Josh Okogie: Guarding on the Court, Capturing Moments off It
The Phoenix Suns' guard Josh Okogie has long been celebrated for his defensive prowess and relentless energy on the basketball court. However, this summer, Okogie found a new outlet for his passion: photography. With a Sony a7 III camera in hand, Okogie has been channeling his tenacity and creativity into capturing moments through the lens, a hobby that began unexpectedly in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week.
Encouraged by a friend, Okogie decided to test his skills in photography. While the transition from guarding NBA ball handlers to aiming a camera might seem stark, Okogie found parallels in the challenges each presents. Capturing live basketball action has proven particularly demanding. "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 noted.
Despite his initial struggles, Okogie remains undeterred. He acknowledges that approximately 90-95% of his photos are not up to par, but he sees steady improvement each day. "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 admitted. Through diligence and a willingness to learn, Okogie has grown more familiar with his camera’s mechanics, gaining insight into settings, white balance, and other technical aspects. "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 said.
Okogie has already had the opportunity to put his burgeoning skills to the test, capturing live action during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, as well as Summer League games involving prominent teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and his own Phoenix Suns. However, Okogie believes that the biggest area for improvement lies in adjusting to the speed of the game and perfecting his 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."
In his quest to master photography, Okogie looks up to seasoned NBA photographers such as David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix. Sherman, in particular, has captured Okogie's admiration. "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 confessed. His ultimate goal is to capture the raw emotion behind moments, offering viewers a glimpse into the intensity and passion of the game. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he articulated.
Okogie’s offseason plans include photographing WNBA games, a testament to his growing enthusiasm for the craft. Yet, as much as he thrives behind the lens, Okogie’s primary focus remains on the hardwood. He recently signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, reaffirming his commitment to the team and his role as an energy provider. "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 explained.
With the Western Conference poised for stiff competition next season, Okogie is optimistic about the Phoenix Suns’ prospects. He has had discussions with the Suns' new coach Mike Budenholzer regarding his objectives for the team. Okogie believes the team's success hinges on their collective effort and chemistry. "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 remarked. He remains confident that, with a focused training camp and a cohesive start, the Suns’ potential is limitless. "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."
As Josh Okogie continues to perfect his craft both on and off the court, his journey offers a glimpse into the multifaceted lives of professional athletes. Balancing a burgeoning photography hobby with his unwavering dedication to basketball, Okogie embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence, capturing not just the moments that define sports, but also the spirit that drives them.