Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has not limited his explosiveness and defensive prowess solely to the court this offseason. The 25-year-old has been channeling his summer energy into a different craft: photography. What started as a casual interest has now blossomed into a passionate hobby for Okogie.
Okogie's journey into photography began with the purchase of a Sony a7 III camera while on vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week. Encouraged by a friend to hone his skills behind the lens, Okogie began experimenting with capturing live basketball action. However, he candidly admits that this new venture is a work in progress. “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 remarked. This honest self-critique highlights his commitment to improvement and learning.
The Learning Curve
Okogie's foray into sports photography has exposed him to the demanding pace of the game he knows so well. “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 lies in adjusting to the quick transitions and finding the right angles to capture the emotion and intensity of the 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.”
Despite the hurdles, Okogie has had opportunities to practice during high-profile events. In Las Vegas, he captured live action during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, as well as summer league matchups like the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns against the Golden State Warriors. These experiences have been invaluable in helping him grasp the intricacies of sports photography.
Guidance and Inspiration
Throughout his learning journey, Okogie has drawn inspiration from established photographers like 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 said, highlighting his respect for seasoned professionals.
Moreover, Okogie's ultimate goal in photography is to capture the emotional essence of the game, a feat he believes is crucial for engaging those who weren't present. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there,” he explained. This objective underscores his dedication to refining his skills to achieve a deeper connection with his audience.
Dual Roles
Off the court, Okogie's commitment to his photography is matched by his dedication to the Phoenix Suns. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the team, he is focused on being an integral part of their success. “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 shared. He aspires to be the driving force that fuels his teammates' enthusiasm and effort. “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.”
Looking Ahead
As he balances his dual passions, Okogie also has an eye on the future of the 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 said, expressing his optimism for the Suns' upcoming season.
In the offseason, Okogie plans to extend his photographic pursuits to WNBA games, further cultivating his hobby. Whether he's capturing pivotal moments on the court or contributing to his team's efforts, Josh Okogie is committed to making an impact both through his lens and his play. The journey might be just beginning, but his focus on growth and excellence promises an intriguing path ahead.