Visual artist Sarfo Emmanuel uses color to convey the tales and aspirations of young people in his community. Sarfo, who studied visual arts and graduated from high school in 2019, obtained his first phone from his sister. He began taking and editing images of his family and friends for fun before realizing he could use his phone as a tool for creating art. His work has appeared in publications such as Afrodyssée, Perfect Magazine, Manju Journal, i-D Magazine named him on a list of the “hottest creatives of 2022.”
Image courtesy of artist
A.S: What inspired you to pursue photography as a creative outlet?
S.E: So after high school I was given this smartphone where I started taking random photos of family and friends and editing them just for fun. Ever since I was a kid I have always been fascinated by art, fashion, and photography. So I would say what really inspired me to pursue photography is my passion for photography art. I started as a painter but when I started taking those pictures of my family, I was really amazed by the beauty of those images. I, later on, found Instagram and realized I could use my phone as an art creation tool and start a career in photography.
Image courtesy of the artist
A.S: What techniques or tips do you find most useful for capturing unique and compelling images using a smartphone?
S.E: One of the most useful techniques that really helps me is paying attention to lighting conditions. Soft, diffused light (such as during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise, or before sunset) adds depth and beauty to my images. I avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows. Also, using photo editing apps to enhance and refine my images has helped me a lot. Adjustments like brightness, contrast, saturation, and cropping significantly improve the final results.
A.S: How do you overcome the limitations of smartphone photography, such as low-light situations or limited manual control options?
S.E: When it comes to these challenges such as low light situations. I try shooting during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is softer and more flattering. I also sometimes experiment with adding external lighting, such as portable LED lights or light attachments. Smartphones perform better in well-lit conditions. Also limited control is a big challenge. While smartphone cameras offer automatic modes, they do not provide extensive manual controls. However, smartphone camera apps allow me to adjust settings like exposure, white balance, and focus. Smartphone cameras can be prone to camera shake, resulting in blurry images. To overcome this, I hold my phone with both hands, keep my arms close to my body, and use my body as a stabilizer. Alternatively, I sometimes consider using a tripod or a smartphone tripod mount for steady shots.
Image courtesy of artist
A.S: Are there any challenges you face specifically as an artist and how do you overcome them?
S.E: As a young artist, I do face some challenges and one of them is time management. Balancing artistic pursuits with other responsibilities and commitments can be very challenging. It’s important to establish a consistent schedule and prioritize your art. I set aside dedicated time for my creative practice, and avoid distractions or procrastination. Breaking my artistic goals into smaller, manageable tasks have also helped me make progress and stay motivated.
A.S: What advice would you give to someone just starting out with iPhone photography to help them improve their skills?
S.E: When it comes to the techniques of using an iPhone as your camera, one piece of advice I will give is to explore the camera app on your smartphone and learn about its features. Experiment with different modes like portrait, landscape, or HDR to understand their effects. Also, pay attention to lighting conditions. Natural light is often the best choice, so try shooting during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) when the light is soft and warm. Also when it comes to the creative aspect, I would urge them to create what they love and should be consistent with posting their works on social media.
Image courtesy of the artist
A.S: Are there any specific subjects or themes that you enjoy photographing the most with your iPhone? Why?
S.E: One of the themes of my work is celebrating African beauty. I capture photos that tell African stories through beauty and fashion, and incorporating these aspects is my wonderful way of celebrating and showcasing the rich culture and diversity of the continent. I also work to create awareness around socio-economic problems in my country, Ghana.
A.S: What is your favorite subject to shoot and why?
S.E:I really love capturing stories about African beauty and fashion. It is important to me to showcase real African beauty to the rest of the world.
A.S: Do you have any upcoming projects in the works that we can look forward to?
S.E: Yes I have a few upcoming projects which talk about African beauty and also I’m working on a series to create awareness of some current problems facing my country.
