Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie isn't just making waves on the basketball court; he's also diving into a new passion off it. Known for his defensive prowess and relentless energy during games, Okogie has spent his summer channeling his creativity into photography, a hobby he picked up during a vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week.
Encouraged by a friend, Okogie purchased a Sony a7 III camera and decided to test his skills. What started as a curiosity has turned into an intriguing side project. "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 admits.
Despite his modest assessment of his abilities, Okogie's enthusiasm is evident. He has taken his camera to various high-energy environments, including capturing live basketball games. This past summer in Las Vegas, he documented the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors matchup.
Challenges Behind the Lens
Okogie speaks candidly about the challenges of sports photography, particularly the need to keep up with the fast pace of the game. "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 explains. This speed, combined with the need to find the right angle, presents a steep learning curve. "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."
In his quest to improve, Okogie has found inspiration in renowned photographers within the NBA community, such as David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix, noting that he has "always paid close attention to David." His primary goal is to capture the raw emotion of the moments he photographs. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he states, highlighting his ambition to share the essence of the game through his images.
Future Photographic Endeavors
Looking ahead, Okogie plans to expand his portfolio by shooting WNBA games during the offseason. This commitment to his new hobby is impressive, especially considering his demanding schedule as a professional athlete.
But it's not just photography where Okogie is making strides. He recently secured a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, reaffirming his essential role in the team's dynamic. Known for his infectious energy, Okogie is clear about his goals on the court. "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 says. He aspires to be "the battery of this team...the motor of this team, to get people going, get people excited to play, get people moving."
High Hopes for the Suns
As the Western Conference gears up for a highly competitive season, 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. 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."
Under the guidance of new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Okogie has discussed his objectives and how he can contribute to the team's success. His focus remains clear: maintaining energy on both ends of the floor and fostering a cohesive, motivated squad.
As Josh Okogie embarks on this dual journey of becoming a better photographer while striving for excellence on the basketball court, he represents a unique blend of athletic prowess and artistic passion. His story captures the essence of a dedicated professional exploring new horizons, both personally and professionally.