The Garden’s official photographer since 1966, George Kalinsky will receive the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award this month. But first, he takes a shot at some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.

Q: What are your top five photos and why?

A: 1. Elton John and John Lennon: My most precious entertainment photo was taken on Thanksgiving night in 1974, the night that John Lennon joined Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden. This was Elton John’s first performance at MSG, and it turned out to be John Lennon’s last performance. In taking this photo I captured one of the truly great moments in entertainment history. Many years later I presented the photo to Elton John prior to one of his shows and he was overcome with emotion.

2. Ali and Frazier: One great moment that meant so much to me personally was getting Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali together for a photo shoot, prior to their first heavyweight title bout — “The Fight of the Century,” which arguably was the greatest boxing event ever. I had them sparring together for my camera and unexpectedly Frazier hit Ali so hard he went down. Ali said, “Frazier you have a helluva of punch.” Frazier said to Ali, “That’s the way it’s going to be the night of the fight.”

3. Elvis: I have taken a lot of iconic photos in my life and this one of Elvis Presley is one of my favorites. I met Elvis in his dressing room prior to his performance on June 8, 1972. I shook his hand and he asked what my favorite moment in the Garden was. I looked at Elvis in his glimmering jumpsuit and I said “Elvis — right now, right here.”

4. Frank Sinatra: I’ve had a lot of great moments at the Garden, and one of my favorites is when Frank Sinatra walked into my office. We shook hands and he said, “Hi, I’m Frank Sinatra and I hear you’re a great photographer. I want you to tell me all you know about photography in five minutes.” And those five minutes turned into a lifetime friendship.

5. Willis Reed: Reed walking on the court prior to Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, surprising the Garden crowd and the Lakers, is possibly one of the greatest moments in playoffs history. No one expected Willis to play that night, but Willis told me that if he had to crawl out on his hands and knees to the court to play, he would. He realized this might be his only opportunity to win a championship and nothing was going to stop him. Willis was one of the greatest captains in all of sports.

Some of my favorite sports photos were captured between 1969-71 — when the Jets, Mets and Knicks won championships, the Rangers were consistently in the playoffs, and the Ali-Frazier fight occurred. Athletes were becoming broader cultural icons — Broadway Joe, Tom Terrific and Clyde were all born in this era.

Q: What would you have done if you weren’t a photographer?

A: Since I was 4 years old I wanted to be a creative artist. In time I became a sports and political cartoonist. I also designed the first three-way baby carriage and car seat for Bilt Rite. So I would have continued as a designer or artist had I not taken up photography.

Q: Why has this been such a labor of love for you?

A: The world of photography has given me a vantage point from which to observe how things happen and why things happen. I’ve always wanted to get close to those people that influence our world. To have been able to capture leaders in sports, entertainment and politics has been an incredible honor.

Q: What have your subjects told you personally about you and your photos?

A: I have been very lucky to have many of my subjects — including Luciano Pavarotti, Bill Russell, Senator Bill Bradley, Peggy Fleming, and Pope Paul II — tell me how much they appreciate my photography. Nothing takes the place of my subjects telling me that I took their favorite photo of them. For me, this is my championship — and I have been blessed to have quite a few! When Tina Sinatra calls me up and says that, “I just wanted you to know that this picture that you took of my father had the greatest impact on me of any photograph I’ve ever seen of him. You captured his essence like no one else has,” I had goose bumps that were so large.

Q: What do you hope the public says about your photos?

A: I do not find it easy to talk about myself, but I do hope that people realize the importance of my work, which has recorded our culture. My photos have captured significant moments in time, documenting our history over a span of 55 years.

Q: Who are your favorite photographers?

A: Man Ray, Arnold Newman, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Anthony Causi. I think Anthony deserves this honor to be with the best!

Q: What is the key to capturing a great photo?

A: The key to capturing a great photo is how you approach the design elements of your photo, concentrating on the hands, the eyes, and the mouth. Those are the tools that enable you to capture the emotions of the subject. A photo must talk and say what emotions it feels and sends to the viewer.

Q: What would be your advice to an aspiring young photographer?

A: My advice to photographers just starting out is to study up on basic principles of design — learning the key design elements that make a good photograph. I cannot say enough about the importance of knowing composition and design.

Q: What is so special about Madison Square Garden?

A: Madison Square Garden is the place where every athlete and entertainer wants to perform. Frank Sinatra told me that there is no arena in the world that has the aura of a great championship event at Madison Square Garden. It is the ultimate stage!

Q: Why does this award mean so much to you?

A: If you are lucky enough to make it to the Hall of Fame, it represents that you were thought of by your peers as being one of the best ever at what you do. I always wanted to be the best at what I do whatever that may be … but never had a clue l would make it to the promised land … All the hard work and sweat made it worthwhile. … I thank everyone who in some way helped me achieve this tremendous honor! Especially my wife June for believing in me.