#BGFAcademyAlumni - Jannell Adufo

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your creative journey?

I'm Jannell, a 21-year-old British-Ghanaian artist from South-East London who specialises in photography. I first started pursuing photography at 15 with a friend, taking pictures of my schoolmates and strangers, and that passion to photograph hasn't stopped growing.

I'd describe photography as the thing I could do with my eyes closed which is what I think is a blessing and makes it so special and intuitive. My love for photography roots in portraiture, with a styling influence.

“Although I love fashion photography and styling, my work always gets sucked in by the beauty of portraiture and the ability to capture detail and connect with people.”

I aim to snap the energy of my subject within the frame and represent them as they choose to be - leading to images that have been described as very intimate and personal. I feel that my work transcends the time I have known the person, which adds a strong sense of familiarity. I also like to include hidden easter eggs within my work, which are placed by my lived experiences and cultural background - which creates a layer of personal back story to how my creative mind makes photographic connections but at the same time allows a viewer to create or not create their own story.

As an alumni of the BGF Academy 2022, how did the program support your work?

The programme supported me connecting with other creatives in both a professional and like-minded sense. It was great to have further mentorship and conversation with photographers that were new to me, friends with me and even went to the same uni/and area as me. It created a personal experience throughout the workshop phase of the program that has created a work opportunities through being bolder and connecting with others. It was also great to have our work displayed in a mini exhibition and celebrate all the hard work of the cohort and BGF team.

Has there been a time where you doubted yourself as a photographer and if so how did you navigate through it? 

Yes, there have been a couple. The strongest occurred near the end of the program when I believed that I didn't want to do photography anymore and that I wasn't cut out for it. In times like that, allow yourself to be humbled and remember just who you are because six years of dedication and love are so much more worthy than any negative thought, act or doubt. I'd never felt so strongly about giving up my passion ever before. Usually, it's just a matter of reminding myself why I want to be a portrait photographer - I love working with people and capturing people whose craft is so beautiful beyond words' descriptions. 

This time, it took me moving on from the situation I was creatively in and being offered a work opportunity abroad, assisting more and seeing how God was working in my favour. It wasn't easy, but I strived to immerse myself in helping others create and practicing gratitude to regain control of my artistry.

“Everything happens for a reason, both good and bad - so let your heart lead you when in doubt, as what's meant for you won't miss you.”

Secondly, I try to speak to my friends more about how I'm feeling; they understand me and my true intentions, which is so important. Imposter syndrome is built on false narratives that will inevitably find you, so build a strong army around you who will encourage you when you're creatively anxious and doubtful. 

Lastly, grace. I fought to learn how to give myself grace from perfectionism and not starve my photography from the love and fun that it deserves.

Who are some of your inspirations within your field? 

Adrienne Raquel, Campbell Addy and Tyler Mitchell 

What’s next for you on your journey? 

The next thing on my journey is learning. Learning more about myself, my work, my photography, my people, my interests and dislikes. All those things feed into the most important part of a journey: Discovery. Additionally, putting what I've learnt into practice with discipline and fun. I can't wait to stumble on the method, technique, opportunity or chapter that elevates my being and my artistry further.

One piece of advice for young Black girls wanting to pursue a career in photography? 

Keep doing you, it's the best thing you got. But be open to allowing others to help you become a greater you.