Josh Okogie: From Court to Camera
Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is widely recognized for his defensive prowess and unyielding energy on the basketball court. Over the summer, however, Okogie has been channeling his passion into a new artistic endeavor: photography.
Okogie's interest in photography was sparked during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week. Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere and armed with a Sony a7 III camera, he began to capture the city's life through his lens. Encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie dove into the world of photography with the same fervor he brings to the game of basketball.
"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," Okogie candidly shared, reflecting on his early attempts at capturing live basketball moments.
Transitioning from fast-paced game action to the precise timing required for photography has been a steep learning curve. "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 explained, emphasizing the challenge of capturing the perfect shot in the heat of the moment.
Despite these challenges, Okogie remains undeterred and committed to improvement. "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 noted. Through trial and error, he has begun to understand the intricacies of his camera, including settings and white balance, which has been an enriching experience.
One of Okogie's goals in photography is to convey the raw emotion behind the moments he captures. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he said, highlighting his desire to tell compelling stories through his images.
During the NBA offseason, Okogie had the opportunity to hone his skills by photographing live action at various events. In Las Vegas, he took snapshots during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors game. Each event presented unique challenges and learning experiences that have contributed to his growth as a photographer.
Okogie looks up to seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix Suns for inspiration. "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 said, expressing his respect for Sherman's work.
Looking ahead, Okogie plans to expand his photographic portfolio by shooting WNBA games during the offseason. His dedication to the craft demonstrates his drive to keep improving and diversifying his interests.
While Okogie is exploring new avenues off the court, his commitment to the Phoenix Suns remains unwavering. Recently, he signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the team. Under the tutelage of new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Okogie has discussed his objectives and is determined to bring his signature energy to both sides of the floor. "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 said.
Okogie is acutely aware of the challenges awaiting the Suns in the upcoming season. "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 asserted, optimistic about the team's potential.
In a time when athletes are increasingly exploring interests beyond their primary sport, Okogie's journey into photography is a testament to his multifaceted talents and relentless drive for self-improvement. Whether through a lens or on the hardwood, his passion and energy shine brightly.