Photographing an NBA game is a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding experience. It requires specialized equipment, including long lenses and fast cameras capable of freezing action, and demands quick reflexes to capture fleeting moments like dunks and emotional reactions. Positioning is key, with photographers vying for the best angles while navigating tight spaces and avoiding obstructions like referees. Beyond the technical aspects, the article highlights the unique atmosphere of a live game, the camaraderie amongst photographers, and the thrill of capturing iconic images that tell the story of the game. It's a demanding job, requiring both physical and mental stamina, but offers the opportunity to witness and document incredible athleticism at the highest level.
Wayne Dunstan, a former physical education teacher and consultant, is credited with popularizing sport stacking (or cup stacking), the activity involving quickly stacking and unstacking specially designed cups in specific patterns. While speed stacking is now a globally recognized sport with official rules and competitions, Dunstan initially developed it in the 1980s as a low-cost, inclusive activity for his students in Oceanside, California, to improve their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. The activity's simplicity and engaging nature led to its widespread adoption in schools and youth programs, ultimately transforming it into the phenomenon it is today.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and popularity of "Speed Stacks" and similar cup stacking sets. Some recalled using them in school, with varying levels of enjoyment and perceived educational value. Several commenters questioned the claimed benefits of cup stacking for hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity, viewing it more as a toy or game than a serious developmental tool. Others pointed out the marketing savvy behind the product's success, creating a competitive "sport" around a simple activity. The idea of the inventor profiting handsomely from school budgets also drew some cynical remarks. A few users shared alternative, cheaper DIY versions of the cups, highlighting the simplicity of the concept.
StoryTiming offers a race timing system with integrated video replay. It allows race organizers to easily capture finish line footage, synchronize it with timing data, and generate shareable result videos for participants. These videos show each finisher crossing the line with their time and placing overlaid, enhancing the race experience and providing a personalized memento. The system is designed to be simple to set up and operate, aiming to streamline the timing process for races of various sizes.
HN users generally praised the clean UI and functionality of the race timing app. Several commenters with experience in race timing pointed out the difficulty of getting accurate readings, particularly with RFID, and offered suggestions like using multiple readers and filtering out spurious reads. Some questioned the scalability of the system for larger races. Others appreciated the detailed explanation of the technical challenges and solutions implemented, specifically mentioning the clever use of GPS and the value of the instant replay feature for both participants and organizers. There was also discussion about alternative timing methods and the potential for integrating with existing platforms. A few users expressed interest in using the system for other applications beyond racing.
Summary of Comments ( 2 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43731335
Several commenters on Hacker News discussed the intense, fast-paced nature of NBA game photography, echoing the original article's points about needing specialized equipment and quick reflexes. Some highlighted the physical demands and cramped working conditions, with one user mentioning the surprising discomfort of kneeling for extended periods. The discussion also touched upon the evolving technology used, including remote cameras and the significant role of post-processing in creating the final images. A few users expressed interest in the business side, questioning the ownership of the photographers' work and how image licensing operates within the NBA. Finally, there's a brief exchange about the challenges and rewards of photographing other fast-paced sports like hockey.
The Hacker News post titled "Ref Butts and Slam Dunks: What It's Like Photographing an NBA Game" has a modest number of comments, focusing primarily on the technical and logistical challenges of sports photography, specifically within the NBA. No one delves deeply into the "ref butts" aspect mentioned in the title, suggesting it was likely just a catchy hook.
One commenter highlights the difficulty of capturing fast-paced action, mentioning the need for extremely fast autofocus and high frame rates to freeze moments like a slam dunk. They also discuss the challenge of dealing with varying lighting conditions in arenas and the importance of having robust, professional-grade equipment. This comment provides a practical perspective on the technical skill required for this type of photography.
Another comment chain discusses the highly competitive nature of securing media credentials for NBA games. Commenters point out that these positions are often held by established professionals and publications, making it difficult for newcomers to break into the field. This contributes to a broader discussion about access and the challenges faced by independent photographers.
One user reflects on the evolution of sports photography technology, recalling the days of film and the limitations it imposed. They contrast this with the capabilities of modern digital cameras, emphasizing the significant advancements that have made capturing high-quality action shots much easier and more efficient.
A couple of comments touch on the business aspect, mentioning the potential revenue streams for sports photographers, including selling images to news outlets or directly to players. However, this topic isn't explored in great detail.
Overall, the comments offer a glimpse into the world of professional sports photography, highlighting the technical expertise, competitive landscape, and evolving technology involved in capturing iconic sporting moments. While the discussion doesn't reach a high volume, the existing comments offer valuable insights for those interested in the field.