Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie isn't just making waves on the basketball court; he's also finding his footing behind the lens. Known for his defensive tenacity and infectious energy, Okogie has been diving into the world of photography, a passion he discovered earlier this year.
Okogie's journey into photography started serendipitously. While on vacation in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week, a friend encouraged him to test his skills. Armed with a Sony a7 III camera, Okogie began to explore this newfound interest. Despite his limited experience, he embraced the challenge with the same vigor he exhibits on the hardwood.
"I'm still not good," Okogie candidly admitted. "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."
A Learning Curve Steep as the Court
Okogie's transition from guarding dynamic scorers to capturing dynamic moments hasn't been seamless. The fast-paced nature of basketball presents a unique challenge for aspiring photographers. "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.
Despite the hurdles, Okogie is committed to improving. "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 said. He believes the biggest improvement he needs to make in photography is adjusting to the speed of the game and finding the right angle to capture the best shot. "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."
Valuing Expertise and Emotional Capture
In his quest to perfect his 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 noted.
The goal for Okogie isn't just to take pictures but to capture the essence and emotion behind the moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he shared, revealing a deeper purpose behind his pursuit.
Shooting Hoops and Snapping Shots
Okogie's off-court hobby doesn’t detract from his on-court ambitions. He is fueled by his desire to contribute to the Phoenix Suns with the same energy and enthusiasm that has defined his playing career. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Suns, Okogie is keen on being a pivotal force for 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 stated confidently. "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."
A Bright Future Both On and Off the Court
Looking ahead, Okogie is enthusiastic about the Suns' potential in the fiercely 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 expressed with optimism.
During the offseason, Okogie plans to expand his photographic portfolio by shooting WNBA games. It’s clear that whether he's in front of the bleachers or behind the lens, Okogie is dedicated to capturing and living the passion of sport.
As his skill with the camera evolves, fans and followers can look forward to seeing another side of Josh Okogie, the player who not only captures steals and rebounds but also the heartfelt moments of the game.