Josh Okogie is renowned on the court for his defensive prowess and infectious energy. As a guard for the Phoenix Suns, he brings a dynamic presence that's hard to ignore. However, this summer, Okogie has been channeling that same passion into an unexpected hobby: photography.
A New Lens on Life
Okogie’s interest in photography ignited during a vacation in Milan, Italy, amid the bustling excitement of Fashion Week. Encouraged by a friend, Okogie decided to test his skills with a Sony a7 III camera. "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," he shared.
Despite his enthusiasm, Okogie admits the learning curve is steep. "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 candid admission highlights the challenges even the most dedicated individuals face when venturing into new territories.
Capturing the Game
During his offseason, Okogie didn't stray far from the game he loves. He tried his hand at capturing live basketball action, seizing the opportunity to photograph 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 in Las Vegas.
The fast-paced nature of basketball presented its own set of 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 explained. He recognizes that adjusting to the speed of the game and finding the right angles are critical areas for improvement. "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."
Respect for the Craft
Okogie's venture into photography has also allowed him to gain a deeper appreciation for seasoned professionals in the field. He holds a particular respect for 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," said Okogie.
For Okogie, the ultimate goal isn't just about snapping a picture; it's about capturing the emotion behind the moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he emphasized. This deeper understanding of the craft demonstrates how his on-court experience enriches his off-court pursuits.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Okogie has plans to continue exploring photography, including shooting WNBA games during the offseason. However, his primary focus remains on basketball. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, Okogie is committed to contributing energy on both sides of the floor.
"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 stated. With the addition of new Suns coach, Mike Budenholzer, Okogie is optimistic about the team's potential.
Eyes on the Prize
Okogie is well aware of the competitive nature of the Western Conference next season. "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 said. His excitement is palpable as he considers the team’s prospects. "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."
His enthusiasm is aimed at fostering a cohesive team environment starting from a strong training camp, aiming for the Suns to hit the ground running. "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," Okogie concluded.
Whether behind the lens or on the court, Josh Okogie brings a relentless drive and a passion that’s inspiring. As he continues to grow both as an athlete and a budding photographer, fans can expect to see his trademark energy brilliantly captured, both in photos and in play.