The final session of the national female Pre-tech training program began with the CEO of Soronko, Mrs Regina introducing the mentor session on Zoom. She introduced the speaker, Madam Josephine Kuuire Ngminvelu, a seasoned photographer and a digital artist living and practising in Accra, Ghana. She began the discussion by talking about how she got into photography in the United States and decided to proceed with it when she came back to Ghana and got her first digital camera in 2011. Madam Josephine also talks about how she started learning photo manipulation which aided her in her first exhibition where she poured out her feelings and thoughts concerning social problems.
She spoke further about her first equipment which was a Nikon camera which she borrowed frequently from a celebrity photographer for gigs. She then saved up from shooting events and eventually got her camera.
The students from Ho node enquired about how she got her first paid gig, which she explained by saying she did a lot of free shots and also became the 2nd photographer to other photographers because many people did not trust her skills because she is a woman but, she managed to overcome these challenges.
She also discussed pricing and advised not to price based on fear and to also work with contracts and agreements to avoid any confusions.
She also talked about the lack of appreciation for the arts in Ghana and how it was a challenge for her when she began but then the conception is changing now. She further discussed what kept her motivated and going irrespective of the challenges.
This session ended with Madam Josephine answering some questions from the participants across the hubs. Later the representative from the Ghana Tech Lab to talk about the Base program some of the ladies would be attending. Next, Jerry introduced Mr Raymond Honu who is a media and video consultant. He began his presentation with a video were the class discussed the pre-production process and the production team that contributed to shooting a video. He then introduced to the class a master class on videography that will be held every Saturdays from 3 pm to 7 pm to anyone interested.
After the recess, the groups presented their projects based on the creative brief presented to them by the ministry of health. Group A1, lead by Genevive presented their campaign and the creative director commented on the presentation and commended their work but suggested they had put in more effort at the end of their video. Group DB presented with a video showing and educating the general public about how they can social distance themselves and still chill at home.
Group SB presented a video where they interviewed a nurse, an entrepreneur and a civil servant and these people shared their experiences after taking the vaccine. Jerry commented on the video, commended the ladies and suggested that they should shoot in a uniform aspect ratio. Miss Leticia commended the ladies and applauded them for acknowledging the different bodies involved.
The next group that presented was led by Natalia. She presented slides explaining what Coronavirus is and how it operates. Jerry commended their work but recommended that some music and some voice-overs here and there would have made their presentation better.
Next, Evelyn and Gloria presented motion graphics and video that talks about the vaccine. After, two Naki and Sandrah presented a silent motion graphics video that explained coronavirus and how it spreads, its symptoms and how it can be prevented. Jerry then commented that the ladies should have added some music and voice-overs.
In closing the Creative Director commended them on the great work done and presented them Certificates for participating in this program. Two students who won the International Women’s Day project were also presented awards. The day ended with a group photo and networking amongst the ladies. Soronko Academy is proud of every individual and we wish them all the best in their future.