Phoenix Suns' Josh Okogie: From Defense to Photography
Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has long been known for his defensive prowess and high-energy performances on the basketball court. However, this summer, Okogie found a new passion off the court, turning his focus to photography. What started as a casual interest has quickly become an engaging hobby for the young athlete.
During a vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week, Okogie picked up a Sony a7 III camera, marking the beginning of his journey into photography. Encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie began experimenting with various subjects, including live basketball games. Despite the steep learning curve, he remains undeterred by the 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," Okogie candidly admitted. His honesty reflects both his humility and determination to improve. The fast-paced nature of basketball has proven to be one of his biggest obstacles.
"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, highlighting the difficulties of capturing the perfect shot in a live game scenario.
Despite these challenges, Okogie has made notable strides. He has had opportunities to capture live action during significant events, such as 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. Each event has offered valuable learning experiences, allowing him to refine his technique.
Okogie recognizes the importance of adjusting to the speed of the game and positioning himself to get the best angles. "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 noted.
Drawing inspiration from seasoned photographers David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix, Okogie continues to hone his skills. "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," he said, expressing his admiration for Sherman's work.
Okogie's ultimate goal in photography is to capture the emotion behind pivotal moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he said, underscoring the importance of conveying the essence of each moment through his lens. With plans to shoot WNBA games during the offseason, Okogie aims to further broaden his portfolio.
Meanwhile, Okogie is preparing for a promising NBA season after recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns. Fully committed to bringing his trademark energy on both sides of the floor, Okogie has discussed his objectives with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer. "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.
Okogie envisions himself as the team's "battery," ready to ignite the spark that propels the Suns to success. "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 emphasized.
Looking ahead, Okogie anticipates a competitive Western Conference next year. "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 shared with optimism.
As he balances his burgeoning photography interest with his professional basketball career, Josh Okogie exemplifies the spirit of continuous growth and passion. Whether on the court or behind the camera, his journey reflects a commitment to excellence and an unyielding drive to capture and create memorable moments.