Josh Okogie: From the Hardwood to Behind the Lens
Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is known for his defensive prowess and energy on the court, but this summer, he has been channeling his passion into a new arena: photography. This unexpected venture began when Okogie picked up a Sony a7 III camera while on vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week. Encouraged by a friend, he decided to test his skills capturing live basketball, an experience that has added a new dimension to his off-court life.
Okogie’s foray into photography has not been without its challenges. "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." His dedication to improving his craft is a testament to the same work ethic that makes him a valuable player on any NBA team. "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 added.
In Las Vegas, Okogie got hands-on experience capturing live action during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns versus the Golden State Warriors. These high-paced events provided a steep learning curve. "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 admitted. "I feel like the biggest improvement I have to make is adjusting to the speed of the game and not only anticipating, but also about being at the right angle to get the best picture."
His respect for seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix shines through as he navigates this new path. "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, highlighting the mentors who inspire him. It’s this keen observation and respect for the craft that has fueled his growth in this new role.
Though he is new to the field, Okogie has clear aspirations for his photography. He aims to document not just the action, but the emotion behind the moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he explained. This ambition drives him to refine his skills continually, aiming to transition from scenic shots to capturing the intensity of live sports.
Okogie isn't limiting his new passion to the NBA; he also plans to shoot some WNBA games during the offseason. This move speaks volumes about his dedication to elevating his photography game and exploring different aspects of professional basketball through his lens. As he develops his skills, Okogie might very well carve out a niche for himself in sports photography, a path few professional athletes have ventured into post-retirement.
While photography has become a crucial outlet for Okogie, his focus on the upcoming NBA season remains undiminished. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, he is eager to contribute meaningfully to a team that, despite a first-round sweep last season, holds significant potential. "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," Okogie stated, embracing his role as the motivational force for the Suns. "We have a lot of talent on this team, but I want to be the battery of this team, if that makes sense. The motor of this team, to get people going, get people excited to play, get people moving."
Okogie’s commitment to the Suns is clear. He has already discussed his objectives with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, ensuring that his goals align with the team’s strategy heading into the new season. His optimism for the Suns’ future is palpable. "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. 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 remarked.
In sum, Josh Okogie is navigating dual roles as a tenacious guard for the Phoenix Suns and an aspiring photographer capturing the spirit of basketball. His journey from the court to behind the lens promises to be as engaging and impactful as his career in the NBA.