Female photographers show creativity
Photographers, in their quest to capture lasting memories, mood and moments with a prevailing theme, narrative frame of reference and message, do the unthinkable sometimes.
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Depending on their subject, their posture is unpredictable as they twist, turn and even lie prostrate, just to get the finest angle.
This is a profession which was once considered a man’s work. But, the trend has changed as more women defy the odds and rub shoulders with the men.
In the United States of America, African American female photographers such as Carrie Mae Weems, Lorna Simpson, and Coreen Simpson have been celebrated for their works.
In Ghana, the success of some young women behind the lens cannot be overlooked as their works have been outstanding.
Two of such women with home- grown talents are Mrs Akua Boatemaa Oppong-Attah, with the brand name Akiboat Impressions and Ms Matilda Dogbatsey of Kafui Praise (KP) Photography.
Developing creative spirit
Mrs Oppong-Attah was an unhappy journalist who was bored with doing the same thing all the time.
“Corporate kind of work was not my interest. Although I had my way with words, I hated going out to look for stories and coming back to write my reports, something I did over and over again for about a year, but it did not help me develop my creative spirit,” she told this reporter.
Eventually, she abandoned journalism to pursue photography, initially as a hobby, but now, her profession.
Having started from her small corner in 2010, she now runs an ultra-modern studio at Awoshie in Accra where she finds beauty and captures the unseen in anything she comes across.
Building a brand
In her high heels, she slides from one side of the stage or event grounds taking shots at celebrity shows, big weddings, and other prominent events.
Despite the challenges of intimidation and underestimation that had confronted some women in the early stages of their career, Mrs Oppong-Attah has managed to carve a niche for herself and had built a great and strong brand name.
Akiboat Impressions has indeed become a household name, especially in the showbiz industry.
In the next five years, Mrs Oppong-Attah says “I want to see myself at a place that God wants me to be and I know He will take me to that expected end in my life and work”.
Determination meets passion
The story of Mrs Oppong-Attah is not different from Ms Dogbatsey, as she also quit a job as a manager in a metal company to become a photographer.
“I had serious issues with family relations because of my decision. Some discouraged me and others did not want to have anything to do with me because of the choice that I made”, she said.
But, that did not stop her from pursuing what she wanted to do.
With a Samsung Galaxy K Zone camera, she started taking pictures of her surroundings, events and anything she came across, two years ago.
From there Ms Dogbatsey moved to assisting friends to cover events, especially weddings. Now, she is her own boss with the brand name ‘KP’ and working as a professional photographer.
Discouragement doesn’t count
”I do not regret my decision to become a photographer even though I am in the early stages of the profession,” she said, while showing some of her works to this reporter.
She said, when determination is driven by passion, nothing stops one from doing what he or she loves to do and so discouragement does not count.
“Photography, to me, is a world on its own, the ability to freeze and capture moments that people do not see till the final work comes out and this is amazing,” she said.
Through her lens, she has captured the details of the Ghanaian society. From the West in the Nzulezu community to the Mole Park in the North.
