Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has always been known for his defensive prowess and boundless energy on the basketball court. This summer, however, Okogie has taken up a new passion off the court: photography. With the same intensity he brings to his game, Okogie is diving into the world of capturing moments through the lens of a camera.
A New Hobby Takes Root
It all started when Okogie picked up a Sony a7 III camera while on vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week. Encouraged by a friend to explore his skills, he decided to try his hand at photography. What began as a casual interest soon turned into a dedicated pursuit.
“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,” said Okogie, demonstrating his humility and commitment to improving at his new craft. His journey into photography includes learning the complex settings, white balance adjustments, and intricacies that go into capturing a great shot. “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.”
Capturing the Game
Okogie's photography isn't limited to casual shots; he has challenged himself to capture live basketball action. This task has proven to be as demanding as his mountain of a basketball career. In Las Vegas, he captured 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.
“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. This rapid pace of the game requires photographers to have both anticipation and quick reflexes. “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.”
Learning from the Best
Okogie harbors a deep respect for seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix, individuals who have cultivated a reputation for their high-quality work. “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.” It’s clear that Okogie values the expertise and experience of those who have mastered the craft he is striving to learn.
Capturing Emotion
More than just snapping images of action, Okogie aims to capture the emotions behind moments. His objective in photography aligns with his approach on the basketball court – to convey the intensity and joy of the game. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren’t there,” he said.
Plans for the Offseason
Looking ahead, Okogie plans to shoot WNBA games during the offseason, further honing his photography skills. This pursuit will undoubtedly provide him with more opportunities to refine his technique and capture the dynamic nature of live sports.
On the Court: A New Contract and Renewed Energy
Amidst his new passion, Okogie remains deeply committed to his primary career. Recently, he signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, reaffirming his dedication to contributing energy on 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 asserted.
Josh Okogie has discussed his objectives with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer and holds a firm belief in the team’s potential for 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.”
The Drive to Excel
As Okogie embarks on his journey behind the camera, his determination mirrors the drive that has made him a standout player in the NBA. Whether it’s on the court or through the lens, his goal remains to be a source of energy and inspiration. “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.”
In both arenas, Okogie’s passion and dedication shine through, promising an exciting future both in sports and photography.