New York's Viral Basketball Court on Film | West 4th

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West 4th Park is a famous basketball court in New York City. Nicknamed "The Cage", people clamor around the 15ft fence surrounding the court to watch pickup games or, in this case, the West 4th Summer League. This historic court has seen many NBA players come through like New York's own Stephon Marbury, Jayson Williams, Patrick Beverly, Rod Strickland, and more.
The Cage is notorious for its small court which makes it difficult for most offenses to get going due to lack of spacing between players in 5 v 5. However, there are a good handful of players who have mastered this court and their craft to create incredibly impressive offensive performances. Most games pass 100 points in four 8-minute quarters, which is very surprising considering the aforementioned spacing issue.
The West 4th Summer League is from early June to late August, and it's a great for all fans of basketball to come watch and join in on the show.
Come say hello!
IG: / whoschrischu
Website: www.chrischuph...
Discord: / discord

[@RobOfficial_SA]

I'm a photographer from South Africa,based in the UK. I must say there's something about this video that makes it so elevating and unique,Thank you for the exceptional content

[@DrewJoiner]

Loved the video! New sub here

[@itscapturedbysam]

I was trying to finish a roll yesterday, I saw a couple of kids playing basketball at a park, I took 6 shots, "practice action shots" I thought, but none of them came out good~ and I got hit by the ball straight on my head... so yeah... Sports photography is difficult 😂 ... Your photos came out really nice!! Definitely captured the energy and vibe~

[@whoschrischu]

yikes haha sometimes the game punishes :( but don't let it stop you from photographing those sweet moments! and thanks for the love haha

[@JohnPark-z5i]

Yo, CC. This is a really well done video. Great stills and vid. BW is particularly effective for this. Couple things- You mentioned worrying about did you get deep enough. If you want a true documentary approach to W 4th (like all true docs) with feeling, depth and soul--this takes time. like sometimes years. You don't say how many days you shot here but I bet it wasn't enough. To capture the authentic humanity, anguish and joys of the fans and the players you have to bear witness over time to spot and document the rhythms, faces (new and old), and varieties of play that emerge. The "story" won't be immediately evident. In fact, you don't make the story, life does. So again, this takes time, a lot of it. You're on the right path. You also talk about being late to the game or not knowing enough about b-ball. This is a false assumption--this is actually your key advantage, i.e. beginner's mind. By not knowing "enough" you don't know what are the "proper" or "best" ways to shoot. Your ignorance (not stupidity) makes you fresh and able to see things others don't or take for granted. This applies to any new subject matter. You're in a good place. Finally, explore the auto winder for the M6. Surprisingly useful at times. If you want some cool Inso, check the Nike b-ball videos they did on 4th St from like 20 years ago. Still dope. Peace, Flava from the bay

[@whoschrischu]

Yo!! Thank you so much for the feedback! Man, it’s true, all true docs demand so much time and focus. I plan to stick with this for the years to come, but thought I’d put out a KZbin video showing “what I’m up to so far”. I hope to have time reveal deeper stories of this court soon Your second point is much appreciated too. I notice all beginners have that edge over seasoned photographers on any topic. I guess I’m just the newbie this time seeing different things. It’s so energizing. I used to own a Leicavit for the M6, but found my thumb naturally whipping the OG winder more than the new one so I sold it haha Love from the Bay!

[@JohnPark-z5i]

@@whoschrischu Cool. BTW I meant the motor drive for the M6, can't remember the model name, but better than the Leicavit.

[@ImperiousImages]

Great project. The images have a distinct vision, makes me want to watch it a few times.

[@ZachandTee]

west 4th is soo dope

[@whoschrischu]

free entertainment every day

[@theironpumpkin]

This video was fantastic, I miss seeing your photos in the videos. But I love that that this video's style was a blend of what you're doing now with what you've done in past videos.

[@whoschrischu]

I gotta bring back some of the old spice back into the fold haha I think the new stuff is too much of a departure. Also gotta let the people know that I can make some eye candy footage too hahaha

[@pdf_tv]

Love this so much. Gives me nothing but motivation to keep working & pursue my dreams as a photographer. Thank you!

[@bupi.]

I’m a photographer from Nigeria, based in SA. I’ve been to NYC once and I watch UK to shows too. I also play basketball. Idk.. this has no relevance whatsoever. Just thought I’d leave this here for your pondering. (The kids call this trolling) But jokes apart, this is an amazing video 👌🏽. I watched it through

[@32ndFoto]

This was definitely my favourite video of yours.. From start to end i was glued in.. Almost felt like a long trailer to a movie everyone has been waiting to see.. This was a Chris Chu Hit!!! 👏👏👏 Photographs superb!!

[@jonasvandermeiren]

Amazing work, Chris! The photo's, the video, the story... they're all great. Hope you had fun making it!

[@kingreemado5510]

This is super dope that’s me hitting the 3 in the intro thank you to the producers and creators of this film I’m super grateful

[@whoschrischu]

when I got that clip, I knew it had to be in the intro. too smooth with the walk off too

[@kingreemado5510]

@@whoschrischu 🙏🏾❤️

[@DelusionalNYC]

Thoroughly engaging video - thank you! The music licensing costs must be 🤯

[@PhoenixIDGroup]

Great in depth breakdown, you mos def captured the feeling of W4th!! Good job!!

[@jasonclark5290]

I’m in Manhattan now. Didn’t know this court was referred to as “W 4th”, but I stopped and snapped a pic at a court yesterday (7/17/23). Had to go back to my pic to realize that I was at the same spot as you, Knicks branding and all.

[@safegabe]

Love this vid Chris. The photos look amazing and I agree with your flow of story telling - how you have to be conscious of the history while capturing the slice of life. Gonna go watch some Rod Strickland highlights now.

[@whoschrischu]

As always, I appreciate the love + support 🫶 I’ll lyk how my next adventure to Rucker Park goes

[@senior12MdN]

Dope video, def inspiring me to get back out there

[@sebgreen2597]

Was solo travelling in NYC last summer and I stumbled across this court, it was such a special experience watching the games and I got some shots on film. Watching this video just took me straight back to being there, thanks so much for sharing.

[@eddie_g]

Love this man! Inspiring! Every time I visit New York I’m underwhelmed by basic street photography so seeing a story documented like this sparks a ton of inspo for myself.

[@stuhunter]

Ahhhhh, this is amazing work, Chris. Got the mark for me as a massive fan of both ball and NYC. Make a book and I am first to order 😊. Amazing stuff. Thank you!

[@Boomshakalaka8174]

This is such a good intro and getting into photojournalism. Thank you for this

[@andreabacote1875]

As a photography student, I love the process you document on how you created these images and the story of getting to know the people within this space. I love photography and the stories of individual people that you can document, and significant landmarks like these are so exciting to see.

[@boemic]

Awesome work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@conorduffy7150]

This was sick, you smashed it

[@Phustle15_]

CHRIS‼️ as a baller in Spain I had the chance to play there while visiting and I absolutely loved it. Your video is special to me because those are courts that resemble what basketball in NYC really is . Loved the music selection, the storytelling, the photography…everything. I’ll be there later this year I hope we could cross paths and meet there. That’d be so awesome!

[@bephrem]

Dude this is awesome! Have gone through the same stuff.

[@mrsenseieng]

That Soul bit messing with the heartstrings 🥺 Phenomenal work dude.

[@Neiltendo.64]

We visited from the UK a few years ago and my wife had one too many drinks in the jazz club nearby, then threw up at the side of this court (classy). I didn’t know the court was well known. We’re heading back in a couple of weeks so I’ll be sure to swing by again.

[@ThomasBocage]

Probably my favorite videos of yours. Such great work brother. Impressive photos and really great filmmaking to tell the story. Well done!

[@atribecalledowens]

Is the lorem ipsum on purpose in the title? I like the colour choice. Dope all around.

[@just_eirik]

Love talking head videos btw! Love hearing about your process and intention and struggles.

[@rudyortega3285]

Beautiful work! I’m also pushing myself to go deeper with more documentary work.

[@islandbyfilm]

You have single-handedly inspired me to start shooting again. Thank you, Chris.

[@whoschrischu]

bless 🫶

[@boyangeorgiev]

Loved this piece. It's so inspiring and good on ya for adding the bit about Soul, such a great film! Thanks!

[@nwilla]

always a masterclass

[@EricFloberg]

You make me want to be a better artist.

[@whoschrischu]

🥹🥹🥹 we growing together

[@achew317]

Ngl - I thought this was Creme Biggums / Spice at 2:57 😂

[@dmoreawalker]

Wow bro. Just speechless at this. Pure art.

[@brotheryoung]

Goes without saying, but this whole video is fantastic. But I think what really put it all together was the music selection. Great choices Chris!

[@JasonLucas2]

This is the best video and story you've told on your channel, bro. So, so good! And the images are *chef's kiss*

[@alhOOO2O]

Some absolutely fantastic photographs here, Chris. And further evidence that everything looks good in slow mo video 🤣

[@Tresimon00]

You did a great job🏀🎥I played there and several of my people played in this film! Love it we BALLISLIFE

[@hogg1media627]

Sooo DOPE!

[@wesleygrimes89]

Yea bro, you were in your bag with this one! Good work!!!

[@Just__Blaze]

Head up to Rucker park in Harlem. You should get some great shots there as well.

[@whoschrischu]

I plan to head up there next

[@shanestorozukphotography]

This is some really fantastic work Chris. It's a pretty common situation to be so critical of your own creations, but I can assure you it's all about the perspective you bring that is uniquely yours...and I think you've captured the heart of this story beautifully. The photos are money and your b roll and action shots were really beautifully composed. Great job mate

[@bohosweet]

This was actually really well done 👍 amazing shots too

[@SamThik]

this video is spot on from music choices to sharing the creative wisdoms and not to mention the crazy beautiful visual. Thank you, Chris!

[@fries4450]

You became one piece of the community.

[@maltemalone5444]

Love this work, Chris! Amazing!

[@jaycasejaycase]

This was so well executed, man. Well done. Thanks for showcasing this.

[@patrickispeppa]

Normally I'd go into a museum to view such awesome shots. Here on youtube we get it for free. Thanks man, your work and approach are awesome!

[@whoschrischu]

One day, I’ll have my work in a gallery

[@BadFlashes]

Killer my dude. Really inspiring

[@ReimannPembroke]

Dude this video was so good! As a huge NBA/basketball fan myself, this was so cool to watch! So much passion captured in these photos.

[@natepeterson]

Been waiting all week for this video! Amazing photos and story, can't wait to see more.

[@jacksongeall6648]

Loved this video. Look forward to see what you continue to do with this project.

[@Beingaroundbean]

Great job bud. V cool.

[@achew317]

This is art - this is so wonderfully done. Keep going, keep going!

[@DarvRamirez]

These photographs are too clean 😮‍💨🔥

[@GS7snaps]

This was awesome, Chris! Great job!

[@sethseden]

incredible.

[@bangzjow]

Amazing, Chris! You are one the creators that most inspire me, your work is truly incredible man! Keep it up

[@freddie-z3105]

love this

[@Ikik91]

Such a cool video Chris, really inspirational. Thanks for talking through your methodology, I respect your approach to photojournalism, too many folks are just intrusive. Side note, I did 1-8th grade at a school two blocks from here and passed by this court everyday, so this neighborhood means a lot to me!

[@xyzarivera]

Thanks for sharing your process. Going deeper but at the same time, living in the moment. I really appreciate that perspective in your work. It does make our projects worthwhile. The journey really matters to share. Looking forward to your next videos!

[@Bronx_Yankee]

Any court in NYC back in my day was fire. A game of "21" could last for hours with people entering and leaving the game

[@YusefEmuna]

It's weird to see folks visit NYC and make content but only focus on Manhattan, which is the most white centric and capitalist part of the city. Why don't folks go to little Caribbean in Brooklyn and showcase that community? Or the true Chinatown in Queens? The Punjabi community in the Bronx?

[@Goughie]

This video is incredible! Some of the images are sooo timeless! Great work!! One of the best I’ve seen on KZbin this year!

[@718dre]

Bro this glorious homey. The ebb n flow n angles all worked .. Honest & gritty. Great Doc!! 💪🏽

[@KaanSenel]

Amazing video man, loved the vids, photos and the stories!

[@enzocimillo]

The beauty of Documentary. Big applause from Uruguay!

[@StephenAttongPhoto]

Brilliant work. Love breakdowns like this. Next time i'm in NYC i'm hitting up West 4th!

[@ericmontaephoto]

Great video! I enjoyed the insight into your process of capturing the story of the court. You did a great job of capturing the emotion of the players and spectators and I look forward to seeing more from this project.

[@lylebruce2024]

So disappointed, that the namesake of West 4th basketball “Kenny Graham” was not even mentioned or photographed in the your doc piece .

[@carlmarc3877]

My guy This was dope as hell As someone who’s been hoopin his entire life I love NY basketball footage…the Mecca of hoopin…home of the origin of street ball hoopers Keep up the great videos…your docu could really fuq up the algo

[@anayleeyanrojra1087]

Man, absolutely loved this video. I'm a sports photographer and I shoot video too, but I was able to relate to you and your process on so many levels. love it, keep shooting great work bro!

[@tatid6743]

some of these are STUNNING. great work. im strongly not into the look of a lot of popular basketball photography these days. the ig look isnt it.

[@mattwardmedia]

A great film on what it's like to be a photographer and the amount of thought that goes into this medium. I loved it! Great work!

[@Bubba-y7x]

Great work I’m from the Bay Area I’m in the process of moving back to Brooklyn I would love to be able to ask you a few questions

[@tolaro221]

awesome photos and moments you got there. Sending love from MTL, Canada.

[@MrFelixClement]

Hey, great video. Quick question how to you license all this music? To you actually pay for every song?

[@rednewportsbeach]

🔥🔥🔥

[@mirandaisergio]

I was there!!

[@whoschrischu]

wish you saw some of these high school games. they were balling out fr fr

[@mirandaisergio]

@@whoschrischu they’re pretty good, only thing is they gotta learn how to shoot!! New Yorkers got some trash jumpers!!!

[@vonh101]

Thank you for creating this Chris! I work in the basketball product space and it was awesome to see your interesting and unique perspective on the states of being in the culture of basketball! Gets me thinking differently in a refreshing way

[@wearetrackclub]

Love how you created this! Amazing storytelling. Can really tell how much consideration went into the process 👏

[@shawnromanpierce406]

Love your content bro , I’ll love to use your talent

[@sowhatbridge5055]

tbh the way that u shot the game is amazing, really charismatic, full of personality and storytelling.

[@jjjjjonny]

Doo Wop by Lauryn Hill as the opening song brings me back to 2K15

[@EnjoiRom1]

Just discovering you with this video and it's a great one ! Always thought that street ball had something very photogenic and it really shows in your photos, well done !

[@DavidWagelmans]

Awesome video and personality. Loved this.

[@juseppiii]

foire video

[@meesh2784]

I would by this project if it were ever put into book form. Well done telling this story @whoschrischu

[@WhereIs.TayCan]

Coming up as a street photographer from nyc i love this fr and saw some faces i knew hopefully one day we meet and take photos 🤞🏽🔥

[@jaynormal3550]

great stuff my brother - ball is a huge part of my life, as is photography and watching you capture the essence of streetball makes me happy af

[@melomcbuckets3437]

Dope documentary on the culture of basketball

[@rianscamera]

Do you have any advice for exposing slog 3 correctly?

[@r-traain]

Man, the videography is so clean. What camera/lens are you using?

[@ezbball3]

you're doing a great job, man! Great photos! 🙌

[@bephrem]

I don’t even need to watch your other videos - I already know we’re on the same wavelength

[@just_eirik]

This seems like a fantastic premis for a photo book with a little text in it.