Phoenix Suns' Josh Okogie Finds New Passion in Photography
Josh Okogie, the Phoenix Suns guard renowned for his defensive prowess and boundless energy on the court, has discovered a new passion this offseason—photography. With a two-year, $16 million contract extension recently signed, Okogie is looking to make an impact not just on the hardwood but behind the lens as well.
Okogie’s foray into photography began somewhat serendipitously. During a vacation to Milan, Italy, amidst the grandeur of Fashion Week, he picked up a Sony a7 III camera. Encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie dove headfirst into capturing the world through a different lens.
The Learning Curve
The transition from guarding some of the NBA’s best to attempting to capture their movements on camera hasn't been seamless. “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,” Okogie admitted. This candid self-assessment speaks to the challenges he faces in mastering a new skill set.
In Las Vegas, Okogie took the opportunity to hone his skills during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and his own Phoenix Suns’ matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The high-speed and dynamic nature of the games posed a significant challenge for the budding photographer. "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," he noted.
Despite the challenges, Okogie remains determined to improve. “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,” he said. His goal is not just to capture moments but the emotions embedded within them. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," Okogie explained.
Role Models in Photography
To aid his journey, Okogie looks up to seasoned NBA photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of the Phoenix Suns. "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 said, expressing his respect for these veterans of the craft.
Okogie is committed to continuous improvement and aims to capture the essence of live action, be it NBA or WNBA games. He plans to expand his portfolio during the offseason by shooting WNBA games, further refining his technique and eye for the perfect shot.
Commitment On and Off the Court
While photography offers a creative outlet, Okogie’s main focus remains firmly on his basketball career. With the Western Conference gearing up to be increasingly competitive next season, Okogie believes the Suns have the talent and potential to succeed. “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 stated.
Okogie's approach to the upcoming season underscores his recognition of teamwork and energy. "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. He emphasizes his role as a catalyst, aiming to be the "battery" and "motor" that propels his team forward. "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," he elaborated.
In discussions with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Okogie has aligned his personal objectives with the team's ambitions for the season. As he continues to bring his indefatigable energy and defensive skills to the court, he has also embraced the challenges of a new hobby, fueling his passion for both basketball and photography.
Whether capturing a split-second dunk or a key defensive play, Josh Okogie’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. His journey behind the camera is just beginning, but it already reflects the same dedication and enthusiasm that has made him a standout on the court.