PAGE 6
CAPTURING
AFRICA
WITH
PASSION
INTERVIEW WITH KAFUI PRAISE
(Matilda Dogbatsey)
Who is Kafui Praise?
Matilda Dogbatsey (Brand Name: Kafui Praise) is the name.
My background is characterised by struggles and
misfortunes growing up. I am a self-made Professional. I
am from the Volta Region of Ghana, the second of four
children, born to Michael Dogbatsey of blessed memory
and Madam Mabel Adjorlolo.I attended Tema Senior High
School, Global Computers and Ghana Institute of Freight
Forwarders. As for Photography, I taught myself and took a
few lessons from some mentors and friends.
How it all started
My venturing into Photography was born out of the pleasure
and love for taking pictures of myself as a hobby. I thought
I’d become a model since I was always the subject in front
of the lens. Walking into any photography studio was an
almost everyday thing to take as many photographs of
myself as possible just for the fun of it. My love for the
pictures drew me closer to the camera; intrigued by the art
and science of it, I ventured into it. That’s how Kafui Praise
photography started’
BY NANA OFOSU BOAKYE
Kafui Praise is an award winning
photographer and one of the few professional
female photographers making waves in Ghana
for the excellence and passion she attaches to
her work. We spoke to her to learn more about
her journey
The journey
Getting into Photography has been very challenging. I didn’t have
the opportunity to further my education as much as I had wanted
to. I declined to continue to work in the family business which also
brought lots of challenges from extended family. I didn’t attend
any special school to become a Photographer. I had to decide
against all odds to pursue my dreams. There was absolutely no
established foundation, no formal education for a certificate in
Photography and I had to struggle to get my camera.
I was given the option of either managing the family business or
moving out of the family members’ house if I choose photography.
Guess what I choose? Photography. Because of that, I had to
move out and live on my own, so while trying to find my way with
photography I had to find a way to survive and make ends meet.
It wasn’t ea