Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has always been recognized for his defensive prowess and boundless energy on the court, but this summer, he’s channeled his off-court passions into an entirely new direction: photography. With a focus and dedication that mirrors his approach to basketball, Okogie has been honing his skills behind the lens.
Okogie’s interest in photography sparked during a vacation in Milan, Italy, amid the vibrant backdrop of Fashion Week. It was there he picked up a Sony a7 III camera, encouraged by a friend to explore his potential in capturing moments. Despite being a beginner and openly acknowledging that “90-95% of my pictures are BS,” Okogie remains undeterred. “I feel like I've gotten better – slightly – each day I've taken pictures,” he shared.
Learning Curve
Adjusting to the art of photography has not been without its challenges. Okogie admits that mastering the technical aspects of the camera, such as settings and white balance, took some time. “I've kind of figured out how the camera works... it’s been pretty cool,” he noted.
The fast pace of live basketball games presents a unique challenge as well. “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. To capture the essence of the game, he realized the importance of timing and positioning. “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.”
Capturing Emotions
Beyond technical mastery, Okogie’s goal in photography is to encapsulate the emotions behind pivotal moments. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there,” he emphasized. Okogie’s pursuit of this objective led him to cover various events, including 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 in Las Vegas.
In his quest to improve, Okogie looks up to seasoned NBA photographers 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 said, expressing his respect for the professionals who have perfected the craft.
Looking ahead, Okogie has plans to expand his photographic repertoire by shooting WNBA games during the offseason. This will not only provide him with more opportunities to practice but also allow him to tell the compelling stories within women's basketball.
On the Court
While photography has offered Okogie an enriching side pursuit, his commitment to the Phoenix Suns remains unwavering. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the team, Okogie is determined to bring energy and intensity on both ends of the floor. He explained his mentality succinctly, “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.”
Reflecting on the team’s potential, Okogie expressed optimism. “We have a lot of talent on this team, but I want to be the battery of this team... the motor of this team, to get people going, get people excited to play, get people moving.” His conversations with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer have further reinforced his objectives for the upcoming season.
As the Western Conference shapes up to be intensely competitive, Okogie believes the Suns have the potential to rise to the occasion. “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.”
Blending newfound hobbies with steadfast dedication to his professional career, Josh Okogie continues to grow both as an athlete and an artist. Whether on the court or behind the camera, his passion and drive remain evident.