Capturing the Moment: The Role of Videographers in the NBA
Revisit the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA championship celebration where Joseph Owen Jr. plays a key role. Always seen closely following Jalen Williams amidst the celebratory chaos, Owen is the one behind the camera, capturing every moment. This dynamic is evident even in the Netflix series “Starting Five,” where he is seen alongside Williams at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s home, receiving praise from the MVP.
A Unique Partnership
Unlike many players who have personal chefs or trainers, Williams’ unique collaborator is Owen, who serves as a live-in videographer, documenting Williams’ journey from a rookie at Santa Clara to an All-NBA player. Owen has been by his side since the early days, capturing milestones and the behind-the-scenes experiences that often go unnoticed.
Inside the NBA Lifestyle
Owen believes in revealing the unseen aspects of the NBA lifestyle that fans miss. With most personal photographers starting their work long before players hit the big leagues, they build strong relationships. Williams emphasizes Owen’s importance, stating he has been there through career highs and lows, providing a unique lens into his life.
The Growing Trend
With an increasing emphasis on personal branding in the NBA, many players invest in photographers to help craft their public personas. Emerging figures like Owen, Merix Alexander, Cameron Look, and Nick Ramos are among those shaping this trend, with a focus on authenticity and personal storytelling.
Building Relationships and Trust
Owen’s journey began in Sacramento filming high school games, which led to key connections that propelled him into the NBA scene. After working with players through training sessions, he crossed paths with Williams during pre-draft workouts, where strong friendships developed over time, especially given their shared experiences and challenges.
Challenges of the Role
Owen’s privileged access to Williams’ life presents challenges, particularly maintaining confidentiality regarding personal struggles, like injuries. This balance of trust and discretion is essential, reflecting the responsibility that comes with capturing athletes’ lives behind the scenes.
Diverse Paths in Videography
Videographers like Alexander, Look, and Ramos showcase the diversity within this burgeoning field, each leveraging relationships and individual aesthetics to narrate players’ stories. Together, they create a bridge between the public persona athletes present and the private lives they lead, enriching the fan experience beyond the court.
