We recently connected with Samuel Gbate and have shared our conversation below.
Samuel, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, comes from a combination of life experiences and a strong support system, my mother. Growing up in an environment where adaptability was essential taught me how to bounce back from setbacks. Photography and filmmaking also demand resilience—tight deadlines, unpredictable conditions, and creative challenges all build that muscle.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! My journey as a professional photographer began about three years ago, and it has been a thrilling adventure of growth and discovery ever since. As an internationally published photographer, my work has allowed me to explore the world through a creative lens, capturing moments that tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire thought.
What excites me most about photography is its power to transcend language and cultural barriers. Whether I’m shooting portraits, landscapes, or editorial pieces, my goal is to create imagery that resonates with people on a deeply personal level. I strive to bring out the essence of my subjects, whether it’s the raw emotion of a candid moment or the intricate beauty of a carefully composed shot.
One aspect of my work that I take pride in is blending different cultural influences. Having roots in Ghana and living in the U.S., I often draw on my multicultural experiences to create visuals that feel fresh, dynamic, and authentic.
Currently, SEDG MEDIA LLC is focusing on expanding our portfolio to include more conceptual projects that push creative boundaries.
For me, photography is more than a career—it’s a way to connect with people, share stories, and make an impact. Whether collaborating with brands, nonprofits, or individuals, I aim to create work that’s not only visually compelling but also meaningful.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I’m excited for what the future holds and look forward to sharing more of my art with the world.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as a professional photographer, three qualities and skills stand out as being the most impactful: adaptability, storytelling, and technical mastery.
1. Adaptability
Photography is dynamic—whether it’s adapting to changing lighting, a new location, or unforeseen challenges during a shoot, being flexible has been key to my growth. Early on, I learned the importance of staying open-minded and problem-solving creatively in the moment. My advice? Embrace challenges as opportunities. Practice shooting in a variety of settings, experiment with new techniques, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
2. Storytelling
At its core, photography is about telling a story. Early in my career, I realized that a technically perfect photo isn’t always the most compelling—it’s the ones that connect emotionally or convey meaning that leave a lasting impression. To develop this skill, I studied different genres of photography, immersed myself in diverse cultures, and asked myself what I wanted my work to say. For those starting out, focus on finding your unique voice. Let your personal experiences and perspectives shape your art.
3. Technical Mastery
While creativity is vital, having a strong grasp of the technical aspects—composition, lighting, and post-production—is equally important. I dedicated countless hours to learning my gear inside out, practicing in all kinds of scenarios, and refining my editing skills. For beginners, I recommend investing time in understanding the fundamentals and then pushing boundaries to see how far you can take them.
My biggest piece of advice for those early in their journey? Be patient with yourself. Growth takes time. Seek out mentors, engage with communities, and always stay curious. The beauty of photography is that you’re never done learning, and every photo you take is a step forward.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I’d say the biggest challenge I’m currently facing is finding a balance between creative growth and managing the business side of photography.
Photography is my passion, but it’s also a profession, and running a successful photography career means wearing multiple hats—creative, marketer, strategist, and sometimes even accountant. At times, it can feel like the business demands pull me away from the artistic exploration that drew me to photography in the first place.
To overcome this, I’ve been focusing on streamlining my workflow and building a supportive network. For example, I’ve started outsourcing time-consuming tasks like photo editing when necessary, freeing me up to focus on creative projects and client relationships. I’ve also invested in tools and platforms that simplify client management, invoicing, and scheduling.
On the creative side, I’m making a conscious effort to set aside dedicated time for personal projects. These allow me to experiment and reconnect with why I fell in love with photography.
Ultimately, it’s about maintaining a balance that lets me continue growing as an artist while sustaining a thriving business. It’s a work in progress, but I see each challenge as an opportunity to refine my approach and build a more sustainable practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sedgmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedgmedia
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sedgmedia
Image Credits
SEDG MEDIA LLC
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