Josh Okogie: Shifting from the Hardwood to Photography
Known for his defensive prowess and infectious energy on the court, Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has recently been channeling his off-court passion into a rather surprising hobby: photography. This summer, Okogie has swapped his basketball sneakers for a Sony a7 III camera, embracing a new creative venture that began during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week.
Encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie delved into photography with the same zeal he exhibits on the basketball court. Although he candidly admits that the majority of his photographs aren't up to par — "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" — the young guard remains undeterred. His drive for improvement is reminiscent of his dedication to basketball.
A Steep Learning Curve
Photography, much like basketball, requires skill, timing, and an eye for detail. Okogie has made it a point to educate himself on the technical aspects of the craft, acquainting himself with settings, white balance, and other intricate details that make a picture come to life. "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 shared. Even with this newfound knowledge, capturing the high-speed action of basketball games presents a unique challenge.
"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." This rapid pace of the game necessitates not only quick reflexes but also a keen ability to anticipate plays — skills he’s been honing both on and off the court.
Finding Inspiration and Setting Goals
Okogie has taken photos at various NBA events, including the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, summer league games pitting the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets, and the Phoenix Suns versus the Golden State Warriors. He believes that his biggest improvement area is adjusting to the speed of the game and finding the right angles for the best shots. "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 noted.
In his journey to master sports photography, Okogie looks up to seasoned professionals 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 the respect he has for experienced photographers.
The young guard's ultimate goal in photography is to capture the raw emotion behind pivotal moments in games. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he explained, emphasizing the emotional depth he seeks to convey through his lens. During the WNBA offseason, Okogie plans to broaden his portfolio by shooting WNBA games, further challenging himself and refining his craft.
Balancing Dual Passions
Despite his foray into photography, Okogie's primary focus remains on contributing to the Phoenix Suns. The recently signed two-year, $16 million contract extension underlines his commitment to the team. "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 voiced with conviction. Okogie aims to be the "battery" and "motor" of the team, bringing enthusiasm and drive to his teammates.
As the Suns prepare for what promises to be a fiercely competitive Western Conference next season, Okogie's optimism about their potential is palpable. "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 remarked, revealing his high hopes for the team's performance.
As he navigates the intersection of basketball and photography, Okogie demonstrates that his capacity for growth and learning extends beyond the court. Whether it’s defending against the league’s top scorers or capturing the perfect shot from the sidelines, Okogie continues to show that his passion for excellence drives him to excel in all his endeavors.