With the Memphis Grizzlies facing off against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first round of the playoffs, I feel like it is appropriate to showcase the two teams during the regular season. It has been a surprising turn around for the Clippers from the season before, which includes an upgraded roster. But it wasn’t known if they would be able to battle through a playoffs series. Well during the regular season, it looks like the Clippers were pretty well matched but were able to edge out the Grizzlies in both games I covered. Here are a few photos from the two games. Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) goes up for a shot defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32).

Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22) dunks the ball on a fast break.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Jeremy Pargo (1) goes up for a shot defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) goes up for a dunk defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Dante Cunningham (44).

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo (32).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks the ball defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Dante Cunningham (44).

Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe (12) goes up for a layup defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Marreese Speights (5).

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) blocks a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11).

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) dunks the ball.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) blocks a shot by Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) blocks a shot by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33).

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) goes up for a shot defended by Los Angeles Clippers center Solomon Jones (21).

Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) attempts to pass the ball defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is fouled while going up for a shot.

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) goes up for a shot defended by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks the ball.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Mo Williams (25) shoots a three point shot.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) attempts a shot defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Dante Cunningham (44) and Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) but is called for traveling.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) attempts to drive the ball defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler (5) goes up for a layup.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) goes up for a shot defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) and Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33).

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks the ball.

Another Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunk.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) defends Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11).

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) fights for the ball with Los Angeles Clippers center Solomon Jones (21) and Los Angeles Clippers guard Randy Foye (4).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) fight for the rebound.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) is fouled while fighting for the loose ball by Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22).

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) goes up for a shot defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22).

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (center), Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (left) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (right) go up for a rebound.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives the ball defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22).

Los Angeles Clippers guard Nick Young (11) goes up for a shot defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo (32).

Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler (5) jump up for the rebound.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) reacts after missing a foul shot.

Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo (32) draws a foul on Los Angeles Clippers forward Reggie Evans (30).

Memphis Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas (10) goes up for a shot defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Nick Young (11).

Web Clips:

The Big West powerhouses match up in Santa Barbara in what seems like the Big West conference tournament finals. They did eventually meet up in the finals, which ended up as another explosive game. Although the score didn’t reflect it, this game was as exciting as it could be. I had a remote setup across the court to capture all the action, which I was really glad I did. Long Beach eventually had a blow out game, ending with a final score of 71-48. Here are a few photos I liked from the game. Long Beach State 49ers forward T.J. Robinson (20) and UC Santa Barbara Gauchos forward Jaime Serna (0) jump up for the rebound.

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos guard James Nunnally (21) attempts to grab the loose ball from Long Beach State 49ers forward Edis Dervisevic (13).

Long Beach State 49ers forward Eugene Phelps (4) goes up for a shot defended by UC Santa Barbara Gauchos center Greg Somogyi (55).

Long Beach State 49ers forward T.J. Robinson (20) goes up for a shot defended by UC Santa Barbara Gauchos center Alan Williams (15).

A two shot sequence while Long Beach State 49ers guard James Ennis (11) goes up for a dunk.

Long Beach State 49ers guard Casper Ware (22) reacts after a foul is called.

Long Beach State 49ers forward Edis Dervisevic (13) and UC Santa Barbara Gauchos forward Jaime Serna (0) fight for the rebound.

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos center Greg Somogyi (55) dunks the ball defended by Long Beach State 49ers forward Nick Shepherd (33).

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos guard Orlando Johnson (33) attempts to drive the ball defended by Long Beach State 49ers center Mike Vantrimpont (14).

The two shots of UC Santa Barbara Gauchos guard Orlando Johnson (33) is fouled by Long Beach State 49ers guard Casper Ware (22) while going up for a dunk with my remote from across the floor.

Long Beach State 49ers guard Casper Ware (22) goes up for a shot defended by UC Santa Barbara Gauchos forward Jaime Serna (0)

Long Beach State 49ers forward Eugene Phelps (4) dunks the ball after a fast break.

Web Clips:

There are many times during my time shooting sports that I am faced with a non-ideal situation. Here I present one of them, at the LMU Gersten Pavilion. FIrst, the lighting was very dark, and second, the color temperature was just horrible. Well you kind of have to play the cards that you are dealt, so I tried to make the best of it. I don’t really like spending lots of time editing, since we are on deadline every single game. So you do your best and see what you can get. Here are some photos from the Gonzaga at Loyola Marymount game I covered earlier this year. Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ashley Hamilton (5) drives the ball defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Elias Harris (20).

Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ashley Hamilton (5) looses the ball while attempting to drive toward the basket.

Loyola Marymount Lions forward Quincy Lawson (20) attempts to dunk the ball defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Elias Harris (20).

Loyola Marymount Lions forward Alex Osborne (15) attempts a shot defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Guy Landry Edi (10).

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Kevin Pangos (4) goes up for a shot defended by Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ashley Hamilton (5).

Loyola Marymount Lions guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi (24) and Gonzaga Bulldogs center Robert Sacre (00) fight for the rebound.

Loyola Marymount Lions guard Ayodeji Egbeyemi (24) and Gonzaga Bulldogs center Robert Sacre (00) fight for the rebound.

Gonzaga Bulldogs center Robert Sacre (00) grabs a rebound on top of Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ashley Hamilton (5).

Gonzaga Bulldogs center Sam Dower (35) and Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ashley Hamilton (5) fight for the rebound.

Loyola Marymount Lions forward Ashley Hamilton (5) and Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Elias Harris (20) fight for positioning during after a foul shot.

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Gary Bell (5) goes up for a layup.

Gonzaga Bulldogs center Robert Sacre (00) celebrates with his team after a shot.

Loyola Marymount Lions guard Anthony Ireland (3) goes up for a shot defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs guard David Stockton (11).

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Mathis Keita (25) blocks a Loyola Marymount Lions forward LaRon Armstead (12).

Loyola Marymount Lions forward Alex Osborne (15) makes a shot defended by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Elias Harris (20).

Web Clips:

While the Kings were closing in on the Playoff race, the Ducks were just fighting to stay relevant. Even though these were two bottom ranked teams, there is always some sort of pride on the line. The game ended in a blow out, with a hat trick by the Anaheim Ducks’ Corey Perry. This high scoring game ended 7-4. Here are a few photos from the day. Anaheim Ducks left wing Niklas Hagman (12) and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Marc Methot (3) collide.

Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Derek Dorsett (15), Anaheim Ducks center Saku Koivu (11) and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman (32) fight for the puck in front of goal

Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Rick Nash (not pictured) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1).

Columbus Blue Jackets center Samuel Pahlsson (26) and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Grant Clitsome (14) watch as Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Derek Dorsett (15) and Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) fight.

Anaheim Ducks right wing Teemu Selanne (8) passes the puck in front of three Columbus Blue Jackets defenders.

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford (30) looks for the puck after a shot.

Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Rick Nash (61) and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Luca Sbisa (5) fight for possession of the puck.

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing R.J. Umberger (18) trips while attempting to get possession of the puck from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky (17).

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Vaclav Prospal (not pictured) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goalie Iiro Tarkki.

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing R.J. Umberger (18) and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sheldon Brookbank (21) fight for the puck in front of goal.

Anaheim Ducks ice girl celebrates after a hat trick by Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10).

The Anaheim Ducks celebrate after a hat trick by Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10).

Web Clips:

Melody and I planned to snowshoe more this season, but our plans were foiled and we were only able to go out one time. Maybe next year will give us a little more time and weather to head out again. I wanted to hike around the San Jacinto area in Palm Springs as a little hike to familiarize us with the type of exertion and weather we should be expecting. I don’t think Melody was planning on this hike being tougher than on solid ground. Well, we had to first ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tram to get up to the San Jacinto Wilderness. This gives you spectacular views of the rock face as you scale thousands of feet up.

When we got there, we were welcomed by this cute fellow.

His owner was just showing him off to everyone. No one could resist to pass him.

We decided to head out into the wilderness without our snow shoes on. It wasn’t really deep during the beginning sections.

But we soon decided to try out our new kicks. Here is Melody struggling with her set.

After a few miles, we started to get a little hungry. This could have been because we didn’t really eat a hearty breakfast.

Our delicious Trek mix from Trader Joes.

I asked Melody to pose for a second in the woods.

Melody’s new kicks.

As we were headed to our final destination, here is Melo.

Round Valley.

We took a another way back, and the views were gorgeous.

I think the next few are funny. Notice how Melody has the same expression for all her photos! I should make a where is Melody with these!

Lastly, a sad Melody after she fell on a steep decent down the snow.

Although the Bruins have been in a slump this year, they had some bright spots going against the PAC-12. While they faced the Arizona Sun Devils in their new home at the Honda Center, they were able to win in a lopsided game. The Bruins ended up defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 75-58. Here are a few photos I liked from the day. UCLA Bruins guard Lazeric Jones (11) reacts after a foul is called after he strips the ball for a fast break.

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Max Heller (12) attempts a shot defended by UCLA Bruins forward Travis Wear (24).

Arizona State Sun Devils center Ruslan Pateev (23) and UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4) battle for the loose ball.

UCLA Bruins guard Jerime Anderson (5) and Arizona State Sun Devils guard Trent Lockett (24) fight for the loose ball.

UCLA Bruins forward Travis Wear (24) dunks the ball while being fouled by Arizona State Sun Devils center Jordan Bachynski (13).

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Trent Lockett (24) blocks a shot by UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4).

UCLA Bruins forward Travis Wear (24) jumps up for a shot defended by Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jonathan Gilling (31) .

UCLA Bruins forward Travis Wear (24) and Arizona State Sun Devils forward Jonathan Gilling (31) fight for the rebound.

UCLA Bruins guard Tyler Lamb (1) goes up for a layup defended by Arizona State Sun Devils center Ruslan Pateev (23).

UCLA Bruins center Joshua Smith (34) goes up for a shot defended by Arizona State Sun Devils center Ruslan Pateev (23).

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Carrick Felix (0) jumps up for a wild pass defended by UCLA Bruins guard Tyler Lamb (1).

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Trent Lockett (24) is pressured by UCLA Bruins guard Tyler Lamb (1) and UCLA Bruins center Joshua Smith (34) while driving the ball.

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Trent Lockett (24) attempts a shot defended by UCLA Bruins center Joshua Smith (34).

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Trent Lockett (24) jumps up for a rebound.

Web Clips:

The Ducks were the kings of Southern California last season, but all has changed during the few months that followed. The Ducks fell into a slump and was unable to fly their way out of it. Fortunately for Southern California, the Ducks reign supreme against the New York Islanders, winning 4-2. New York Islanders left wing Matt Moulson (26) attempts to handle the puck away from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23).

Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) blocks a shot.

Anaheim Ducks left wing Matt Beleskey (39) and New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen (51) fight for the puck

Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) pops the puck up in the air while blocking a shot.

Anaheim Ducks left wing Bobby Ryan (9) attempts to move the puck in front of the goal defended by New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic (3).

New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) reaches to push the puck away from the goal.

Anaheim Ducks left wing Bobby Ryan (9) celebrates with his team after a goal.

New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) attempts to keep possession of the puck defended by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4).

With the NCAA basketball season over, and a little time on my side, I am updating with a few games I shot this spring. First up is the UCLA Bruins taking on the Arizona Wildcats outside of Westwood. Their temporary home at the Honda Center gave them a lot of mileage to travel for a “home” game. Here are a few shots I liked from the day. UCLA Bruins guard Jerime Anderson (5) moves the ball up the court guarded by Arizona Wildcats guard Josiah Turner (11)

Arizona Wildcats guard Josiah Turner (11) goes up for a dunk on a fast break against the UCLA Bruins.

UCLA Bruins guard Jerime Anderson (5) reacts after a dunk.

Arizona Wildcats forward Solomon Hill (44) forces UCLA Bruins guard Jerime Anderson (5) out of bounds.

UCLA Bruins guard Jerime Anderson (5) is fouled while going up for a shot by Arizona Wildcats forward Angelo Chol (30).

Arizona Wildcats guard Josiah Turner (11) goes up for a shot defended by UCLA Bruins guard Norman Powell (4).

Arizona Wildcats guard Josiah Turner (11) goes up for a layup.

Arizona Wildcats guard Kevin Parrom (3) goes up for a layup.

Arizona Wildcats forward Angelo Chol (30) goes up for a layup defended by UCLA Bruins forward Brendan Lane (20).

Arizona Wildcats forward Solomon Hill (44) attempts to go up for a shot defended by UCLA Bruins forward Travis Wear (24)

Arizona Wildcats guard Josiah Turner (11) goes up for a shot defended by UCLA Bruins forward Brendan Lane (20).

UCLA Bruins guard Tyler Lamb (1) loses the ball defended by Arizona Wildcats guard Jordin Mayes (20).

UCLA Bruins guard Jerime Anderson (5) steals the ball away from Arizona Wildcats guard Kyle Fogg (21)

Web Clips:

This last summer, the X-Games were hosted across the street from LA Live. I was in the prime location on top of EVO, so I didn’t have to wait in the crowds and I had an aerial view. Here are two photos I took that day, I just discovered that I had this post as a draft and was looking for it.

For the second year in a row, I was asked to cover the Rosebowl in Pasadena. This time around, the PAC 12 champions and the BIG 10 champions faced for a BCS bowl game. The match up looked like a high scoring game, and I wasn’t disappointed while covering the game. But before the game, I decided to walk around and cover some of the pregame activities as well as find some scenes around the Rosebowl. I was told before the game that I would have a station setup as an overhead spot, but still would be able to go down to shoot the game for the second and third quarters. Here are a few shots that I liked from the game. Wisconsin fans look at roses prior to the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers.

An assortment of roses stamped with Wisconsin Badgers and Oregon Ducks logos prior to the game.

Roses stamped with Oregon Ducks and Wisconsin Badgers logos prior to the game in the 2012 Rose Bowl game.

Oregon Ducks fans cheer prior to the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers.

A group photo of the Wisconsin Badger’s marching band prior to the start of the game between the Oregon Ducks and Wisconsin Badgers.

Oregon Ducks warm up prior to the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers

Since I was in the overhead spot, I decided to walk up just before the pregame festivities started. I walked up to setup above one of the walkway tunnels and got a unique angle on at least the pregame, post game as well as the first and last quarter of the game. Wisconsin Badgers marching band performs prior to the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers.

The Wisconsin marching band was a lot more interested from my perspective, so I had to get a few photos.

Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger runs out with the Wisconsin Badgers flag during the show.

Last photo of the marching band before the game started. I didn’t have time to take photos of the half time show, so I only have a limited selection of the Oregon Duck’s marching band. I had to transmit images during that time.

Here is one of the only photos I have of the Oregon Ducks marching band, not as organized.

Wisconsin Badgers run onto the field prior to the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Since I feel like I am suppose to cover all of the event, I decided to get a few shots around the stadium as well. These photos are generally good stock photos. A general view of the field prior to the game between the Oregon Ducks and the Wisconsin Badgers.

I also wanted to get an overview of the stadium while I was up in the overhead spot, this is my view with a fisheye lens.

And the game begins, Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) lines up behind the line prior to a snap against the Oregon Ducks.

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis (4) scores a touchdown tackled in the end zone by Oregon Ducks cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14).

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) throws a pass.

Oregon Ducks running back De’Anthony Thomas (6) runs passed Wisconsin Badgers players for a touchdown.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) is tripped up by Oregon Ducks linebacker Kiko Alonso (47).

Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) and his team huddle up during a time out.

Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) avoids a tackle by Wisconsin Badgers defensive back Dezmen Southward (12).

Oregon Ducks running back De’Anthony Thomas (6) celebrates with Oregon Ducks offensive linesman Nick Cody (61) after a score against the Wisconsin Badgers.

One of the coolest, and possibly most reckless plays, I have seen in person. Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) jumps over Oregon Ducks safety John Boyett (20).

Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) jumps over Oregon Ducks safety John Boyett (20).

Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) attempts to avoid a tackle by Wisconsin Badgers defensive tackle Beau Allen (96).

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Nick Toon (1) catches a touchdown pass defended by Wisconsin Badgers safety Frank Tamakloe (47).

Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James (21) is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Chris Borland (44) and Wisconsin Badgers defensive lineman Pat Muldoon (92).

Oregon Ducks offensive linesman Carson York (77) is injured during play against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson (16) passes the ball off to Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28).

Oregon Ducks linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) celebrates with Oregon Ducks defensive end Terrell Turner (45) after an interception against the Wisconsin Badgers.

Time to move back up in prep for the end of the game. Oregon Ducks defensive end Terrell Turner (45) recovers a fumble by Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis (4).

And the rest is the celebration after the Oregon Ducks defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 45-38 in the 2012 Rosebowl.

Web Clips: