Interview with Ogbo Okoronkwo

ESSX interviews NFL athlete and photographer Ogbo Okoronkwo, whose vision shaped the SS25 campaign. From documenting his own family memories to capturing fashion through a new lens, Ogbo shares the journey behind his creative process, his dream shoot, and how he balances life between the field and the frame.

What first sparked your interest in photography and inspired you to pick up a camera?

My dad has a big archive of film photos that he kept of my brothers and sisters over the years. They’re all over the house and I always thought it was pretty cool how he documented everything and gave us the ability to look back at those certain times that we probably would’ve forgotten about otherwise.

I officially picked up a camera my second year in the league after an injury sidelined me. It was during that time, that I was able to really dive into the technicalities of a camera and learn more about photography as a whole.

How do you balance the demands of professional football with your creative work behind the lens?

Honestly it can be really challenging at times. Football requires me to be on this side of the country, then I might get an opportunity on another coast. So it’s just a lot of planning but my team makes its feel pretty easy and supports my passion in photography, which I greatly appreciate.

A person wearing incredibly styled clothes from ESSX NYC

What drew you to say yes when approached about shooting the ESSX SS25 campaign?

Well first of all I love the ESSX team, especially Laura. She allowed me to have my 2nd installment of my gallery series, Portraits, at the store. I really appreciated that and the love I get from the staff, so it was a no brainer. We have really cultivated a familial dynamic that I appreciate.

What would your dream photoshoot look like—location, subject, concept, anything?

My Dream photoshoot would be to shoot an album cover for Sade if she dropped new music and I’d love to do it on the coast of Nigeria.

If you had the opportunity to photograph any one person, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could photograph anyone it would have to be my friends and family. I love them the most and I’m their biggest fans.