Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie, widely recognized for his defensive prowess and unrelenting energy on the court, has found a new passion off the court: photography. This summer, Okogie has been channeling his enthusiasm into capturing moments through the lens of a camera, diving headfirst into the intricate world of photography.
A Humble Beginning in Milan
Okogie's interest in photography sparked during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with the bustling atmosphere of Fashion Week. Armed with a Sony a7 III camera, he started exploring this newfound hobby at the encouragement of a friend. “I’ve kind of figured out how the camera works, how to do the settings, how to do the white balance and all that. So it’s been pretty cool,” Okogie shared.
Learning Curve and Challenges
Despite his enthusiasm, Okogie candidly acknowledges that mastering the art of photography is no easy feat. “I'm still not good. I'll say 90-95% of my pictures are BS, but I feel like I've gotten better—slightly—each day I've taken pictures,” he admitted. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of basketball has presented unique challenges. “It’s very fast. Every time somebody dunks, by the time I take a picture, he’s already done finished the dunk and he’s already playing defense,” Okogie noted. His biggest challenge lies in adjusting to the speed of the game and finding the right angles to capture the perfect shot.
Engagement in the NBA
Okogie’s commitment to improving his photography skills has led him to various NBA events. In Las Vegas, he captured live action during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns vs. the Golden State Warriors game. The aspiring photographer is especially focused on capturing the emotion behind moments. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren’t there,” he explained.
Respect for Mentorship
Throughout his journey, Okogie has shown admiration for seasoned NBA photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix. “That’s my guy. He films the Wolves, and he also films a lot of other NBA-sanctioned events. So I’ve always paid close attention to David,” Okogie mentioned, showing his respect for their work and experience.
Balancing Multiple Roles
While photography provides a creative outlet, Okogie's primary focus remains on basketball. Having recently signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, he is determined to contribute energy on both sides of the floor. Okogie has discussed his objectives with the new Suns coach, Mike Budenholzer, emphasizing his goal to be the "battery" of the team. “My mentality is just to go out there and just try to give this team the energy that they need on both sides of the floor,” he said. “We have a lot of talent on this team, but I want to be the motor of this team, to get people going, get people excited to play, get people moving.”
Outlook for the Future
With the competitive landscape of the Western Conference, Okogie is optimistic about the Suns' potential. “The West is going to be really competitive next year. I feel like we can be as good as we want to be. I feel like our ceiling is as high as we make it,” he commented. Okogie is particularly excited about the possibilities if the team can have a strong training camp and start to gel. “I’m excited. I feel like if we get a good training camp and we start to jell, the sky’s the limit for us,” he added.
In addition to his commitments with the Suns, Okogie plans to expand his photography endeavors by shooting WNBA games during the offseason, further honing his skills and capturing the spirit of the game from a new perspective.
As Josh Okogie continues to make strides both on and off the court, his passion for photography and dedication to basketball intertwine, illustrating a multifaceted athlete with the drive to excel in all his pursuits. Whether through a lens or on the hardwood, Okogie’s energy and ambition are a testament to his relentless pursuit of growth and excellence.