Ron Timehin's Visionary Portrait of Labadi Community in Ghana
In a striking photograph from his series The Labadi Community, Ron Timehin presents a scene that defies typical documentary portrayals of Africa. The image features a ruined farm building, five Ghanaians, and an elegant horse, all coming together to tell a story of pride, heritage, and daily life in Accra's popular tourist resort.
Capturing the Essence of Labadi
Timehin visited Labadi, a resort known for its golden sand and vibrant nightlife, with a mission to highlight the local community often overlooked by tourists. He aimed to document how residents fish using traditional canoes, rest, and play, offering a nuanced perspective rarely seen in media. The photograph centers on a door fronting a ruined building, symbolizing freedom from constraints, with a Ghanaian flag adding a touch of national pride.
The inclusion of a majestic horse, kept by the community for carrying equipment, pulls the composition together, infusing elegance into the scene. Timehin emphasizes that Africans are not often portrayed in such a collaborative and dignified manner, making this work a significant departure from conventional documentary photography.
A Collaborative Approach to Photography
Rather than merely observing, Timehin engaged the community in a participatory process. The subjects, including excited children who helped set up equipment, presented themselves as they wished to be seen. After experimenting with various poses, the final shot captures a moment where the individuals appear proud, relaxed, and in their element, reflecting the strong bonds and fitness within the fishing-centered community.
Timehin employed a hybrid technique for this project, taking two types of portraits: one set within the environmental context to celebrate home and heritage, and another using a mobile studio to focus solely on the people. This approach was replicated across five communities in Ghana, showcasing diverse aspects of local life.
Background and Impact of the Project
The initiative began when Timehin was approached by the charity My Runway Group, which facilitates cultural exchanges between the UK and Ghana. As someone with Sierra Leonean and Nigerian heritage and family in Accra, this was his first visit to Ghana, allowing him to connect with West African roots. The project has led to an exhibition in London, where prints are being sold to fund community projects, such as an art center, with Timehin expressing a desire to return for follow-up work.
Ron Timehin has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, with an accompanying exhibition at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4. Guardian readers can use a discount code for tickets, and Timehin's work will also be displayed at Noho Galleries in London from June 18 to 21.
About Ron Timehin
Born in Swindon in 1993 and based in London since childhood, Timehin's career highlights include directing Dove's PR campaign on race-based hair discrimination, which influenced US legislation, and his shortlisting for the Sony awards. He advises aspiring photographers to follow curiosity, avoid trends, and develop a personal point of view for lasting impact.
