Josh Okogie’s Off-Court Passion Takes Focus
Known on the court for his defensive prowess and relentless energy, Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is channeling his passion into a new direction this summer: photography. While his tenacity and commitment to the game have never been in question, this off-season has seen the 25-year-old diversify his interests and embrace the art of capturing moments behind the lens.
Okogie's journey into photography began on a whim. During a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week, he picked up a Sony a7 III camera. Encouraged by a friend, Okogie started experimenting with photography, immersing himself in the craft with the same zeal he brings to basketball. “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 admitted.
Like many novices, Okogie faced challenges as he navigated the steep learning curve of photography, especially in the fast-paced arena of live sports. He candidly revealed, “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.” This self-deprecating humor underscores a deeper element of perseverance, a trait that has made him a standout in the NBA.
In Las Vegas, Okogie had the opportunity to shoot several high-profile events, including the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, a summer league matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, and a game where his Phoenix Suns faced off against the Golden State Warriors. These instances provided invaluable practice and highlighted the unique difficulties of sports photography. “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 remarked, emphasizing the need for precise timing and anticipation.
Okogie believes that the biggest improvement he needs to make is adjusting to the speed of the game and nailing the perfect 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 noted. His respect and admiration for seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix also reflect his earnest approach to learning and improving his new craft. “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.
Through his lens, Okogie aims to capture more than just action shots; he strives to encapsulate the raw emotions behind the moments. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there,” he explained. Moving forward, he plans to extend his photographic pursuits to WNBA games during the off-season, indicating his growing confidence and ambition in his second passion.
Despite his off-court adventures, Okogie's commitment to basketball remains unwavering. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, he is poised to bring the same energy he contributes off the court back onto it. “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 stated. With new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer at the helm, Okogie has discussed objectives and strategies, expressing his intent to be the driving force of 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,” he elaborated.
Looking ahead to the next season, Okogie is realistic but optimistic about the challenges the Western Conference will present. “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,” he commented. His excitement is palpable as he envisions the potential success of the Suns contingent on a productive training camp and cohesive team chemistry. “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,” Okogie concluded.
Josh Okogie’s foray into photography is more than just a hobby; it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of growth, whether in his primary role as a Phoenix Suns guard or his budding interest behind the camera. As he continues to hone his skills both on and off the court, fans and teammates alike can expect this dynamic player to keep capturing hearts in more ways than one.