Meet David Nana Opoku Ansah | Imagemaker & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Nana Opoku Ansah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David Nana Opoku, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to tell unconventional stories within the context of Accra, where I grew up. Most of the imagemaking I encountered was highly polished and event-focused. I sought to capture something different—stories about how people use their spaces and the often-overlooked narratives of the minority.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey as an imagemaker and filmmaker is profoundly influenced by themes of community, freedom, and vulnerability, often mirroring the socio-political context of Ghana. I intertwine the aesthetics of fashion photography and portraiture, utilizing both analog and digital mediums to delve into and challenge how imagery conveys narratives of personal and collective identity.

One of my key projects, “Area Boys,” vividly explores the concepts of freedom and vulnerability, encapsulating the coming-of-age experiences of Ghanaian boys. This project is a testament to my commitment to authenticity, with each photograph serving as a glimpse into the complex emotions of youth in contemporary Ghana. My guiding principle, “All things are worth photographing,” compels me to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, capturing moments of humanity through both a personal and artistic lens.

Receiving the British Fashion Awards’ NEW CREATIVE CLASS in 2022 was a significant milestone for me, and my work has resonated beyond Ghana. I’ve also been honored with the Palm Photo Prize (2021) and the PhMuseum New Generation Prize (2020), affirming my role as a prominent imagemaker of my generation. Exhibitions like “We Ride for Africa” in Paris (2021) and “Past, Present, Future” at Serpentine UK (2021) reflect my ongoing interest in exploring African identity on both local and global platforms.

My path to this point has been about discovering my unique style and engaging in self-education, consistently shooting what I am passionate about to develop a cohesive aesthetic. This process helped me silence external noise and trust my vision. While I continue to navigate the challenges of this journey, I recognize that they are an inherent part of being an artist. I’ve learned that while we can manage challenges, we cannot entirely avoid them. Embracing risk and accepting that failure is part of growth has been crucial for me. I’ve also realized the importance of saying no at times and acknowledging that not every opportunity aligns with my vision, and also stay true to yourself no matter what.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my art is a reflection of my commitment to authenticity, capturing the rich tapestry of human experiences through my lens.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly the Adom falls, freedom skatepark, Busua for surfing and the next door beach

Trying waakye and fufu

Trying boiled eggs with some hot pepper

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
James Barnor has significantly influenced my career. I aim to honor his legacy while adding my own modern, conceptual, and new interpretation.

Website: https://davidansah.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/davidnanaopokuansah

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-nana-opoku-ansah-a458721b1/