Photography serves as a powerful tool for discovery, offering a lens through which human beings can connect, appreciate, and share the beauty of everyday moments. Ghana offers a treasure trove of these photographic opportunities, from lively street scenes to quiet corners where locals gather under trees to play agram or drafts. Most neighbourhoods are warm and inviting, rarely exuding an air of discomfort. This welcoming atmosphere makes Ghanaian neighbourhoods an ideal destination for photographers eager to explore and capture its vibrant essence. This openness stems from a harmonious blend of democracy, freedom, and deeply rooted socio-cultural values, which permeate every aspect of life—from government and family to the very fabric of the nation.
While the pandemic confined many to smaller worlds, it also inspired a newfound appreciation for the places closest to our hearts. And it should be of no surprise to anyone when we reference the pandemic because it made a lot of hearts grow fonder, made mundane spaces special again, and fostered a reunification with old memories of old places we used to be before the lockdown. Photography, in this context, becomes a bridge—preserving fleeting moments, rediscoveries and fostering a deeper connection with the everyday. 

Rediscovering neighbourhoods through the lens is often a deeply personal journey that allows photographers to forge connections that inspire themselves and others. Through the eyes of Semra Öcalmis, we are reintroduced to the richness and openness of Ghanaian neighbourhoods with untold stories processing to be unveiled. From the bustling markets of Makola to the tranquil fishing villages along the Cape Coast, every corner has a narrative to share.

Introduce yourself: Tell us a little about your upbringing and where you call home. The description of your submission says that you’re a photographer based in Accra, how long have you been based there? 

 I was born to – and raised by a Ghanaian mother and Turkish father in Berlin (Germany). Both cultures individually had a great impact on me and the way I see the world, such as the many summers I had spent as a little girl in Cape Coast with my cousins, grandma and family as well as the people and adventures I had. Growing up in Berlin encouraged me to be strong about my sense of self and passionate about my path to explore beyond what I know and see. Living in London before relocating to Accra contributed to that too. I’ve been based in Accra for a little over two years now.

Your images are great, and to be specific, the compositions of your photos are often perfect. This is impressive, judging also from your making the images on film. How long have you been a photographer, and what introduced you to photography?

I’ve always find the art of storytelling quite intriguing. Whether it was in form of writing or documenting visually with my phone. So even before actively pursuing photography I’ve been quite observant of my surroundings and had an affinity to pay attention to things that evoked something in me. The idea of creating things that I would want to see while having full control about the narrative/process seemed best and spoke to me the most through the medium photography (or film). It’s been almost two years that I’ve been a photographer.

Does your photography work follow a certain mission statement akin to you, if yes, do you think the message/style or concept of why you photograph is understood by your audience?

I always move forward with the way I feel and it’s not different for me in photography. I wouldn’t like to box myself in a certain category or style but my concepts always aim to be rooted in honesty and intimacy.  Exploring the many sides of my subjects with the intention to capture what feels like their truest form is. Forever reflecting the world I see internally – raw, real and authentic.

In the series of images you sent us, which is your favourite and what is the story behind it?

All of them! But I do really like the image with the green building – the hair shop with three children sitting/standing in front of the stairs. The shot happened when I was on a random stroll in my neighborhood. I came across the shop and saw what you see in the image. It almost looks staged but really happened in an instant and I love the spontaneity along with its authenticity that it exudes. It gives me the feeling of a love letter or postcard with a sprinkle of nostalgia attached to it.

Are there photographers whose work you draw inspiration from or you’re simply self-taught?

I’m self-taught but definitely drew a lot of inspiration from the multicultural community I grew up in or draw inspiration from simply being observant, open-minded and daring. Be it things I’ve seen, heard, smelled or tasted at some point, which then makes me apply it in new ways to a concept or project. I’m quite a curious girl so I learned that travel educates. It fuels me beyond creativity. In terms of artists whose work I enjoy: Diane Arbus, Vivian Maier, Malick Sidibé and Renell Medrano.

How do you feel about shooting film and not knowing if the images to be processed later will come out well?

The images weren’t shot on film rather digital. The editing might give the impression of them being captured on film.

What makes a photograph great, or maybe even a good one? Or if you prefer that we phrase it this way: The images that you decide to share publicly, what qualifies them as the good ones to share?

I think if you know you know. You just have to keep it real, it has little to do with focusing on getting the perfect shot but rather a lot of who you are and how you see the world around you. I think a great photograph is characterized by depth. How well it can make people feel and relate, to something you had first held within.