Josh Okogie: From Defensive Dynamo to Aspiring Photographer
Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has long been celebrated for his defensive prowess and infectious energy on the basketball court. This summer, however, the rising star has channeled his passion into a somewhat surprising new hobby—photography. Okogie's journey behind the lens began amidst the fashionable backdrop of Milan, Italy, where a vacation during Fashion Week led him to pick up a Sony a7 III camera.
Encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie quickly found himself captivated by the art of photography. Despite admitting that approximately 90-95% of his pictures are subpar, he remains committed to honing his craft. "I'm still not good," Okogie candidly shared. "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."
Learning Curve and Challenges
The learning curve for Okogie has been steep but rewarding. "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 explained. His initial foray into capturing live basketball revealed the complexities of sports photography. "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.
The fast-paced nature of basketball has posed significant challenges for Okogie. "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 attempts to capture live action took him to Las Vegas, where he photographed 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.
Mentorship and Inspiration
In his pursuit of photographic excellence, Okogie has drawn inspiration from seasoned professionals 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 remarked with admiration.
For Okogie, photography is more than just a pastime; it's an opportunity to capture the raw emotion behind moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he said, encapsulating his goal in the visual storytelling realm. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his portfolio by shooting WNBA games during the offseason.
On the Court and Beyond
While Okogie's burgeoning interest in photography is noteworthy, his primary focus remains on basketball. Recently, he signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, underscoring his commitment to the team's success. "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 asserted.
Okogie's role as a catalyst for the Suns is clear. "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 emphasized. His objectives align closely with discussions he's had with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer.
The competitive landscape of the Western Conference adds another layer of intensity to the upcoming 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. 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 declared, brimming with optimism.
As Josh Okogie navigates the intricate interplay between his on-court responsibilities and his burgeoning passion for photography, his journey offers a compelling narrative of growth, both as an athlete and an artist. Whether capturing pivotal moments on the hardwood or through the lens of his camera, Okogie's dedication and energy remain undeniably impactful.