Ron Timehin's Ghanaian Portrait Series Captures Community Pride and Elegance
In a striking departure from traditional documentary photography, British photographer Ron Timehin has unveiled a series of portraits that celebrate the dignity and everyday life of the Labadi community in Accra, Ghana. His project, titled The Labadi Community, focuses on five Ghanaians posed with an elegant horse against the backdrop of a ruined farm building, aiming to portray Africans in a collaborative and proud light rarely seen in mainstream media.
Capturing the Essence of Labadi
The photograph was taken at Labadi, a popular tourist resort in Ghana's capital, known for its golden sands and vibrant nightlife. Timehin sought to move beyond the typical tourist experience, instead highlighting how the local community fishes using traditional canoes, rests, and plays. "People go there for the beach and nightlife but they don't really integrate with the community who live there," he explained. The image features a door fronting a ruined farm building, which Timehin loves for symbolising freedom from walls, alongside a Ghanaian flag that nods to heritage and place.
The Role of the Horse and Collaborative Approach
A majestic horse, kept by the community for carrying equipment, stands centrally in the composition, adding elegance and pulling the scene together. Timehin emphasised his desire to photograph in a collaborative manner, ensuring the subjects presented themselves as they wished to be seen. "We tried a few poses, but I think this one really sings. They look proud, relaxed, in their element," he noted. The children were particularly excited, helping with equipment setup and inspired by the teenagers, reflecting a tight-knit community centred on fishing and mutual care.
Project Origins and Cultural Exchange
The project began when Timehin was approached by the charity My Runway Group, which organises cultural exchange programmes. They arranged his trip to Accra to document the community while fostering cultural ties between the UK and Ghana. For Timehin, whose family heritage is Sierra Leonean and Nigerian, this was his first visit to Ghana, though he has relatives living there. He described it as a valuable experience in West Africa, contrasting with his life in London where he admits not knowing his neighbours.
Exhibitions and Future Plans
Timehin is currently shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, with an accompanying exhibition at Somerset House in London from 17 April to 4 May. Guardian readers can use a discount code for tickets. Additionally, his exhibition at Noho Galleries in London runs from 18-21 June. He has promised the Labadi community that proceeds from print sales will help fund local projects, such as an art centre, and expressed a desire to return for a follow-up series. The project involved hybrid photography methods, including environmental portraits and mobile studio shots across five communities.
Career Highlights and Advice
Born in Swindon in 1993 and based in London since childhood, Timehin's career high points include directing Dove's PR campaign on race-based hair discrimination, which contributed to US legislative changes, and his Sony award shortlist. He advises aspiring photographers to "follow your curiosity, stay hungry to learn, and make work that's personal to you." According to him, lasting photographers build a unique point of view rather than chasing trends.
