The kids in Ghana are full of life. In all of my travels, they are some of the most happiest, proud and beautiful kids I’ve ever met. And they love to have their photos taken as you will quickly see. I just returned from a 2 week stint photographing with Me to We in small villages along the ocean coast of Ghana. I was tagging along with a great bunch of high school students from Hunstville that were helping build a school for these very kids in Asemkow. The following is a first set of photos from the trip that I will publish. Many more to come.
For now, enjoy these happy faces of Ghana.
Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.
Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.Shot in Asemkow, Ghana. Photo by Ryan Bolton.
Ryan is a Toronto-based writer and photographer that likes to break the rules. His work has taken him around the world to do what he truly loves—storytelling. And drinking cold beer.
133 comments
These are really beautiful photographs. That’s amazing how they convey such a powerful meaning (to me?).
Hi Giulia, I am glad to hear you mention such a powerful meaning that photos portray , In many cases the images that are coming out of Africa on international medias , images of suffering Africa embaded in so many people’s mind , it’s nice to
see there are places where the future looks blight in Africa.
Ryan!! These are absolutely stunning! Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us on Huntsville’s Team Ghana! You are not only an outstanding photographer and story teller, but an equally outstanding person. Beard and all. Looking forward to the rest of your photos!
So much life in those eyes. Beautiful and natural. I love children’s smiles. I teach first grade, and my favourite moments- hands down- are the moments where I randomly make eye contact with one of them, and we both smile at eachother, and it is always a perfect moment, often in the most imperfect circumstances. A child’s smile is so powerful and free and rewarding. Thank you for capturing and sharing that!
Wonderful photos! I have been eyeing that region of the world for years along with Gabon and Liberia. Surfing is my vice (I used to skate too) and there are many great breaks in that region looking to be discovered.
As for the kids…they seem to be very happy and vibrant. I hope to step foot there sometime soon.
Yeah, man. We went swimming in the ocean a couple times and their is some solid surf. Just hanging out, we would body surf good 4-5 foot waves. Good times.
Photo essays like this are a proof that humanity is still not lost. Beautiful smiles from those kids are very contagious as I can’t help but also to smile myself. Thank for making my day! I really hope you have more photo essays like this.
Ryan, these kids and your photos are gorgeous! I lived in Khartoum, Sudan and you would love those kids too – not quite so exuberant – a bit more reserved, but gorgeous nonetheless. Congrats on the FP – richly deserved! All the best, Terri
I am from Ghana and I know this is the typical Ghanaian child but to see a foreigner show the positive side of Ghana is heartwarming. Thank you for sharing us with the world.
This brings back memories of my own time in Ghana, in 1980. Even then, with the economy in shambles, the children were a joy. They are well-loved by their parents and larger community and it shows in their open faces and sparkling eyes.
This is so great, these pictures just make any viewer so happy, as you must already know. I’ve never really thought about photography as a career. Travel and photography, and perhaps getting to help a few people along the way. Sounds like something i may want to look into. Thanks for these.
Reblogged this on love; one step at a time. and commented:
I’d love to go there some day. I’m sure that all the worries of the world will disappear when we are around those kids!^^
These are fantastic photos. I’ve lived in Ghana for about 8 months now and love the spirit of the people here. Your photos have captured that proud happiness. Very cool.
well, if i have a chance, i may name every image you posted about them.. now. bc i liked to watch smiles and i see the same of look to children in my country somewhere.. from highland may be. exactly, there was several photographers that came and photographed children here, and emotion images were born.
Reblogged this on jasminamadis and commented:
I saw this and this makes my dream look so beautiful. I can’t wait to visit children and people like this around the world. These children are so happy with they’re lives. That’s so beautiful. I loved this blog because this is exactly what I want to do in life.
There may be a magic stage in life, about 6 or 7 years into the game, before all the complications begin. Even in places that put up with more than the middle classes of rich countries do. Although my understanding is that Ghana has usually been relatively stable and prosperous among west African nations. I hope they’re enjoying school.
Reblogged this on cheshirevirtualpa's Blog and commented:
Beautiful, happy faces. You have captured some lovely natural pictures. Thank you for sharing
Holy cats, Ryan – these are AMAZING!!! What a treat to the eyes. What gorgeous people. You can just read the innocence and goodness in their eyes. You are so blessed to have these experiences and I hope that you continue to capture them for all the rest of us. Thanks for sharing, Ryan. 🙂
Hermoso.. de verdad, el fotografiar solo es una manera de querer capturar el alma desde afuera; pero lo que ha quedado dentro de esos corazones, es incontable.
Beautiful pictures, breathtaking. Ghanaian kids are so adorable! I know cos i am one:) good Job.
Check out more beautiful happy faces in Benin west Africa. http://www.maddycombarieu.wordpress.com
Reblogged this on lovehappinessandpeace and commented:
A Tiny Country like Ghana is faring Better than India. The photos speak for themselves. It is not just the Smiles. The Young MAN carrying that plastic thing on his head with a smile, that is what We cannot see in India. The Indian Leadership has Failed.
I stumbled across your old article disparaging World Vision and their portrayal of need in the developing world. WV invests in communities for a couple of decades at least; wells and water, crops and fields, schools and libraries, and skill development for residents, all part of the real story. Perhaps you didn’t see the whole story.
Africa is indeed magnificent and the people are good, industrious folks; they work harder and longer days than we do. Your pictures of happy kids are nice, but without help, most of them won’t finish the 6th grade because their parents can’t afford it. You know the rest.
We’ve supported WV for more than 40 years and sponsored families through difficult times, kids through school and college, and community development projects, all fairly successful so far.
I was on the ground in five African countries, off and on for several years, and the children greeted us just like they did you. We went a step further and joined their families (they adopted us) and continue intimately connected today. The kids are grown and have families of their own, and we still correspond. They’ve made us part of the family and never asked for anything. Because we have the connection, we get to help with tuition and meds and seeds for crops, with home building, with school construction projects (2), and specific intervention during hard times. Over the years, we and our friends have been able to help many families make their way forward. My daughter used her tax refund to help a family buy their home and avoid eviction. All easy stuff.
So about those cute pictures of African kids … are you still connected to them and their families? Are you doing anything to help them along? Or are you just using your pictures of them for whatever?
No one remembers what we say. If we’re remembered at all, it will be for what we did that made a difference. Interested?
These are really beautiful photographs. That’s amazing how they convey such a powerful meaning (to me?).
I don’t think you’re alone in that feeling. Thanks for the kind words.
Hi Giulia, I am glad to hear you mention such a powerful meaning that photos portray , In many cases the images that are coming out of Africa on international medias , images of suffering Africa embaded in so many people’s mind , it’s nice to
see there are places where the future looks blight in Africa.
Yeah, exactly!
you mean ‘bright’….Yes the future looks ‘bright’ for these children who most times came out of ‘blight’
Ryan!! These are absolutely stunning! Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us on Huntsville’s Team Ghana! You are not only an outstanding photographer and story teller, but an equally outstanding person. Beard and all. Looking forward to the rest of your photos!
Thank you kindly, Vanessa. Quick to find the blog!
You guys were truly terrific. I can’t wait to share them all with you once edited.
Goes to prove that money and having so much stuff doesn’t buy happiness:)
Loved these photos.
Totally true, Carol. On all of my trips to developing countries, this rings more true each time.
So many good ones! But my fave is the 7th one up from the bottom. Love them all. Thanks for sharing!
I know. I love that stoic, proud face. Such a beautiful boy.
Your Photos has showed to us about part of the Innocent World!
Beautiful photos of beautiful children!
Just beautiful, thank you Ryan. MM 🍀
No, thank you, Mick!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. I am heading to Ghana with a group of Girl Guides on a Me to We trip in June. We can’t wait!
That’s so exciting, Carla! You guys will have a wicked time. Ghana is a magical place for sure.
So much life in those eyes. Beautiful and natural. I love children’s smiles. I teach first grade, and my favourite moments- hands down- are the moments where I randomly make eye contact with one of them, and we both smile at eachother, and it is always a perfect moment, often in the most imperfect circumstances. A child’s smile is so powerful and free and rewarding. Thank you for capturing and sharing that!
Powerful moments, indeed. Thanks for sharing that, Jas.
ALWAYS PROUD OF THE NATION GH
Reblogged this on victormiguelvelasquez.
Incredible, beautiful photographs. 🙂 Wow.
Gorgeous, beautiful, glorious children..Thank you for sharing their joy with us all!!
Just beautiful. It always cheers me up to see a child smile. It is like he or she is saying everything is alright…just smile
Very touching,n sweet I like the pics to.love it
Wow I love ur work u are so inspiring
I want to do this! Amazing, beautiful photos. Your work is inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
So much can be said without words and by looking at the faces! Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
Thank you kindly!
Wonderful photos! I have been eyeing that region of the world for years along with Gabon and Liberia. Surfing is my vice (I used to skate too) and there are many great breaks in that region looking to be discovered.
As for the kids…they seem to be very happy and vibrant. I hope to step foot there sometime soon.
Yeah, man. We went swimming in the ocean a couple times and their is some solid surf. Just hanging out, we would body surf good 4-5 foot waves. Good times.
I have seen some pics of surfers in the region that were working to help out the residents. It looked solid. Thanks for the follow too!
OMG! Thank you for making my day! Totally. It’s impossible to look at these beautiful photos and not to smile. Amazing post!
Agreed!
These are great photos! I really hope that I have the opportunity to go to Ghana someday.
Reblogged this on Participateinyourgreatness's Blog and commented:
Where in the world can I go today? #www tadowtravel.com
Wow! Lovely, Thanks Ryan. Am proud to be Ghanaian
Beautiful pics! Definitely captured inner beauty as well.
Love it!
Such beautiful smiles 🙂 thanks for sharing
Beautiful Pics!!
Photo essays like this are a proof that humanity is still not lost. Beautiful smiles from those kids are very contagious as I can’t help but also to smile myself. Thank for making my day! I really hope you have more photo essays like this.
It is refreshing to see smiles. May there be many of them.
Through those pictures, it shows that indeed they are the happiest kids on Earth. Their smiles are inspiring.
inspiring 🙂
Ryan, these kids and your photos are gorgeous! I lived in Khartoum, Sudan and you would love those kids too – not quite so exuberant – a bit more reserved, but gorgeous nonetheless. Congrats on the FP – richly deserved! All the best, Terri
I would truly love to travel to Sudan one day to shoot there. A dream for one day soon.
woow! it’s très inspirating for my passion
Reblogged this on Believe in Better Things.
Excellent photo
I am from Ghana and I know this is the typical Ghanaian child but to see a foreigner show the positive side of Ghana is heartwarming. Thank you for sharing us with the world.
What a nice compliment. Thank you, Sheila.
Africa is so beautiful, people often only see the hard things there, but there is really so much beauty as well. Good job capturing it.
Great thoughts. These kids look so happy and fun.
Nice post and inspiring pictures
Thank you all for the wonderful compliments. Happy you all got something out of these photos. These children are all an inspiration. Here’s to them!
Stunning photos and people!
Amazing! Thank you.
Reblogged this on princessleha and commented:
Nice picts
This brings back memories of my own time in Ghana, in 1980. Even then, with the economy in shambles, the children were a joy. They are well-loved by their parents and larger community and it shows in their open faces and sparkling eyes.
That’s wonderful to see!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of beautiful children:) Lakshmi
Reblogged this on edanstreet and commented:
Thanks!
Reblogged this on Fruitful Inspiration and commented:
We all have that moment that can create a smile in others … Carry on now and make it happen!
This is beautiful! You can see they happiness in their eyes. Thank you for sharing your photos
Reblogged this on Dancing Doll Fins.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing these.
Reblogged this on Milieu de la Moda.
Reblogged this on Southern Vein Care and commented:
The human spirit is something to cherish and behold. Beautiful blog…
some nice portraits … great work …
Happy indeed! Great work. Cheers – Damian
Very nice pics!
Reblogged this on Empirica and commented:
Africa is indeed beautiful!
They are gorgeous
Reblogged this on Gladdy's Blog.
This is so great, these pictures just make any viewer so happy, as you must already know. I’ve never really thought about photography as a career. Travel and photography, and perhaps getting to help a few people along the way. Sounds like something i may want to look into. Thanks for these.
Reblogged this on One Dallas Chick and commented:
Amazing photos! Every single one made me smile!
Absolutely awesome! God loves you, my friend.
Reblogged this on love; one step at a time. and commented:
I’d love to go there some day. I’m sure that all the worries of the world will disappear when we are around those kids!^^
Oh my gosh. Such beautiful faces. You certainly captured the joy in their hearts.
Reblogged this on Stay Positive! and commented:
Look at these happy faces! Made me smile 🙂
These are fantastic photos. I’ve lived in Ghana for about 8 months now and love the spirit of the people here. Your photos have captured that proud happiness. Very cool.
Stunning photos. Brilliant. lift the human spirit. Well done.
well, if i have a chance, i may name every image you posted about them.. now. bc i liked to watch smiles and i see the same of look to children in my country somewhere.. from highland may be. exactly, there was several photographers that came and photographed children here, and emotion images were born.
Reblogged this on jasminamadis and commented:
I saw this and this makes my dream look so beautiful. I can’t wait to visit children and people like this around the world. These children are so happy with they’re lives. That’s so beautiful. I loved this blog because this is exactly what I want to do in life.
So many great moments!
Beautiful beautiful beautiful. These photographs make my heart sing. They are all so lovely and powerful – thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Thank you for such kind words!
Beautiful pictures ! seriously loved all of them
Beautiful Photographs !!!The world seems a much better place when you see such happy smiley faces…
There may be a magic stage in life, about 6 or 7 years into the game, before all the complications begin. Even in places that put up with more than the middle classes of rich countries do. Although my understanding is that Ghana has usually been relatively stable and prosperous among west African nations. I hope they’re enjoying school.
congrats!….liked it before and i still love it…lovely eyes…you caught them with such gentle delight. 😀
100% inspired by looking at how happy these kids are in the conditions they’re in. Money can’t buy happiness. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
lovely!
Reblogged this on cheshirevirtualpa's Blog and commented:
Beautiful, happy faces. You have captured some lovely natural pictures. Thank you for sharing
oh, your pictures are so pretty!!
Great photographs…mI love
Que buenas fotos, que hermoso país pese a tantas adversidades que esta atravesando. Miguel, La Paz – Bolivia
Wow! Absolutely beautiful pics. You put a smile on my face too. I just love it. Thanks for a good work done. I like what you do 🙂
Happy to hear that you too are smiling.
Nice photo story you have created. Well snapped the moments from the vibrant life of children of Ghana.
They look so happy. I think you gave us a glimpse into each child’s personality.
Holy cats, Ryan – these are AMAZING!!! What a treat to the eyes. What gorgeous people. You can just read the innocence and goodness in their eyes. You are so blessed to have these experiences and I hope that you continue to capture them for all the rest of us. Thanks for sharing, Ryan. 🙂
Those pictures were perfect to start my day with 🙂
Hermoso.. de verdad, el fotografiar solo es una manera de querer capturar el alma desde afuera; pero lo que ha quedado dentro de esos corazones, es incontable.
Reblogged this on lookuphigherdotcom.
Wowed by you work and subjects. What a gift!
Reblogged this on My Wichita Neighborhood.
Reblogged this on noemiperez1284.
Dude! You’ve inspired me to take my Teaching Degree overseas to a developing country. A truly stunning collection!
What a fantastic comment to receive. Glad you’re inspired. Go for it!
Reblogged this on vilaspendse.
Wow. These portraits are simply stunning. You can feel their joy!
Thanks, mate. Some nice work on your site, too!
Very beautiful photos. Their happiness is captured well in the shots.
Stunning photos, would you be interested in helping these kids get free nutrition?
Kudos to beautiful portraits of happy people!
You do not haveto have everything in life to be happy, love your pics
Reblogged this on @ruralafrican and commented:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING TO BE HAPPY
Reblogged this on Cradle of thoughts.
Beautiful pictures, breathtaking. Ghanaian kids are so adorable! I know cos i am one:) good Job.
Check out more beautiful happy faces in Benin west Africa.
http://www.maddycombarieu.wordpress.com
Reblogged this on Người Đến Từ Bình Dương.
Reblogged this on lovehappinessandpeace and commented:
A Tiny Country like Ghana is faring Better than India. The photos speak for themselves. It is not just the Smiles. The Young MAN carrying that plastic thing on his head with a smile, that is what We cannot see in India. The Indian Leadership has Failed.
Very very beautiful
Thank you for your kind words. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome pics guy!!!
stunning portraits…finest work!
Awesome pictures, so beautiful…
I stumbled across your old article disparaging World Vision and their portrayal of need in the developing world. WV invests in communities for a couple of decades at least; wells and water, crops and fields, schools and libraries, and skill development for residents, all part of the real story. Perhaps you didn’t see the whole story.
Africa is indeed magnificent and the people are good, industrious folks; they work harder and longer days than we do. Your pictures of happy kids are nice, but without help, most of them won’t finish the 6th grade because their parents can’t afford it. You know the rest.
We’ve supported WV for more than 40 years and sponsored families through difficult times, kids through school and college, and community development projects, all fairly successful so far.
I was on the ground in five African countries, off and on for several years, and the children greeted us just like they did you. We went a step further and joined their families (they adopted us) and continue intimately connected today. The kids are grown and have families of their own, and we still correspond. They’ve made us part of the family and never asked for anything. Because we have the connection, we get to help with tuition and meds and seeds for crops, with home building, with school construction projects (2), and specific intervention during hard times. Over the years, we and our friends have been able to help many families make their way forward. My daughter used her tax refund to help a family buy their home and avoid eviction. All easy stuff.
So about those cute pictures of African kids … are you still connected to them and their families? Are you doing anything to help them along? Or are you just using your pictures of them for whatever?
No one remembers what we say. If we’re remembered at all, it will be for what we did that made a difference. Interested?