Josh Okogie: From Defensive Dynamo to Aspiring Photographer
Josh Okogie, the dynamic guard for the Phoenix Suns, is widely recognized for his relentless energy and defensive skills on the basketball court. However, this summer, Okogie has immersed himself in a different type of focus: photography. His journey with the camera began intriguingly during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week.
Okogie’s interest in photography sparked when he picked up a Sony a7 III camera. Encouraged by a friend to test his skills, he began capturing various moments, including live basketball games. Despite his initial self-critique, Okogie has embraced the learning process. "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 with a candid laugh.
His candidness extends to his understanding of the camera's capabilities. "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 shares. Yet, he acknowledges that capturing the speed and dynamism of basketball remains a significant challenge. "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."
One of Okogie’s key opportunities came in Las Vegas, where he photographed the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and his very own Phoenix Suns versus the Golden State Warriors. Through these experiences, he realized the importance of not just anticipating the action, but also positioning himself to capture the perfect shot. "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."
Key inspirations for Okogie include seasoned photographers 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 says, reflecting on the figures he respects in the photography realm.
The ultimate ambition for Okogie behind the lens is to capture the raw emotions of the game. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he explains. This emotional connection is something he plans to continue exploring, with future plans to shoot WNBA games during the offseason.
Back on the court, Okogie's commitment to the Phoenix Suns remains unwavering. Fresh off a two-year, $16 million contract extension, he is poised to continue his role as the team's energetic dynamo. "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 asserts.
Under the guidance of new head coach Mike Budenholzer, Okogie is optimistic about the Suns’ prospects. He has discussed his goals with Budenholzer, emphasizing his desire to be the motor that propels the team. "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."
Looking ahead, Okogie is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the competitive Western Conference. "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 says, his enthusiasm palpable.
In combining his love for basketball and newfound passion for photography, Josh Okogie is capturing more than just moments; he is capturing the essence of his multifaceted journey. Whether it's on the hardwood or behind the lens, his drive to excel and his relentless energy remain unmistakable.