We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Philip Atta Sarkodie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Philip, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The origins of this narrative trace back to 2017 in Kumasi, a city in Ghana, West Africa. I discovered a hidden talent that would permanently alter my life.
It all began when friends approached me with poorly captured photos for their music artwork designs. Instead of dismissing them, I recommended a nearby photographer for high-quality images. However, I consistently found myself at the photo studio with them, directing their posing and consuming my working time.
Recognizing an opportunity, I enrolled at the Pan African School of Art, a photography school in Kumasi. Armed with passion and a camera, I delved into the world of photography, learning the nuances of lighting, composition, and storytelling through images. With each click of the shutter, I transformed lackluster photos into captivating visual narratives that breathed life into the music they represented.
Word spread quickly, and soon, artists from various genres sought my unique touch for their album covers. As my reputation grew, so did the demand for my photography services. What started as a humble endeavor inspired by poorly taken photos blossomed into a fulfilling career that merged my love for music and visual storytelling. Every shoot became a journey, an exploration of creativity fueled by the desire to enhance the artistic expression of those who entrusted me with their visions.
In the end, it was the seemingly imperfect photos that sparked my journey into photography, proving that even in the most unlikely places, there lies an opportunity for creativity to flourish. And so, the chapters of my story unfolded, each frame capturing not only images but the evolution of a passion sparked by the simple act of turning poor photos into masterpieces
Philip, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Sarkodie Atta Philip, and I am an award-winning photographer born in Kumasi, a city in Ghana, West Africa. Currently, I reside in Accra.
I am a dedicated photographer specializing in various fields, including headshots/portraits, weddings/events, commercial, advertising, still life, and editorial. With a keen eye for detail, I ensure that my work bears my unique signature.
My commitment extends beyond the lens. I place significant emphasis on both pre-production and post-production processes, allocating approximately 70% of my focus to ensure a refined and polished final product.
Recognizing the subjective nature of artistic preferences, I empower my clients by presenting options from which they can choose. Their selections play a pivotal role.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I ventured into photography while still working as a graphic designer. With the savings I had accumulated from my design work, I took the first steps in funding my photography business. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, my passion for visual storytelling kept me driven.
Exploring the realms of photography allowed me to blend my creative skills seamlessly. As I delved deeper into this new chapter, I realized the importance of not only capturing moments but also understanding the business side of photography. Balancing artistry and entrepreneurship became a learning curve that fueled my determination to succeed. Through strategic financial planning and perseverance, I nurtured my budding photography venture, turning my initial savings into a foundation for future growth
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During a particularly lean period in my photography business, where bookings were scarce, I faced the temptation to doubt my chosen path. Instead of giving in to self-doubt, I decided to proactively address the situation. I reached out to my existing network, offering promotions and special packages to attract clients. Simultaneously, I invested time in enhancing my online presence through social media and updating my portfolio.
This proactive approach not only helped me secure new projects but also strengthened my connection with clients, showcasing the power of resilience and adaptability in navigating the unpredictable nature of the creative industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://asapfotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asapfotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asapfotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Philipoviewsgfx/videos
- Other: Behance: behance.net/philipoviewsgfx