Kojo Boateng is a Portrait and wedding and photographer. In this interview with Femi Akeusola, the Medical Laboratory science student cum photographer reveals his journey into the world of photography, his inspiration, some of the challenges photographers face in Ghana among other topics.
Kindly introduce yourself
My name is Kojo Boateng. I’m a medical laboratory scientist and a photographer from Accra, Ghana.
How was growing up like?
Well I must say, I was fortunate to grow up from a Christian nuclear family with very supportive parents and that helped to shape my conscience to build a positive path for a great future. I stayed in a hospital environment most of my growing up years and that influenced my interest in medical science.
Educational Background
I’m currently in my final semester studying Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
How did you fall in love with Photography?
I’m naturally someone who does not settle for less with anything I do so I find interest in understanding the dynamics of how things work so I achieve good results with whatever I do. At the age of 15, I recall, a friend of mine left his digital camera with me at home and I had the opportunity to snap a few pics of my adorable dog at home. My friend later rained accolades on me for such good shots I took and that sparked my interest to start learning all there was to learn about photography. My journey as a photographer started then…
When did you decide to take it from being an hobby to a profession?
I began professional photography two years ago when I took some professional tutorial and practical lessons from a senior professional photographer and subsequently, I bought my first DSLR camera, Canon t5i + 50mm prime lens. It was a good start and I’m happy with my progress so far.
What type of photography do you do?
I do portraits, weddings, product and commercial photography. I’m currently learning more about conceptual photography because I love to challenge myself with creative ideas and so I hope to start that soon as well. Portrait photography is my favorite though.
Why that type of Photography?
I love to shoot portraits because I identify expressions communicated better with portraits. Weddings also exposes me to several cultural experiences which I enjoy a lot aside the opportunity to showcase some creativity with the bridal shoots.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from nature. I develop my concepts for shoots and plan my activities by mostly by praying to God for direction and just enjoying the sky view of sunsets whiles thinking through my plans and it always leads me the right way.
Any photographer you look up to?
I have a number of international photographers I follow for inspiration but the most prominent I look up to because I study a lot from him is Livingstone of (dextdee photography), Ghana. His sense of lighting and attention to details is exceptional.
So far what has been your highest point as a photographer and how is the business of photography like?
As a growing professional photographer with limited equipment, my highest point has always been receiving the heartwarming appreciation from one of my constructive critics and a mentor on some high profile portrait pictures I worked on for an entrepreneur here in Ghana sometime early this year. The business nature of photography in Ghana in my opinion is that, it is a little challenging although very rewarding when you find the appropriate client who understands creative art. I love to create beautiful pictures and I enjoy the pride that comes with the appreciation of my works than the money although the money is very essential in ensuring your progress and development.
What challenges do you think photographers in Ghana face?
The basic problem I think photographers in Ghana face is the low recognition of the value of their works since creative arts isn’t well branded as a lucrative industry. This makes it hard for most good works by most photographers to be valued as such and so the tendency to quit becomes an immediate option. I must be quick to say that despite this challenge amidst other challenges, photography in Ghana is currently gaining its grounds due to the influence of social media and the constant advocacy of the Ghana professional photographers association to inspire and challenge young and upcoming photographers and so keeping us up to the task to deliver good services and stay professional.
Thank you so much. Any last words?
I would like to show my appreciation for the opportunity given to me to share my views here. I would like to encourage every young and growing photographer not to give up on the dream because your reward will surely come provided you stay professional and keep learning. Photography is life. Thank you.
