Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has become a standout for his defensive skills and relentless energy on the basketball court. Yet, it’s his summer passion project off the court that's catching the eye of fans and followers alike. Okogie, with a Sony a7 III camera in hand, is embracing a new role: photographer.
His journey into photography began serendipitously. While on vacation in Milan, Italy during Fashion Week, Okogie was encouraged by a friend to explore photography. This led him to purchase the camera, diving headfirst into a world he had little experience with. Despite early struggles, he has committed himself to improving his craft. "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," he admits candidly.
The learning curve has been steep. “It’s very fast,” he says, describing the challenge of capturing live basketball action. “Every time somebody dunks, by the time I take a picture, he’s already done finished the dunk and he’s already playing defense.” This pace has pushed Okogie to quickly learn the intricacies of photography, from adjusting camera settings to mastering white balance. "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 shares.
Aiming for Improvement
Okogie's photography journey hasn't been confined to leisurely snaps during vacations. This summer, he immersed himself in the high-energy environment of live NBA games. In Las Vegas, he ventured into the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, captured the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league match, and snapped photos during the Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors game. These experiences have been pivotal learning moments. "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 observes.
He has found inspiration and guidance in seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix. Okogie holds these professionals in high regard, saying, "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." Aspiring to capture the raw emotion behind moments, Okogie is focused on making each shot resonate with viewers. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he explains.
Balancing Passions
Even as he hones his skills behind the lens, Okogie's commitment to basketball remains unwavering. Recently, he signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, solidifying his role on the team. With new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Okogie has discussed his ambitions and objectives, reaffirming his dedication to bringing energy to both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. "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 says with conviction.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Okogie is bullish about the team's potential. "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 declares. He recognizes the fierce competition that awaits in the Western Conference but remains optimistic about the Suns' prospects. "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."
Josh Okogie is a testament to the power of passion, both in his athletic prowess and his budding photography career. As he continues to channel his energy into both fields, fans can look forward to seeing the results of his dedication both on the court and through his captivating photographs. With an eye for detail and a heart full of determination, Okogie exemplifies the spirit of continuous improvement and the drive to excel, no matter the arena.