Exploring New Passions: Josh Okogie’s Foray into Photography
Known for his tenacity and defensive acumen on the court, Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is channeling his passion into an entirely new field this summer: photography. Although his stature as a formidable basketball player is well-documented, Okogie's burgeoning interest in capturing moments through a lens is an unfamiliar yet intriguing aspect of his multifaceted personality.
Okogie's fascination with photography was ignited during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week. Armed with a Sony a7 III camera, he explored the world of photography, encouraged by a friend who saw potential in his untrained eye. Despite his primary identity as an athlete, Okogie embraced the challenge of navigating camera settings, learning white balance, and experimenting with different angles.
"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," acknowledges Okogie. His candid admission offers a glimpse into the meticulous and often frustrating journey of honing a new skill. Unlike the pace of improvement in basketball, where physicality and reflexes dominate, photography demands patience, precision, and a different kind of vision.
Capturing the Action
Attempting to merge his worlds, Okogie took on the task of capturing live basketball moments. His initial forays included photographing the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors matchup in Las Vegas. The speed of the game, however, presented a notable obstacle. "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," reveals Okogie. This comment underscores the challenge of anticipating and reacting swiftly enough to frame the perfect shot.
Nonetheless, Okogie remains undeterred. He recognizes the areas for improvement and is committed to refining his technique. "I feel like the biggest improvement I have to make is adjusting to the speed of the game and not only anticipating, but also being at the right angle to get the best picture," he explains. This learning curve is not unfamiliar territory for him, as the drive to master his craft mirrors the relentless pursuit of excellence he exhibits on the basketball court.
Learning from the Best
In his journey, Okogie draws inspiration from seasoned photographers within the NBA community. He holds high regard for David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix, professionals whose work he admires. "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 shares. Their expertise offers a benchmark for his own development, encouraging him to blend technical skill with an intuitive understanding of the sport.
Photography, for Okogie, is more than just capturing images; it is about conveying the profound emotions behind the moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he articulates. This perspective resonates with his approach to basketball, where the passion and intensity of the game are palpable to those who watch him play.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Okogie plans to extend his photography pursuits to WNBA games during the offseason. This venture aligns with his larger goal of continually challenging himself and expanding his horizons. Meanwhile, he remains laser-focused on his primary responsibility: contributing to the Phoenix Suns’ success. Having signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the team, Okogie is determined to bring energy and dynamism 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 asserts. Eager to be the catalyst for his team, he adds, "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."
With a competitive season looming, Okogie remains optimistic about the Suns' prospects. "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 envisions.
In the midst of his photographic endeavors and basketball commitments, Josh Okogie exemplifies the spirit of exploration and growth. Balancing his passions on and off the court, he continues to strive for excellence, proving that masterpieces can be crafted with both a basketball and a camera.