Old Fadama, Ghana
Graduation Project
About project
A collection of ten images I captured in Old Fadama, Ghana—a small but densely populated area where an estimated 30,000 to 150,000 people reside.
It’s a place full of contrasts, both fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking. Many children grow up here and spend their entire lives within its borders.
Brief
For my photography class graduation project, I was tasked with creating a cohesive collection of images. The subject was entirely up to me, as long as there was a clear vision or structure guiding the work. The images needed to tell a story or visually connect in a meaningful way.
Visual Approach
To visually represent the reality of most children who spend their entire lives in Old Fadama, I chose to photograph them sitting in their environment. This idea also ties to the Dutch phrase ‘vast zitten’ (which loosely translates to ‘sitting stuck’), reflecting their situation.
Lens & Camera Usage
I chose a camera with a wide dynamic range to handle the contrast between Ghana’s bright environment and sky and the darker skin tones of the people living there. I used a 24mm lens to capture not just the person but also their surroundings, while avoiding excessive lens distortion.
Roundup
The jury was pleased with my work and mentioned they were impressed by what I managed to achieve at the age of 20. I was honored to graduate with highest distinction and received the best overall score they had ever awarded.
Collaborators
Research & Visual Advice: Leon Decock
Communication & Logistics: Simon Overdeput, Samuel Mensah
Communication & Logistics: Simon Overdeput, Samuel Mensah
Client — Testimonial
“This is quite impressive, even more so at your age. What you’ve shown me today, I don’t often see at my school.”
