The stage was set pretty well for this one


  • McDaniel came in 7–0.
  • It was the first conference game of the season for both teams.
  • And Dickinson walked into their gym and handed them their first loss.


I was on the sideline in Westminster for this one, and you could feel it early. McDaniel had the record, the home crowd, and the momentum. Dickinson answered with defense, toughness, and a full team effort that showed up in every photo.

Basketball team in red uniforms celebrates together on the court during an indoor game.

First Conference Test, First Big Statement

Conference games hit different. Records still matter, but now every possession feels like it carries a little extra weight.
Basketball cheerleaders in red uniforms cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines during a game.

In this one, Dickinson made a statement in their Centennial Conference opener:


  • Pressure on the ball and help rotating behind it
  • Tough finishes at the rim
  • Second-chance points from offensive boards
  • A bench that stayed loud and locked in from the first quarter to the last


From an undefeated home team to a first conference matchup, everything about this game had stakes. That’s what makes it fun to photograph – every run, every stop, every timeout has a little extra charge to it.

Two basketball players compete intensely during a game, with one dribbling while the other plays defense.
Two basketball players compete intensely on the court as one drives to the basket while the other defends.

How I Photographed the Game

My goal with college basketball is simple: make the gallery feel like a highlight reel of the night.

For this game at McDaniel, I shot on my Canon R6 Mark II and rotated between a 24–70mm f/2.8 and a 70–200mm f/2.8 – with the 70–200 doing most of the heavy lifting. That extra reach and compression is perfect for tightening in on drives, jumpers, and reactions without living on top of the play.


I also brought out a starburst filter from Prism Lens FX for a few moments to add a little extra spark to the atmosphere – think bright gym lights and a bit of cinematic flare around the action. I use it sparingly so the effect adds to the story instead of distracting from it.


  • On the storytelling side, I focused on:
  • Action at the rim – drives, layups, blocks, rebounds
  • Perimeter play – jump shots, ball movement, and closeouts on defense
  • Bench and sideline energy – reactions after big plays, huddles, and high-fives
  • Coach–player moments – quick conversations on the sideline, adjustments in timeouts


I want players and families to scroll the gallery and remember exactly how this one felt, not just see a couple of random frames from the box score.

Basketball player in red jersey takes a shot at the basket during a competitive game.

Where to Find the Photos


If you played in this game or had family on the floor, you can find the full gallery on my Dickinson College Athlete Photos page.


From there, it’s simple:


  1. Open the Dickinson galleries.
  2. Click into the McDaniel women’s basketball game.
  3. Go through the photos and download any images you want in high resolution for personal use.


Use them for social posts, sharing with family, or saving for end-of-season and graduation slideshows. This was a big win – it deserves to be documented. I just ask that you tag me in the photos @cainmcmillan.photography

A basketball hovers above players during a game on a dark indoor court with spectators visible in the background.
Basketball players scramble on the court floor to gain control of a loose ball during an intense game.

Book Me for Your Next Big Game


I’m based in Hanover, PA and photograph college sports throughout south central Pennsylvania, including Dickinson, McDaniel, Gettysburg, York, and other nearby schools.


If you’ve got:


  • A rivalry game
  • Senior Night
  • A conference matchup with real stakes


You can book me for full game coverage. Single-game coverage starts at $200 for schools within about an hour of Hanover, with a simple travel fee for anything farther.


To check availability, head to my Contact page and mention “game coverage” in your message. If I’m already scheduled to be at your game through the school, I’ll let you know that up front and share what options you have.

Contact Me