Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie, widely recognized for his defensive skills and infectious energy on the court, has found a new passion off the court this summer—photography. Okogie's journey into this visual art began during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week, where he picked up a Sony a7 III camera at the urging of a friend.
Though his early attempts were far from perfect, Okogie has embraced the learning curve that comes with mastering photography. "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 candidly admits. This humility hasn't deterred him; instead, it fuels his dedication to improving every day.
Okogie's investment in understanding photography goes beyond casual interest. He's dedicated time to grasping the intricacies of the camera, from settings to 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 says.
Capturing the Game
Not content with static subjects, Okogie has ventured into the high-paced world of live basketball photography. His attempts to capture these fast-moving moments have taught him valuable lessons about the speed and timing required. "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," says Okogie, highlighting the challenges he faces.
He recognizes that the key to better photos lies in quick adjustments and perfect angles. "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." This understanding showcases his analytical approach to his new craft, mirroring his strategic mindset on the basketball court.
Inspiration and Aspirations
Okogie's admiration for seasoned professionals in the field of sports photography is clear. He holds high regard for David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix, drawing inspiration from their work. "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 notes.
His ultimate goal in photography aligns with his desire to convey deeper emotions. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he explains. This sentiment reflects a broader aspiration to create meaningful connections through his photographs, much like his impact as a player energizing fans and teammates alike.
Continuing to blend his passions, Okogie plans to photograph WNBA games during the offseason, further expanding his portfolio and expertise. This step indicates his commitment to continually developing his skills and sharing the emotional essence of sports with a broader audience.
On the Court and Beyond
As Okogie delves deeper into photography, his commitment to the Phoenix Suns remains unwavering. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension, he is poised to bring relentless energy on both sides of the floor under new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer. "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 asserts.
Looking ahead to a competitive Western Conference, Okogie is optimistic about the Suns' 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 says. His enthusiasm is palpable as he envisions the Suns' ceiling being as high as they set it, provided they have a productive training camp and gel as a unit.
In conclusion, Josh Okogie is proving that his talents extend beyond the basketball court. As he develops his skills behind the camera, Okogie continues to embody the energy and dedication that defines both his athletic career and burgeoning passion for photography. Whether it's through a timely steal on the hardwood or a perfectly captured moment on film, Okogie is committed to making an indelible impact.