97-year-old Ghanaian photographer James Barnor wins top honour
James Barnor, who has spent seven decades documenting everyday life and Black culture, will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award at the 2027 Sony World Photography Awards
Ghanaian photographer James Barnor, 97, is set to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award at the 2027 Sony World Photography Awards. Born in 1929, Barnor has spent seven decades behind the lens, capturing pivotal moments in Ghana's history, including the country's independence in 1957.
Barnor's career began at the age of 21, when he became the first staff photographer at Ghana's Daily Graphic newspaper. He went on to photograph political rallies, street parades, and Ghana's journey to independence, including the moment when Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana free from British rule.
In 1953, Barnor opened Ever Young studio in Accra's Jamestown district, where he documented everyday life in a country undergoing enormous change. His studio became a popular spot for portraits, with everyone from students and shop assistants to politicians and judges posing for photos.
Barnor's work also took him to London, where he worked for Drum magazine in the 1960s, challenging stereotypes of Black models and artists with his photographs. In 1970, he established Ghana's first colour-processing laboratory, further cementing his legacy as a pioneering photographer.
## Why it matters Barnor's award is a testament to his dedication to documenting Black culture and everyday life over seven decades. His work has spanned Ghana's independence, London's African diaspora, and the establishment of Ghana's first colour-processing laboratory. As a photographer, Barnor has played a significant role in shaping the visual narrative of Ghana's history and culture.
The Outstanding Contribution to Photography award is one of the most prestigious honours in the photography world, and Barnor's receipt of it is a recognition of his tireless efforts to capture the beauty and complexity of Black culture. As he looks back on his career, Barnor's story serves as an inspiration to photographers and artists around the world, highlighting the power of photography to document and shape our understanding of the world around us.
