Kevin Sway Komla Kuwornu is a Ghanaian fashion and portrait photographer celebrated for his ability to weave compelling narratives through his lens. His work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in visual art, capturing not just moments but emotions and identities. Sway is a firm believer in the philosophy: “Tell the right story, and it will find its audience. The audience then becomes the market.” This ethos underscores his approach to photography, where each frame is imbued with authenticity and purpose.
In this interview, we delve into Sway’s creative process, his perspective on the dynamic fashion and portrait photography scene in Ghana, and how he navigates the balance between artistic expression and market demands. Join us as we uncover the mind behind the lens and explore what it takes to transform stories into art that resonates across cultures.
- COULD YOU GIVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOURSELF, AND WHAT DRIVES YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?
My name is Sway. Kevin Sway Komla Kuwornu, I’m just another creative youngin’ fascinated by the world so much that I decided to document my own version of it.
- HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE, AND WHAT INFULENCE HAVE SHAPED IT?
My artistic style is Cinematic. I’m basically trying to take every photo like it’s a snapshot from either a big budget Hollywood movie or a wildly artistic indie film, regardless of what type of camera I’m using at any point in time. Like my response suggests, this style has been greatly influenced by the kind of media I’ve been exposed to over the course of my life. That includes movies, music, magazines, anime and all the VSCO and instagram posts I’ve seen.
-
Images by Stillsway_ 
Images by Stillsway_ - HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT STATE OF THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY IN GHANA?
Diversified. I like how creative people in genres other than music and film are gaining recognition for their valued contributions to the creative industry. This shift has inspired a lot of young creative minds to follow creative career paths and that’s beautiful.
- WHAT ROLE DOES GHANAIAN CULTURE PLAY IN YOUR WORK?
The Ghanaian culture has a way of helping you remember your roots regardless of what stage you’re at in your career that’s humbling. The initial reason why I started photography was to take photos of the things or people I felt drawn to. These are people whose appearances say a lot more about them than words can describe and nature. I started from a very humble beginning with an iPhone 5, editing with its built-in editor. Since then, I have progressed to work with more complex devices and softwares, met awe-inspiring people, started initiatives and felt a sense of agency but the Ghanaian Culture has this trigger planted in me that reminds me everyday that it all means nothing. In short, it humbles me.
-
Images by Stillsway_ Images by Stillsway_ - HOW HAS THE GLOBAL DEMAND FOR AFRICAN ART AND FASHION INFULENCED THE CREATIVE SCENE IN GHANA?
The global demand for African art and fashion has empowered a new set of minds to follow long term career paths.
- HOW DO YOU STAY COMPETITIVE IN THE GROWING PORTRAIT AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY?
I try not to compete. It keeps me sane. I just practice.
- HOW DO YOU BALANCE STORYTELLING AND COMMERCIAL APPEAL IN FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY?
Tell the right story, it’ll find its audience. The audience becomes the market.
- HOW DO YO BLEND YOUR PERSONAL STYLE WITH THE DESIGNER’S VISION WHEN CAPTURING RUNWAY MOMENTS OR BACKSTAGE AT FASHION SHOWS?
A detailed portrait shot of a model, wearing a shirt produced from a designer’s vision, shows the emphasis laid on the neckline of the shirt the model is wearing.
A portrait photographer wants details, the designer wants retailers to notice the technical bit of the shirt. Hence, a clean portrait of a visually striking Nigerian model is taken backstage with the intention to bring light to the designer’s vision where he saw the neckline of a football jersey in his collection.
- YOUR IMAGES STOOD OUT AT THE JUST CONCLUDED LAGOS FASHION WEEK FOR IT’S ARTISTIC NATURE, WHAT’S THE CONCEPT BEHIND THOSE IMAGES?
Do what needs to be done, but have fun with it.
- WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE NEXT DECADE?
More documentary type of stuff for archival purposes.
- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS, ESPECIALLY IN GHANA?
Take photos, take care of them.
To know and see more of Kevin Sway Komla Kuwornu work check him out on IG @ Stillsway_
