Erica Aryee: Ghanaian fashion, documentary and lifestyle photographer capturing everyday Ghanaian life and emotional storytelling

Erica Aryee is a Ghana-based photographer and creative director working across portraiture, documentary, fashion, lifestyle, and sports. She has been making images for six years, with three years of professional practice, and is largely self-taught. Her work is deeply inspired by everyday Ghanaian life — its textures, colours, movement, and quiet contradictions. She is drawn to experimenting with colour and light as tools for mood and storytelling, often using them to build worlds rather than simply capture moments.

Beyond photography, Erica sees herself as a multifaceted creative, throwing herself fully into experiences and shaping narratives through both image-making and direction. At this point, her practice is not driven by a fixed end goal as much as it is by curiosity and self-exploration. Her work is a way of learning about herself, about people, and about the world around her.

Through observing, experiencing, and questioning, her perspectives continue to evolve, strengthening her convictions about what truly matters. Ultimately, she aims to create work that feels alive and intentional — art that resonates with real life, invites reflection, and holds meaning beyond aesthetics.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a deeply curious and ever-evolving creative. I think I’m a bit unconventional in how I see the world, and that “weirdness” often becomes the most honest part of my work. I’m always questioning, exploring, and allowing myself to change. I don’t believe in being fixed. The more I experience life, the more my perspective expands, and my art evolves with me.

How did you get started in photography?

Photography didn’t begin with a single dramatic moment — it grew out of curiosity. During one summer break, I became unexpectedly obsessed with understanding cameras. I didn’t even have one at first; I practised around my house with a tablet, applying what I learned from hours of watching photography tutorials online. What began as simple curiosity soon became my longest-lasting creative obsession — and, eventually, my profession.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I work across portraiture, fashion, documentary, and lifestyle photography, and I intentionally don’t limit myself to just one category. Each space gives me room to explore different layers of storytelling — from constructed world-building to quiet, observational moments. What draws me to these genres is the balance they allow between polish and rawness.

I’m inspired by photographers like Renell Medrano, Alex Webb, and Christina Nwabugo, whose work shows how beauty and imperfection can coexist powerfully within the same frame. That coexistence resonates deeply with me. I’m naturally drawn to the beauty in rawness — to humans simply being human, to the in-betweens of life that often go unnoticed.

I don’t think my “why” is rigid or fixed. It’s more instinctive. Photography, for me, feels like an intersection — where experience, emotion, environment, and identity meet. It allows me to craft stories while staying grounded in authenticity.

Over time, my style has evolved from technical exploration into something more cohesive and intentional. I’ve become less concerned with perfection and more interested in atmosphere, intimacy, and emotional truth. As I evolve, my work evolves with me.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

Growing up in Ghana shaped how I understand beauty. In environments that might seem ordinary or overlooked, I’ve always been drawn to the rawness within them. I naturally see beauty in imperfection, and that perspective follows me into every frame I create.

The main themes that inspire my work are depth, atmosphere, intimacy, and vulnerability. I’m constantly searching for emotional weight within an image — even in my colour grading, there’s usually a balance between punchy tones and muted depth. I want my work to feel layered. I’m drawn to moments that carry meaning, even if that meaning is quiet.

My approach is largely instinctual. While I can communicate a general direction or mood, I believe the most powerful images happen in the in-between — when subjects are allowed to exist freely within a space. I don’t over-direct; I prefer to let people live in the moment and respond to what naturally unfolds. That’s often where the depth reveals itself.

Connection happens through that honesty. When someone sees my work and recognises something real — a feeling, a memory, a version of themselves — that’s when the image has done its job.

What moment in your photography career are you most proud of?

Two moments stand out as particularly meaningful in my photography career. The first was shooting a documentary project for ON in Busua, a small town I had always wanted to visit. The project focused on young men whose lives revolved around surfing and the work of Surf Ghana, an organisation supporting their dreams. Being able to capture their stories and help tell them authentically was deeply rewarding — it reminded me why I love photography as a tool for connection and storytelling.

The second was the first time I met and photographed Tems. I always imagined that would happen around age 27, but it became a reality when I was just 20. Tems is my favourite artist, so getting the chance to photograph her at that age felt completely surreal. It was a wild, beautiful experience and a reminder of how far I’d come so early in my journey. I’ve also been blessed with many other incredible moments along the way, for which I’m truly grateful.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

Honestly, I don’t tend to see obstacles as challenges that dominate my thinking. I’m naturally solution-oriented, so when something comes up, I focus on navigating it rather than dwelling on it. Photography is about constant problem-solving — whether it’s lighting, timing, or coordinating with people — and I’ve learned that approaching each situation with curiosity and flexibility usually gets me to a good outcome.

That said, the one “challenge” I sometimes notice is dealing with ego or overly rigid approaches from others on set. In those moments, I’ve learned the importance of confidence in my own process and trusting my instincts, while still collaborating effectively. Ultimately, I try not to let external factors feel like obstacles; I just keep creating and adjusting as I go.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I would definitely love to work with Renell Medrano, Tems, Joey B, and Muyiwa Awoniyi. I’d also love to collaborate with brands like Adidas or Nike — and I’m definitely not limited to just these. I most certainly have a longer list somewhere.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

Great initiative. I love that you are platforming African artists — this is much needed. I hope our kids grow up and read back on our young ambitions, seeing that we attained them all and even more.

How's the photography and art space in Ghana?

Ghana’s photography and art scene is both challenging and inspiring. It teaches grit, patience, and professionalism, and I’m proud of how much the industry has grown. There is still so much to learn and improve, which makes it exciting to be part of — every project feels like an opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible here.

Advice someone starting in photography

For a beginner in photography, believe in yourself, and never stop learning. Be humble enough to absorb every lesson, but never so comfortable that you think you know it all. Always pivot, explore, and collaborate. Be discerning, know yourself deeply, and understand your values.

I also believe in keeping God at the centre of everything — for me, faith provides guidance, patience, and perspective in this creative journey. Beyond that, work incredibly hard and honour those who have gone before you and helped you in any way, shape, or form. Pursue excellence, push yourself beyond your comfort zone, and always expand your skill set. Learn from every field you can, stay hungry for growth, and never settle for less than your best.

Ultimately, nothing is impossible when you combine discipline, curiosity, and faith. Keep your head up, stay grounded, and just keep pushing. Lastly, let integrity and excellence lead you.