the WHY?
"Photography has profoundly reshaped his vision and understanding of the world. It’s not merely about pointing a camera and clicking a button; it’s about forging deep, soul-to-soul connections with his subjects. By setting aside the camera and truly engaging with the person in front of him, he immerses himself in their reality, embracing their world. This empathetic approach allows him to intertwine his soul with theirs, capturing not just an image but a piece of their very essence.
In his work, he sees photography as a powerful catalyst for change. It has the extraordinary ability to create and deconstruct perceptions, challenge, and transform. It is a journey through uncharted territories, pushing him to confront profound truths about our human condition and world. His inspiration comes from the people he photographs—their stories, struggles, and triumphs. Through his lens, he strives to unveil the hidden realities of our existence, capturing moments that speak to the heart and mind, with empathy and an unwavering commitment to inspire and enact real change.
His images are not just photographs; they are windows behind the veil of everyday life, revealing the profound dignity of individuals from all walks of life, upholding equality, dignity, and purpose. Each frame is a testament to truth and a compelling body of evidence that demands recognition. Each photograph is a haunting echo of untold stories, a visceral plea for understanding that transcends words and stirs the soul. His lens unearths the raw, unvarnished truths of human existence, demanding that we face the stark realities and profound beauty of our shared world.
Through his work, he aims to inspire a deeper respect for human dignity and to champion the values that unite us all. His mission is not merely to capture the world but to raise an alarm for a change, unveiling the soul behind every story, urging us all to confront and embrace the transformative power of change."
BIOGRAPHY
Yaw Afrim Gyebi is a Ghanaian self-taught documentary photographer and visual storyteller who focuses on human communities' stories—their struggles, triumphs, personal projects, and the impact of environmental issues. He began his photography journey in 2020 while living in a mission house in Kumasi, where he had founded an NGO to support marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His early life and education were marked by frequent relocations, starting in the Ashanti Region and later in the Brong Ahafo Region, where he lived with his father, brother, and stepmother. Growing up in a broken home and underserved community profoundly influenced his perspective and work. His compassionate approach to photography is driven by his personal experiences and commitment to societal and environmental issues, particularly those impacting women and children. Through his empathetic lens, he documents marginalized groups and socio-political problems with unwavering dedication, aiming to inspire understanding and drive meaningful change.
CV
Background: A philanthropist, writer, activist, freelance photojournalist, and visual storyteller who focuses on socio-political issues, personal projects, and documenting the impact of the climate crisis. He was born and raised in Kumasi, currently based in Accra, Ghana.
Themes: He focuses on humanitarian conditions, socio-political and climate crises, migration, and culture, particularly highlighting the marginalized, including women and children.
Projects: Notable projects include "Lost Faces of Humanity" and "Street Angels," which shed light on the unseen and unheard.
Current Project: He is working on a long-term documentary project highlighting the challenges faced by Female Head Porters “Kayayei” in Ghana, championing Women's empowerment and Girls' rights which he started in 2021, "Humans of Ghana" and "Bayakasoa: Unseen Lives, Unending Spirit" a documentary about the community he grew up in.
Professional Memberships: A member of prestigious organizations such as the African Photojournalism Database by World Press Photo & Everyday Africa (APJD), Photographers for a Cause, Photographers Without Borders, and more.
Education: BA in Communication Studies (Journalism), University of Media, Arts & Communication (UniMAC)
Full CV in PDF available upon request.
SELECTED COMMISSIONS
Expeditie Africa, Germany
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS
Wellcome Collection Museum, London
Aktiplan, Germany
Climate Frontline, Germany
Xinhua News, China
DNDi Anticov, Switzerland
24 Hour, Indonesia
China Military Online, China
Environmental News Network, New York
State of the Planet, Columbia University
WeAdapt
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Ghana Artists Club
United People Global
Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM)
Let’s Do It Ghana
Youth for Our Planet (YfOP)
Family Youth Development Organization (FYDO Ghana)
EXHIBITIONS/FAIRS
The Kola Nut Cannot Be Contained, London, UK (2025)
Memory Exhibition, Lagos, Nigeria (2024)
Africa Regional Climate Week, Nairobi, Kenya (2023)
New York City Climate Week, UN Conferences (2023)
On The Frontline, Koln, Germany (2023)
COP28, Dubai (2023)
On The Frontline, Bonn, Germany (2023)
RECOGNITIONS
Humanitarian Achievement Award (2021)
Ghana Creative Arts Award (2021)
Uprising Documentary Photographer of the Year (2020)