Meet Abdul Arafat

We were lucky to catch up with Abdul Arafat recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Abdul Arafat, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

After completing my university studies, I briefly worked in a corporate office before pursuing my passion for football. Although my football dreams didn’t materialize, I rediscovered my interest in photography, a hobby I had explored in university. I began assisting professional photographers, learning the ropes and honing my skills. As I gained confidence, I started taking on my own projects, capturing friends’ special moments and events.

A turning point came when I photographed Cardi B’s event in Ghana. One particular image stood out, and after sharing it on social media, it went viral when Cardi B herself screenshotted and shared it on her socials! The overwhelming response was a surreal moment, validating my work and purpose.

Another highlight was when my lecturer referenced me as a role model in class, acknowledging my journey and accomplishments. Despite facing self-doubt and uncertainty, these moments of recognition and positive feedback from others solidified my passion for photography as my true calling. I realized that my photographs were not only aesthetically pleasing but also conveyed meaningful stories, resonating with people on a deeper level. That’s when I knew I had found my purpose.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

For nearly a decade, I have been driven by the belief that ‘A Real Piece Of Art Is A Window Into The Transcendent.’
Photography is more than just capturing images for me; it’s a way to freeze time, preserving moments that may never come again. I am passionate about capturing candid, unguarded moments that evoke deep emotions and nostalgia. With my cameras, I have been privileged to time-travel, collecting memories with esteemed artists, institutions, and events like Cardi B’s Ghana visit, Afronation, and the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

My journey has been marked by collaborations with incredible partners, including the Government of Ghana, Australian embassy, United Nations, Sarkodie, Mr. Eazi and CocaCola. I have been humbled by accolades like the 2019 Accra Photoweek’s Events Photographer of the Year and the 2022 Artpreciate Creative Awards’ Event Photographer of the Year.

As i move forward, i am excited to explore new frontiers, refine my craft, and continue capturing the beauty and essence of life’s transcendent moments. For me, photography is a personal journey, a way to connect with others, and a means to leave a lasting legacy.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I use a wide range of skills in my photography journey but I believe the 3 most impactful skills are
– technical mastery,
– artistic vision and
– adaptability

For young photographers looking to develop I always rely on my experience to advise them using these 3 crucial qualities I mentioned earlier.
First and foremost, to build Technical Mastery immerse yourself in practice. Experiment constantly with your camera settings, even in everyday situations. Don’t just rely on auto mode – challenge yourself to shoot in manual. Study lighting in various conditions and times of day. Take online courses or workshops to deepen your understanding of composition and post-processing techniques. Remember, technical skill comes from consistent, deliberate practice.

For Artistic Vision, expose yourself to diverse styles of photography and other art forms. Visit galleries, study the work of photographers you admire, and try replicating styles that resonate with you. Then, push beyond imitation to find your unique voice. Carry your camera everywhere and train your eye to spot interesting compositions in ordinary scenes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional angles or subjects.

To cultivate Adaptability, purposefully put yourself in challenging shooting situations. Try different genres of photography – if you’re comfortable with landscapes, try portraits. If you usually work in a studio, try street photography. Each new challenge will expand your problem-solving skills. Also, set personal projects with constraints, like using only one lens for a month, or shooting in difficult lighting conditions. This will force you to think creatively and adapt.

Ultimately, developing these qualities is a journey. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and never stop learning. The most growth often happens when you’re outside your comfort zone, so don’t be afraid to push your boundaries.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

As a photographer, I face several challenges in my professional journey. Piracy and copyright infringement are ongoing concerns, as protecting my work in the digital age can be difficult. I’ve also found that opportunities for specialization and niche photography can be limited, making it challenging to carve out a unique space in the industry.

Securing funding for photography projects is another hurdle. Grants and financial support specifically for photographers are often scarce, which can hinder the realization of more ambitious or experimental work. This financial strain is compounded by the high cost of equipment and its maintenance, a significant investment for any serious photographer.

Access is another issue I frequently encounter. Certain locations and events can be difficult to photograph due to security measures or logistical constraints, limiting the range of subjects and stories I can capture. Lastly, navigating the business side of photography presents its own set of challenges. Understanding contracts and business practices specific to our field is crucial but can be complex for those of us who are more artistically inclined.

Despite these challenges, I remain passionate about my craft and continue to seek ways to overcome these obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abdularafat.com
• Instagram: @_abdularafat
• Twitter: @_abdularafat