In light of our recent work on Orientalism in modern travel photography (read & listen here) we’re pleased to bring to you our #ReClaim series, showcasing talented and innovative photographers around the world, who document/ represent their local communities, regions or countries through images, ‘re-claiming’ the narrative and dispelling reductionist and often racist, representations that have dominated for so long.
Michael Aboya
Michael Aboya is a self-taught freelance photographer from Ghana and based in the capital city Accra. His work, depicting life in West Africa, is both playful and dramatic. He shares the concept behind his photography with us.
On why he takes photos
I love to take photos that tell stories that people can relate to, inspire them and have a positive impact on their lives.
On his inspiration
Sometimes I find myself more into conceptual photography, inspired by music, movies, books I’ve read, the environment around me, and sometimes I am my own inspiration.
On his purpose
As a photographer I focus more on telling stories through my images. The purpose is to tell these stories to inspire, empower and get in touch with the emotions of the viewer, in ways they can relate to. These pictures may reflect happiness, sadness, love or strength through composition, lighting, and the subject.
I always make sure I have the most important aspect visible in my photos – the true personality of the people I shoot.
I shoot what I love, and also shoot what it feels like not what it looks like.
There is a saying that if you love something or someone, you see them with different eyes. My love for what I do blessed me with a new set of eyes to see things differently; I capture the beauty in them and show that beauty to the world.
On why he is different
My representation of West Africa is different not because I choose to be different, but because I choose to be myself, by shooting what I love and what makes me happy- all done with the purpose to inspire and empower others.
Follow Michael Aboya on Instagram.
