Josh Okogie: From Defensive Dynamo to Aspiring Photographer
Josh Okogie, known for his tenacious defense and boundless energy on the court, has discovered a new passion this summer that goes beyond his role as a guard for the Phoenix Suns. Trading in his basketball for a camera, Okogie has been exploring the art of photography, a journey that began unexpectedly and has captured his interest as fervently as any fast break.
From Milan to the NBA
The spark for Okogie’s photographic pursuits was lit during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week. Armed with a Sony a7 III camera and encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie began to see the world through a different lens. His initial attempts were far from perfect, with Okogie humorously admitting, "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." His dedication to improvement is evident, as he’s taken every opportunity to refine his understanding of photography.
Capturing Live Basketball
Okogie’s transition from the basketball court to behind the camera wasn’t seamless. Attempting to capture the frenetic pace of live basketball posed significant challenges. "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 shared. Despite these hurdles, he’s found moments of progress in his efforts to document the high-speed action of the games.
In Las Vegas, Okogie took on the role of photographer during significant events such as the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns vs. the Golden State Warriors matchup. His commitment to improving his craft is evident as he focuses on honing his timing and positioning. "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 remarked.
Respect for Seasoned Photographers
Recognizing the artistry and skill of seasoned photographers, Okogie holds a deep respect for 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, emphasizing the value he places on learning from established experts in the field.
His ultimate aim in photography is to capture the essence of emotions that unfold during the game, a challenging but rewarding endeavor. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," Okogie explained. This goal drives his continuous pursuit of improvement, as he plans to extend his photography to WNBA games during the offseason.
Balancing Passions
While Okogie’s foray into photography is a significant part of his life, his commitment to basketball remains paramount. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, Okogie is devoted to bringing energy and intensity to both ends of the floor. "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 asserted, outlining his role within the team.
With Phoenix’s new head coach Mike Budenholzer at the helm, Okogie has discussed his objectives and strategies for the upcoming season. Enthusiastic about the team’s potential, he remarked, "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."
Anticipation for the Upcoming Season
Looking ahead, Okogie is realistic yet hopeful about the challenges in 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 expressed confidently.
Josh Okogie’s journey from a defensive specialist on the court to an aspiring photographer captures the multi-faceted talents and ambitions of a player eager to excel in multiple arenas. His story is a testament to the drive and dedication that defines both his professional and personal pursuits, making every moment, whether through a lens or on the hardwood, an opportunity for growth and excellence.