Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has made a name for himself on the court with his defensive skills and boundless energy. However, this summer, he’s been channeling that same fervor into a new passion: photography. What initially began as a leisure activity has evolved into a serious hobby for the basketball star.
A Passion Ignited in Milan
Okogie's journey into photography started unexpectedly while vacationing in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week. He picked up a Sony a7 III camera and found himself captivated by the art of capturing moments. Encouraged by a friend, Okogie decided to test his skills further. "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 shared.
Challenges on the Court
Combining his love for basketball with photography, Okogie tried his hand at capturing live game action. However, he quickly realized the difficulty of this endeavor. "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 remarked. This fast-paced environment required rapid adjustments and impeccable timing, skills he is still honing. "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," Okogie stated.
Learning from the Best
Throughout his photographic journey, Okogie has sought inspiration from seasoned professionals in the field. He has closely watched the works of 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," Okogie noted.
From Las Vegas to the Offseason
Okogie's efforts behind the lens have taken him to various high-profile events, including the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game and several summer league matches. Despite describing 90-95% of his pictures as "BS," he remains undeterred. "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 candidly.
As the offseason approaches, Okogie plans to continue improving his craft by shooting WNBA games. His goal remains clear and profound: "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there."
Commitment to the Suns
Off the court, Okogie recently signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns. His dedication to the team remains unwavering. "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 emphasized.
High Hopes for the Future
Under the guidance of new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Okogie has discussed his objectives for the upcoming season. He acknowledges the competitiveness of the Western Conference but remains optimistic about the team's potential. "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 declared.
Okogie's aspirations don’t stop with team success. He also aims to be the driving force within the squad. "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 explained.
As Josh Okogie continues to balance his roles on the court and behind the camera, he is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and continual self-improvement. Whether through an electrifying defensive play or capturing the raw emotion of a moment, Okogie continues to push boundaries, showcasing his dynamic range both as an athlete and an artist.