Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has long been known for his defensive prowess and infectious energy on the basketball court. However, this summer, Okogie has discovered a new passion that has taken him off the hardwood and behind the camera lens.
Discovering a New Hobby
While on vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week, Okogie decided to pick up a Sony a7 III camera, just to give photography a try. Encouraged by a friend, he began to test his skills, initially finding the new pursuit both daunting and exciting.
"I'm still not good," Okogie humbly admitted. "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."
Challenges Behind the Lens
Okogie quickly realized that capturing live basketball action was a different beast altogether. "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 noted. The challenge of adjusting to the speed of the game and finding the right angles to get the best shots has been a learning curve for the Suns' guard.
Despite the difficulties, Okogie remains optimistic and determined to improve. "I feel like the biggest improvement I have to make is adjusting to the speed of the game and not only anticipating but also being at the right angle to get the best picture," he said.
Capturing Moments and Emotions
Okogie's foray into photography has also led him to capture various significant moments, including 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 in Las Vegas. Through his lens, he aims to encapsulate the emotions behind these moments, striving to make the pictures resonate with those who weren't present to witness them firsthand.
"Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," Okogie explained, revealing his goal in photography.
Seeking Inspiration
In his journey to become a better photographer, Okogie has looked up to seasoned professionals in the field. He holds great respect for 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 shared.
Balancing Passion and Profession
While photography has provided an excellent outlet for his creative side, Okogie's commitment to basketball remains unwavering. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, he is more determined than ever to contribute energy on both sides of the floor. His objectives have been clearly laid out in discussions with the new Suns coach, Mike Budenholzer.
"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," Okogie emphasized. "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."
Facing the Upcoming Season
As the upcoming season approaches, Okogie acknowledges the stiff competition in the Western Conference but remains optimistic about the Suns' 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 said confidently.
In the meantime, Okogie plans to continue honing his photography skills, even aiming to shoot WNBA games during the offseason. His dual passions for photography and basketball illustrate a multifaceted individual who is not only dedicated to his craft on the court but also eager to explore new horizons beyond it.
Whether capturing a game-winning dunk or providing the defensive spark his team needs, Josh Okogie is proving that his talents and ambitions know no bounds.