how he pans out for the team.

When it was all said and done I didn't end up getting food at Firestone - it was just too packed! As I walked back to my car I realized that the Squeeze Inn with their famous cheese skirt was right nearby. This is what I ended up getting. Yum.

SKD Dance Clinic 6.18.15

Last Thursday the Sacramento Kings Dancers held their first dance clinic of the summer. This event was an opportunity for anyone looking to be a dancer to get some expert help and advice from the current SKD. These clinics are well worth it for SKD hopefuls because they get personal time at Sleep Train Arena to help them prepare for SKD auditions coming up in July.

Jenn Santich was of course on hand to keep an eye on things and help answer any questions the dancers could have. Jenn is a wealth of knowledge and it would be a prudent thing for any SKD hopeful to ask her as many questions as possible.

Though Jenn was at the clinic, the main portion of the instruction was given by a few of the current Kings Dancers. The SKD led the girls through warm-ups, skills across the court, and even a routine. 

I'm sure it was a fun, but difficult time for the girls who came out. They got to see what the SKD have to go through on an everyday basis. 

I was impressed by those who came out. There was definitely a sense of wanting to learn and impress. Seeing the girls smile while dancing was really great. Just the act of smiling goes a long way in making a performance worth watching.

At the end of the clinic the girls all gathered around and got to talk with Jenn and the SKD. Some great advice was given out. Now it's up to the girls to prepare for the audition process coming next month. It should be exciting!