Featured Photographer: Ben Bond

Fujifilm South Africa travelled up north to chat to Ghanaian photographer Ben Bond. Anyone who have seen his fashion, portrait or commercial photography, will know why Bond is in such high demand. We chatted to him about the local scene in Ghana, his YouTube channel and, of course, his love of Fujifilm.

Profile photo credit: Apagnawen Annakra (@Apagstudios)

First of all, how are things in Ghana? 

Things are great in Ghana. Peaceful as always. The current pandemic has slowed things down but I believe it’s the same all around the world.

Do you have a vibrant photography scene there?

Yes, we currently have a very vibrant scene thanks to the inspiration some of us project everyday. We are doing the best we can to inspire a generation.

How did your journey to professional photographer start?

My dad was a photographer and I was always fascinated with his cameras and how a camera works. But true inspiration started from seeing the work of my mentors in photography. It was an eye-opener to see the possibilities of photography.

From your Instagram and YouTube channel, everyone can see you are an enthusiastic Fujifilm user. How did you get turned on to Fujifilm, and what cameras do you shoot with?

Yes, I love Fujifilm, it is the best decision I ever made. My first contact with a Fujifilm camera was a friend’s Fujifilm X-E1. I was amazed at how different it felt in my hands, simple and lightweight. Fujifilm cameras fit my style of photography and my lifestyle (small but mighty). This is why I just can’t get enough of Fujifilm.I currently use Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Fujifilm X-T30. I hope to get the Fujifilm X100V in future.

You specialise in portrait, fashion and commercial photography, but also dabble in documentary, landscape and videography. If you could pursue only one category, which would you choose?

If I could pursue only one, I would choose portrait photography. I love giving people amazing portraits of themselves.

Has your YouTube channel boosted your Instagram following, or your Instagram your YouTube subscribers?

They work hand in hand to spread my work out there. I always share my YouTube link in my Instagram stories and bio and do same in my YouTube videos and descriptions.

Out of all your work, do you have a favourite photograph? What makes it special?

It would be hard for me to choose a favorite photograph, but I always cherish the photos I take of my family.

Do you have any personal projects you are currently working on?

I’m doing a lot of collaborations with fashion designers and stylists. I will share them soon on my Behance page.

Are there other Ghanaian photographers we should be aware of?

Yes, there are a whole lot of them but my very good friend @Akwesi_baah is an amazing food photographer. Also check out @Apagstudios, an excellent photographer and cinematographer.

If you could meet a famous photographer, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Annie Leibovitz or even just be on her set for a day. It would be amazing to see her work. She’s been an inspiration from day one!

Finally, if you could photograph any famous person, who would it be and why?

I would love to photograph Kanye West. He’s such a creative genius. He also inspires me a lot as a creative person. It would be amazing to photograph him.

Website: http://www.oabphoto.com/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/BenBond 

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/oabphotography

Behance: https://www.behance.net/oabphotography