Phoenix Suns guard Josh Okogie has long been appreciated for his relentless defense and boundless energy on the court. However, this summer, Okogie’s fiery passion found a new outlet—photography. What started as a hobby has grown into a parallel pursuit that fuels his relentless drive for improvement.
An Unexpected Passion
Okogie’s journey into photography began unexpectedly during a vacation in Milan, Italy, amidst the bustling excitement of Fashion Week. Armed with a Sony a7 III camera, and encouraged by a friend to test his skills, Okogie began capturing moments through the lens.
“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 shared candidly.
Challenges Behind the Lens
Despite his rookie status in the world of photography, Okogie has already set high expectations for himself. He estimates that 90-95% of his pictures are "BS" but takes solace in his daily progress. “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," Okogie confessed.
Capturing live basketball has proven to be a formidable challenge for the athletic guard, who must now adjust to the speedy dynamics of the game from a different perspective. “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.
Okogie acknowledges the areas he needs to improve upon, stating, “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 respect for seasoned NBA photographers such as David Sherman of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix’s own Barry Gossage highlights his dedication to the craft.
Capturing Emotional Moments
More than just capturing action, Okogie aims to immortalize the emotion behind moments, allowing fans to feel the intensity of the play even if they weren't present. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren't there,” he reflected.
Okogie’s commitment to his burgeoning passion has already seen him capture moments at high-profile events, including the NBA Creator Cup celebrity game and summer league matchups like Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors. Looking ahead, he plans to shoot WNBA games during the offseason.
Balancing Passions
While photography offers a creative release, Okogie’s primary focus remains on the hardwood. He recently signed a two-year, $16 million extension with the Phoenix Suns and has every intention of continuing to bring his infectious energy and defensive prowess to the team. His conversations with new Suns coach Mike Budenholzer have likely centered around the objectives for the upcoming season.
“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 emphasized. He sees himself as the team’s battery, its motor—responsible for sparking enthusiasm and motion among his teammates. “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.”
Optimism for the Future
As he balances his dual passions, Okogie remains optimistic about the Suns’ prospects for the upcoming season. He acknowledges the competitive landscape of the Western Conference but believes in the team’s potential. “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 remarked.
As Josh Okogie continues to hone his skills behind the lens, his dedication on the court remains unwavering. Whether capturing the intensity of a game through a camera or igniting his team with his energy, Okogie exemplifies a multifaceted athlete determined to excel in every arena he steps into.