How to Pursue a Photography Career from Ghana

TL;DR

To successfully pursue a photography career, Paul Ninsen began by selling his phone to buy a camera, leading him to capture unique stories and connect with influential creators like Brandon Stanton. Despite facing rejection and challenges, he emphasizes the importance of self-assigned projects and staying focused on personal goals, ultimately aiming to inspire young photographers in Ghana through his journey.

Transcript

[Applause] hello everybody and welcome to another episode of the chase jarvis live show here on creative live you all know this show this is where i sit down with the world's top creators entrepreneurs and thought leaders and i do everything i can to unpack their brain with the goal of helping you live your dreams and career in hobby and in life i ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Determination and hard work are crucial for achieving success in the creative industry.
• 🤳 Personal projects and self-assignments can help photographers stand out and tell unique stories.
• 🥅 Overcoming challenges and rejection is a part of the creative journey, and it is important to stay focused on one's goals.
• 💄 Making an impact and helping others through storytelling can be more rewarding than fame or recognition.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Paul start his photography career?

Paul sold his phone and used the money to buy a camera, showing his determination to become a photographer.

Q: How did Paul meet documentary photographer Brandon Stanton?

Paul met Brandon Stanton while he was in Ghana, after being a fan of his work on the Humans of New York series. They formed a connection, and Brandon played a crucial role in helping Paul pursue his dreams.

Q: What inspired Paul's personal projects?

Paul's personal projects were inspired by his desire to tell unique stories that were not being covered by the media. He wanted to differentiate himself from other photographers and shed light on marginalized communities.

Q: How did Paul handle rejection and overcome challenges?

Paul faced rejection from people when he tried to capture their stories. However, he did not take it personally and continued to pursue his mission. He stayed determined and focused on his goals, knowing that every rejection brings him closer to success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Paul Ninsen, a photographer and filmmaker from Ghana, shares his journey of starting a photography career after selling his phone and buying a camera.

• He meets and forms a connection with documentary photographer Brandon Stanton, creator of Humans of New York, and eventually gets accepted into the International Center for Photography in New York.

• Paul overcomes challenges and rejection through self-assigned projects, capturing powerful stories of marginalized communities and gaining recognition in the photography industry.