Maxwell Andoh: Ghanaian fashion editorial & conceptual portraiture photographer expressing contemporary African fashion identity | 54Ruum Spotlight

Maxwell Andoh is a photographer working in fashion editorial and conceptual portraiture, with a focus on contemporary African fashion identity. His work is centred on mood and aesthetics, using fashion to tell stories without words. He strives to create images that feel alive, capture emotion, and connect with everyone who views them.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I believe that less planning and more observing make for the strongest work. I am drawn to fashion and portraiture, especially within contemporary African identity, and I prefer letting shoots evolve naturally.

A fun fact about my process is that I often stumble upon the images I did not expect to make, and those usually end up being the ones I care about most.

How did you get started in photography?

I first became interested in photography around 2020, but my passion for the craft dates back to my high school days. Early on, I spent a great deal of time experimenting with portraits of my friends, figuring out what worked and what did not.

A special honourable mention goes to David Tetteh and Nicholas Kove — they literally taught me the ropes and shaped almost everything I know about photography today.

What type of photography do you specialise in, and why this speciality?

I shoot fashion editorial and conceptual portraits, with a particular interest in contemporary African fashion identity. I entered this field because I am naturally drawn to aesthetics. I do not strictly adhere to a set style; instead, I gather inspiration from other creatives online, experiment with ideas, and go with the flow during shoots. The best shots usually emerge from those spontaneous moments that were not planned.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I am focused on mood and aesthetics, essentially chasing elements that catch my attention, such as unusual angles, odd lighting, or a look that does not quite fit anywhere. These are the things I want to preserve. I do not overthink the process; I simply follow what is interesting and see what happens. The best shots are the ones that sneak up on me — the ones I was not expecting but cannot stop looking at.

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

I am most proud of working with Threaded Tribes, a fashion brand I deeply connect with. It was truly exciting to bring their vision to life while exploring my own approach to fashion editorial and conceptual portraiture. The opportunity pushed me creatively and reminded me why I love photography.

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

The biggest challenge for me has been balancing photography with the various other "side quests" in life. I have learned to let things breathe — not to force every idea or rush every shoot. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step back, breathe, and let the work find its own rhythm.

What do you think of the 54Ruum platform?

54Ruum is a brilliant platform for African creatives. It feels like a genuine space where photographers can share their work, gain visibility, and connect with others doing interesting things. I appreciate the community vibe and how it highlights different stories and perspectives across the continent. It is refreshing and inspiring to be part of such a movement.

How's the photography and art space in your home country?

The photography and art space in Ghana is still growing and finding its feet. Many talented creatives are doing great work, but opportunities and platforms are not always easy to come by.

Most of the growth I have witnessed has come from individuals pushing themselves online, building communities on social media, and learning from each other rather than relying on established structures. It feels more grassroots and self-driven, slowly evolving as more creatives find their voice and audience.

What advice would you give to someone starting in photography?

Do not put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. Just create when you feel inspired, try different things, and allow yourself to grow naturally. You will learn as you go, so breathe, enjoy the process, and do not rush your journey.