Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is making headlines off the basketball court this summer as he immerses himself in the world of photography. Known for his defensive aptitude and relentless energy on the court, Okogie has transferred these traits into capturing moments through the lens of a camera, a new passion ignited during a vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week.
Okogie's journey into photography began when he picked up a Sony a7 III camera, encouraged by a friend to test his skills. While acknowledging that the majority of his shots aren't picture-perfect, Okogie remains dedicated to improving. "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 candidly shared.
Okogie's photographic endeavors have seen him capturing live basketball action, a challenging task considering the game's 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," Okogie explained. The guard recognizes the significant improvement needed, particularly in adjusting to the game's speed and finding the right angle. "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 added.
His experience has not been limited to casual shooting; Okogie has ventured into high-stakes environments. In Las Vegas, he captured live action during 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. Such opportunities have allowed Okogie to refine his technique and immerse himself deeper into the photographic community.
Inspirations and mentors have played a crucial role in Okogie's development. He holds seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix in high regard. "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 noted, reflecting on his respect for Sherman's work.
As he continues to hone his craft, Okogie's primary goal in photography remains capturing the emotion behind moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he articulated. Looking ahead, he plans to extend his lens to WNBA games during the offseason, further broadening his photographic experiences.
On the basketball front, Okogie has solidified his place with the Phoenix Suns, signing a two-year, $16 million extension. His commitment to the team is underscored by his objectives discussed with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer. Known for his hustle and energy, Okogie aims to infuse the team with the same vitality he brings to his personal pursuits. "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.
The upcoming season promises to be highly competitive in the Western Conference, a challenge Okogie acknowledges but faces with optimism. "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 stated, emphasizing the team's potential.
With training camp on the horizon, Okogie remains focused on fostering team cohesion and unleashing the Suns' full potential. "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 concluded.
As Josh Okogie continues to balance his dual passions for basketball and photography, he exemplifies the dedication and multifaceted talent that can inspire both on and off the court. Whether through the snags of his camera shutter or his swift defensive moves, Okogie remains a dynamic force poised for a bright future.