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Ferdinand Agbotui is an engineer based in Ghana, He’s also a photographer. In this interview with Femi Akeusola, the computer engineering graduate revealed his journey into photography, the challenges photographers in Ghana face among other topics.
Kindly introduce yourself
My name is Ferdinand Agbotui. I’m an engineer based in Tarkwa Ghana with one of the mining companies but my family is based in Takoradi so I usually move between these two places a lot.
How was growing up like?
Growing up was quiet interesting. I mean I grew up in the hustle era. I remember back then when one neighbor got a movie to watch (VHS) the youth in neighborhood would all troop in to watch. The good kids got to sit inside whiles the bad kids had to watch through the dusty windows. We wore oversized clothes so it would take years to outgrow them. It was quite a start but by the Grace of God things got better along the line.
Educational Background
I was at Ghana secondary technical school for my high school education then proceeded to KNUST where I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering.
How did you fall in love with Photography?
I don’t remember when I actually fell in love with Photography. I have interests in arts so I have this soft spot for eye candy. But most of my initial exposure was through some good friends of mine back on campus and that’s when I started to walk the path of photography. I realized there was so much one could achieve by mastering a camera. So I started with my phone, like most people, till I could afford a DSLR.
When did you decide to take it from being a hobby to a profession?
Photography is still a hobby at the moment. Haven’t gone commercial completely. It’s quite hectic balancing work with Photography but it’s definitely in my plans.
What type of photography do you do and why that type of photography?
I love astrophotography, landscapes and portraits but I’m not into a particular type of photography yet due to my busy schedule. So usually I do whatever type of photography that is easy to do wherever I find myself. It helps reduce stress so I’m ok with that for now. I’m trying to streamline my photography towards one or two genres though. That would also help me get better in my photography.
Where do you draw your inspiration from and any photographer you look up to?
I draw inspiration from the works of Bobpixel, Dexdee, Ernest Reagan, Tracy Lee, Ben Vong Wong and Kath V. I don’t get to go out to shoot a lot and this is something that’s not good for photographers but it’s something I have to endure for the mean time. But I don’t really look up to anyone. I however have lots of respect and admiration for these photographers and their work.
So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the business of photography like?
My highest point as a Photographer was during a very good friends wedding. I was the couple’s chauffer and I was taking personal shots at the same time. Unfortunately on the Thanksgiving day, Sunday, the official photographers had an emergency so I turned into chauffer/photographer for the day and it still turned out pretty well. Photography is a very expensive path to take. I mean you could get basic gear and still take great shots but it gets to a point you crave to go further, try more things and then your gear becomes a limitation. But then it’s all up to the individual though. Your aim and goals are definitely factors when it comes to spending on gear. Photography is fun to me. It is my form of stress relief.
What challenges do you think photographers in Ghana face?
I think some of the challenges Ghanaian photographers face include but not limited to the following: Getting gear(we are in Africa and we don’t really have these manufacturers having assembly plants or major distributors in our side of the world so in order to get gear you’ll have to buy from a retailer who bought it from USA mostly and shipped it down and added his profit to it so you can imagine the price difference. And considering how expensive gear is, it’s pretty annoying having an issue and having no warranty to save you.
Also most clients expect Hollywood results for the price of Kumawood. And because some need to put food on the table they have to accept any bad deal just to get something for the pockets. It ends up ruining the whole market. I also believe some photographers too might be overcharging. So it’s a two sided issue.
Thank you so much. Any last words?
Thanks for reaching out.
I would like the pro photographers to develop that “Ubuntu” attitude towards amateur photographers. Let’s develop the habit of reaching out to others. Most fear they might teach someone who will end up taking them out of business or competing with them. And someone asking you for help doesn’t mean he’s asking for a whole degree in photography. And to the amateur photographers, it’s that complacency behaviour that’s causing all this problems. You’ll make a mistake and a pro will try to correct you and you’ll be behaving like you know everything about photography. It’s annoying so pretty much let the noisiest be your shutter.
click @efo_ferdinand to see more amazing pictures by this photographer
