Josh Okogie: From Defending the Court to Capturing Its Essence
Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie is widely recognized for his defensive prowess and relentless energy on the basketball court. Yet, this summer, Okogie has channeled his passion into a new field: photography. The NBA guard has taken the opportunity to explore the art of capturing moments, turning his lens toward the game he loves.
Discovering Photography in Milan
Okogie's interest in photography was sparked during a vacation in Milan, Italy, coinciding with Fashion Week. He picked up a Sony a7 III camera, encouraged by a friend to test his skills. While adjusting to this new craft, Okogie ventured capturing live basketball, an arena where milliseconds can mean the difference between an iconic shot and a missed opportunity.
"I'm still not good. I'll say 90-95% of my pictures are BS," Okogie admitted candidly. "But I feel like I've gotten better -- slightly -- each day I've taken pictures."
The Challenges of Live Action
Adaptation to the high-speed nature of basketball photography proved to be a significant challenge for Okogie. "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," he explained. The speed of the game requires not just quick reflexes but also a deep understanding of positioning and timing.
For Okogie, the primary area of improvement lies in adjusting to the rapid pace and finding the optimal angle. "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." His burgeoning skills were put to the test in Las Vegas where he photographed live action during the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game, the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets summer league game, and the Phoenix Suns vs. the Golden State Warriors game.
Admiring the Masters
Throughout his journey, Okogie has found inspiration in seasoned photographers like David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Barry Gossage of Phoenix. "That's my guy," Okogie said of Sherman. "He films the Wolves and he also films a lot of other NBA-sanctioned events. So I've always paid close attention to David."
Capturing Emotion
Okogie's goal in photography transcends merely capturing images; he aims to encapsulate the emotions behind the moments. "Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there," he noted. This aspiration drives him as he plans to extend his photography pursuits to WNBA games during the offseason.
Recommitting to the Suns
While photography occupies his offseason, Okogie's commitment to the Phoenix Suns remains unwavering. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension with the team, he is determined to contribute energy and intensity on 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 assured.
The Western Conference is expected to be highly competitive in the coming season, a challenge that Okogie eagerly anticipates. "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," he said. "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."
Okogie's enthusiasm for the team's potential is palpable. With new coach Mike Budenholzer at the helm, the Suns are aiming to jell and harness their collective talent. "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," Okogie emphasized.
From capturing stunning photographs to making key defensive stops, Josh Okogie is a man of many talents. As he continues to develop his skills both on and off the court, Suns fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming season.