Norkor Nortey: Ghanaian documentary photographer portraying African women through movement, colour, and quiet observation

Norkor Nortey is a Ghanaian documentary photographer based in Accra whose practice centres on the multifaceted lives of African women and how they navigate, take up space, and thrive in the world around them.

Her work is shaped by an interest in quiet moments, movement, colour, landscapes, texture, and pattern. She approaches documentary photography with curiosity and a strong interest in people, culture, and social systems, drawing on her background in human geography, psychology, and visual design.

How did you get started in photography?

My mother was a film director before I was born, so cameras and photographs were always part of my childhood. As a teenager, my grandfather’s National Geographic Magazine subscription kick-started my obsession. I was fascinated by the power of an image, its ability to transport you into a reality removed from your own and elicit an emotional response.

How would you describe yourself?

I’d describe myself as inquisitive and multi-passionate, with a love for travel, beautiful things, and places. I’m curious about many things, and I feel like I’ve lived many creative lives.

I’ve learnt to sew, run a small accessories and jewellery business as a teenager, written and photographed for a blog in high school, and earned a certification as a floral designer in 2015. I’m of the school of thought that I can learn anything from a tutorial.

I taught myself how to use chopsticks at age 11 because of my Korean best friend.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

I’m inspired by quiet moments, movement, colour, landscapes, texture, and pattern. I hope my photographs transport the viewer into the exact moment they were made and help them feel and understand why the photograph was made that way.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of being a 2024 Prince Claus Seed Fund Awardee. It was a turning point in my career and enabled me to upgrade my equipment, opening doors to new opportunities in my practice.

In 2025, I worked on a long-term project documenting the lived experiences of women shea workers in Northern Ghana. It was the most difficult thing I’ve done in my career so far. The project had many characters and moving parts, which was a first for me, and I had to adjust quickly, especially in a new environment and with a language barrier.

The project culminated in an exhibition hosted by the Swiss Embassy in Accra.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a photographer?

Building confidence while working in the field as an introvert has been one of my biggest challenges. Documentary photography allows you to be an observer, but it also requires you to connect with the participants in the image-making process.

Initiating that connection can be nerve-racking, but I find that when I push myself out of my comfort zone, the person I’m connecting with always warms up and feels at ease. That allows me to get into my element.

A piece of advice I received during a difficult street photography session with the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg was to “use my smile” to my advantage. That has stuck with me since.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

Documentary photography is my speciality because I enjoy talking to people about their lives. It gives me the opportunity to combine some of my favourite things: asking questions and photographing people.

This part of my practice is quite new, so I’m looking forward to seeing how my style evolves. My background in human geography and psychology continues to inform my creative practice and interest in people, culture, and social systems. My experience as a visual designer also guides my eye.

What is your primary commercial niche?

My primary commercial niche is documentary photography for now, although I’m experimenting with studio and lifestyle portraiture.

What is your unique technical or visual approach?

Outside of mainly photographing women, I’m drawn to movement and emotion, rich skin tones, bright colours, and unique environments and landscapes. I enjoy finding beautiful, quiet moments in everyday life.

I lean into my intuition, look out for how the body is composed within a frame, and love an “in-the-moment” photograph when the camera completely disappears from the participant’s awareness.

Which global brands, photographers, or industries do you feel your work aligns with most?

The National Geographic Society, with my dream of becoming a NatGeo Explorer, as well as UN Women and Magnum Foundation. I’m also a big fan of Yagazie Emezi, Taiwo Aina, and Sehin Tewabe.

How’s the photography and art space in Ghana?

The photography and art space in Ghana has a long history. Younger people are increasingly empowered to make creative arts profitable careers, and that is really nice to see. We also have breadth in the industry, from commercial, fashion and editorial work to fine art and documentary photography.