Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is making a name for himself not only on the basketball court but also behind the camera lens. Known for his defensive tenacity and boundless energy during games, Okogie has recently taken up a new hobby: photography. With a Sony a7 III camera in hand, Okogie has been capturing moments with the same zeal he brings to his NBA career.
From Milan to the NBA Courts
Okogie's journey into photography began during a vacation in Milan, Italy, amidst the backdrop of Fashion Week. It was there that a friend encouraged him to explore the art of photography more seriously. He started with live basketball games, a challenge he admits has been formidable due to the sport's rapid pace.
"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," remarked 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."
Despite the challenges, Okogie is undeterred. He candidly admits that the majority of his pictures aren't up to his standards. "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 shared.
Honoring the Craft
Throughout his photographic journey, Okogie has found inspiration in seasoned photographers like 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."
His dedication to capturing the essence of basketball goes beyond technique and gear. "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," Okogie noted. Yet, his primary objective remains to encapsulate the raw emotion of the game. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there."
In the Heat of the Moment
Okogie's budding photography skills were put to the test during high-profile events such as the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game in Las Vegas, the summer league game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, and the Phoenix Suns' clash with the Golden State Warriors. His next goal is to capture the dynamic energy of WNBA games during the offseason, further honing his craft while expanding his repertoire.
On the Court
Off the court, Okogie remains a critical asset to the Phoenix Suns. Recently, he solidified his commitment to the team by signing a two-year, $16 million extension. His role under new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer is clearly defined.
"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," Okogie emphasized. "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."
As the Suns gear up for what promises to be a fiercely competitive season in the Western Conference, Okogie's optimism about the team's potential is palpable. "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."
With a camera in one hand and a basketball in the other, Josh Okogie is poised to make an impact both visually and athletically, capturing moments while creating them on the court. The dual pursuit of his passions underscores a multifaceted approach to living life to the fullest, whether through the lens of experience or the drive to succeed in professional basketball.