The world of sports is a joy for numerous fanatics scattered all over the world. And with a projected market volume of US$5.36bn by 2029, its no surprise that sporting events are the one sure way to unite people for the thrill of the game, high emotions and amazing celebrations.

Ghanaian photographer Abrantie Ameyaw, has shot many events in his career—including the just ended 2024 Paris Olympics in France. Filled with passion and a devoted love for God, this young creative takes the center stage with his gear, ready to serve.

Spark in conversation with the Sports photographer, discussing his life on the field of play.

(Responses have  been edited for length and clarity) – All images courtesy of Abrantie Sports

Spark: Welcome back from the 2024 Paris Olympics. What was the experience like? Did you have any expectations going in, for Ghana and yourself?

Abrantie: The Paris experience was an amazing one, one that will live with me forever. Personally, my expectations were to learn from the experienced ones. The Olympic Games is not only a competition between athletes but also creatives – so I went in expecting to learn a lot. I also had expectations for our 4X100m relay team. I was expecting a bronze medal, at least. 

Shot on Canon R6 mark II and Canon RP, lens 70-200mm and 600mm
Spark: I think this was a good start though.  Surely next time will be much better 

Abrantie: I believe so!

Spark: Let’s talk about your background. Who is Abrantie? How was schooling ? and when did sports photography start for you?

Abrantie: Abrantie is someone who attributes all he does to God regardless of my determination, discipline, hardworking, open mindedness. But I believe school is part of life’s learning curve. I studied Electrical Engineering in the university and here I am doing photography.

My photography in general started somewhere in 2016. Back then I was covering events. Sports photography officially started in 2022, although I have always been a sports fanatic. That passion for sports and creativity made entering sports photography a smooth one.

Spark: Was that the reason you settled on sports photography or some sort of opportunity presented itself?

Abrantie: Not really! I’d say I got inspired by what the athletes go through and the passion I have for sports. That made it very easy for me getting into it. That aside, I saw the works of other creatives and that blew my mind. For the opportunities, they got in after I had gotten to a good level, and people started entrusting me with so and so events. Others also came through client referrals and from me pitching my work. 

Spark: In our conversation, you mentioned that the idea from the beginning was to get photographs of the excitement, screams of your subjects. Well now, what do you look out for when shooting? Sports is very fast paced, any techniques to capture moving figures?

Abrantie: Before any match/tournament, I prepare myself mentally and then look at the works of other photographers for inspiration for whatever story I want to capture on game day. But if it’s a sport I haven’t covered before, I learn all the rules of the game, and find a good spot to stand – I watch the game and reactions of players, coaches, fans etc. even before I start shooting. Since it’s mostly fast paced, I also fine-tune my camera settings to capture the best moments.

Spark: What’s your favourite sport by the way?

Abrantie: I love to play football and basketball

Spark: By just glancing at your portfolio, we see most of your works are photographs of  Ghanaian teams and some African Tournaments. Are you affiliated with the GFA or do you freelance?

Abrantie: I’m a freelancer but in the beginning I got some connects to work for the GFA and ministry of sports, so that’s why you see a lot of their works on my page and besides I’m a Ghanaian so I’d definitely be looking out for my people when I go out there.

Spark: That’s lovely! Anyway, you know the general sentiments fans have about Ghana’s sports lately, since you experience the game up close what’s your outlook on the situation??

Abrantie: I understand the sentiments, the love and sacrifice people make to come watch the teams play. But what happens on the field of any sports is just 1% of the sportsmanship. 99% of it is unseen preparation, mental readiness, investment etc. 

It’s understandable that people feel with all the government funds allocated to the major teams, there should be results during games. I used to criticize athletes as well, I mean that’s the role of fans sometimes but since getting into the game and interacting with these athletes, I realized it’s not that easy. 

Spark: Let’s get to a much broader question. Do you think storytelling is necessary in sports photography?

Abrantie: So I think storytelling is a key part in any creative space. Because you need to have a context that you’re dealing with – what are you telling us? What are you putting out there? You are obviously being inspired by something, and whatever the inspiration is, is what you manifest through the results. In general, storytelling is necessary, you can’t just go out there and start shooting. 

Say there’s a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, you need to tell us a story. Sometimes you will take close ups and tight shots but along the line you need to show it all. Storytelling is necessary and not just sports but any type of photography. The aim of storytelling is also to help someone who wasn’t able to watch the live match know what happened by just seeing the images

Spark: Are there any photographers who inspire you?

Abrantie: Yes! I’m inspired by people like Kai Pfaffenbach, Francis Kokoroko, Siphiwe Sibeko and Cameron Spencer. I mean it’s exciting looking at their works, learning their inspiration, understanding what they wanted to capture. The picture framing, lighting, exposure may not always come out well, but for me the idea is the most important part of any image. 

Spark: Share a few of your favourite photographs?
Spark: Any advice for someone who is looking to get into sports photographer?

Abrantie: The first thing is you need to be called, doing sports photography for the money and fame will make you likely fall out because there are too many struggles in the field. Here are 7 other tips for a beginner in photography

Spark: Before we let you go, is there any philosophy you live by in your work?

Abrantie: I believe there is nothing like a bad image. Others may not understand the idea behind it but that doesn’t make it a bad image. I am more interested in the idea the photographer in question was trying to convey.

Spark: Thank you so much Abrantie for sharing insights on your work with us.

Abrantie: Thank you for having me! I’m honored to have played a role in your space as well. God bless

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