Josh Okogie: From Guarding Opponents to Capturing Moments
Phoenix Suns guard, Josh Okogie, is widely recognized for his defensive prowess and boundless energy on the court. This summer, however, Okogie has been channeling some of that passion into a completely different field: photography.
Okogie’s interest in photography ignited when he picked up a Sony a7 III camera while vacationing in Milan, Italy, during Fashion Week. Encouraged by a friend, he began to test his skills behind the lens and soon found himself enamored with the craft.
“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 candidly shared. His journey in photography hasn’t been easy, but Okogie remains undeterred, constantly striving to improve.
One particular challenge he faces is capturing the swift movements inherent in live basketball. “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 admits that adjusting to the speed of the game and finding the right angle are crucial skills he needs to develop further. “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."
Despite these challenges, Okogie has already had opportunities to test his growing skills in high-stakes environments. In Las Vegas, he captured 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.
In his pursuit of photographic excellence, Okogie looks up to seasoned photographers 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, demonstrating his deep respect for established professionals in the field.
His ultimate goal in photography resonates strongly with his philosophy on the court: capturing the emotion behind moments. “Because you want the picture to replicate the feeling of the play for those who weren’t there," he explained, highlighting his desire to convey the vibrancy and intensity of live sports to those unable to witness it firsthand.
Looking ahead, Okogie plans to broaden his photographic repertoire by shooting WNBA games during the offseason, reaffirming his commitment to daily improvement and new challenges.
While his off-court interests grow, Okogie’s commitment to the Phoenix Suns remains unwavering. Recently signing a two-year, $16 million extension, he is fully dedicated to contributing both offensively and defensively. “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 asserted. His role, as he sees it, is pivotal in energizing 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."
With the Western Conference projected to be fiercely competitive next year, Okogie is confident about the Suns’ 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."
Josh Okogie’s passion for both basketball and photography exemplifies his relentless pursuit of excellence and creativity. Whether on the court or behind the lens, his journey is a testament to the power of passion and determination in achieving greatness.