Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has established himself as a defensive stalwart on the court, known for his relentless energy and hustle. This summer, however, he has directed some of that passion toward a new pursuit: photography.
Okogie's journey into the world of photography began somewhat serendipitously. While vacationing in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week, he picked up a Sony a7 III camera. Encouraged by a friend, he decided to explore his potential behind the lens. It was a humble beginning, as Okogie candidly admits, "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."
Despite his modest assessment of his skills, Okogie has shown an unwavering commitment to improving. He's diligently learned the intricacies of camera settings, including white balance and exposure. "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 remarked.
Transition to Sports Photography
Okogie's enthusiasm for photography naturally led him to the vibrant and high-paced world of sports photography. One of his significant challenges has been adjusting to the speed of the 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 challenge is all too familiar for photographers attempting to capture live action moments in real-time.
He recognizes that mastering the art of anticipation and finding the perfect angle is crucial for improvement. "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," Okogie noted.
This summer, he had ample opportunities to hone his craft. In Las Vegas, he captured moments from the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, as well as games between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, and the Phoenix Suns against the Golden State Warriors. His experiences on the sidelines have provided valuable lessons and a deeper appreciation for professional sports photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix's Barry Gossage. "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 mentioned.
Pursuing Emotional Moments
Okogie's ultimate goal with photography is to convey the raw emotions behind each moment. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he reflected. This objective aligns with his approach to basketball, where he aims to be the catalyst that energizes his team.
As he transitions back to the basketball court, Okogie enters his fifth NBA season with renewed vigor. Recently, he signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns and is committed to making an impact both offensively and defensively. "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.
Amid the anticipation and excitement building up to the new season, Okogie has had discussions with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer about his goals and 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 said with conviction.
Looking ahead, Okogie is realistic about the challenges that lie ahead in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. "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 projected with optimism.
While Okogie continues to refine his skills behind the camera, his primary focus remains on contributing to the Phoenix Suns' success. Nevertheless, his foray into photography has provided him with a new perspective and a valuable outlet for expression, capturing the dynamic and emotional essence of the game he loves.