Josh Okogie: From Defensive Dynamo to Aspiring Photographer
Josh Okogie is no stranger to the limelight, known primarily for his high-energy defense and relentless hustle as a guard for the Phoenix Suns. This summer, however, Okogie has been channeling his fervor into a different kind of pursuit: photography. The 25-year-old's journey into the world of capturing moments began in a serendipitous manner.
A New Passion Begins
Okogie's interest in photography was sparked during a vacation in Milan, Italy, amidst the bustling scenes of Fashion Week. Armed with a Sony a7 III camera, he began exploring his new hobby. Encouraged by a friend, Okogie set out to test his skills, despite initially struggling with the technicalities. “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 noted.
Like many budding photographers, Okogie faced the harsh reality of a steep learning curve. "I'm still not good. I'll say 90-95% of my pictures are BS," he admitted candidly. “But I feel like I've gotten better—slightly—each day I’ve taken pictures.”
Challenges on the Court
Okogie’s transition from capturing static images to live sports photography has been anything but smooth. He has tried his hand at photographing live basketball, an endeavor that has proven particularly challenging. "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 shared with a touch of exasperation.
His biggest task has been adjusting to the speed of the game and learning to anticipate the key moments, capturing the action from the right 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," Okogie explained.
Learning from the Best
To hone his skills, Okogie has looked up to seasoned photographers 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 said, indicating the respect he has for Sherman's work.
Part of his learning curve has involved capturing the intense emotional moments that define sports. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there,” he said. His goal isn’t just to capture spectacular plays but to convey the emotion behind those moments.
Future Plans and Professional Goals
Okogie’s off-season plans include photographing WNBA games, further broadening his portfolio and experience. Yet, his dedication to basketball remains steadfast. Okogie recently signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, signaling the team’s faith in his contributions on both ends of the court.
"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 said, emphasizing his role as the team's energizer. With new Head Coach Mike Budenholzer at the helm, Okogie has discussed his objectives, eager to be the "battery" of the team. "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."
As the NBA gears up for another competitive season, Okogie remains optimistic about the Phoenix 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.”
Balancing his time between perfecting his jump shot and capturing poignant moments through his camera lens, Okogie exemplifies the multidimensional lives of modern athletes. His journey in photography mirrors his approach to basketball: relentless, passionate, and always aiming for growth.