Like many of the professional athletes he photographs, Andrew D. Bernstein is recognized as an all-star in sports photography. The unique personal rapport Bernstein has developed with athletes, coaches and teams over the years allows him exclusive access to special behind-the- scenes moments. A co-founder of NBA Photos, Bernstein is the key photographic contributor to NBA Entertainment’s global media platforms, which include NBA.com, all league publications and NBA licensed products. He has been the team photographer for twelve professional home teams which won championships in basketball (Lakers in 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2020), baseball (Dodgers in 1988) and hockey (Kings in 2012 and 2014). Bernstein has covered 40 NBA Finals and 38 All-Star Games as the senior NBA photographer.
In 2018, Bernstein collaborated with five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant on the worldwide bestselling book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” a unique look at Bryant’s 20-year career through Bernstein’s lens. Previous books include “NBA Hoop Shots: Classic Moments from a Super Era” published in 1996 and “Journey To The Ring” co-authored with Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson in 2010.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame named Bernstein a 2018 Curt Gowdy Media Award recipient, acknowledging his contributions to basketball media. This prestigious award is presented annually to members of the electronic and print media whose longtime efforts have made a significant contribution to the game of basketball. Bernstein is the second photographer to receive this honor.
An inductee of the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame as well as the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and more recently Bernstein has been inducted into the 2024 California Sports Hall of Fame, announcing his retirement capturing sports moments behind the lens to being in front of the camera as a national speaker, author, podcast host, and entrepreneur.
Bernstein co-founded the new sports content platform “Legends Of Sport,” focusing on the most iconic personalities and moments in sports. The platform shares intimate stories through publishing, documentaries, events, and a weekly podcast hosted by Bernstein bearing the same name which is available on all major platforms.
Bernstein was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and earned his B.F.A. from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. Andrew and his wife Mariel reside in Los Angeles, CA and are the parents of four children.
Andrew Bernstein snapped some of the most iconic pictures of Kobe Bryant, and he shared his memories of the Lakers legend ahead of his jersey retirement.
If you caught the NBA Finals last week, you know it’s the biggest event of the year in American professional basketball. It’s also the most important...
Andrew Bernstein gained Kobe Bryant's trust and witnessed some of his most intimate moments.