MPB Meets: Photographer and Visual Artist Lisa Marie Asubonteng

Photographer and visual artist Lisa Marie Asubonteng, based between Berlin, London and Accra, is best known for her work exploring resilience, identity and tradition. Holding an MA in Photography and a BA in Communications Design, Lisa Marie Asubonteng combines her academic background with her German-Ghanaian heritage to create her unique style of photography.

From being featured in Vogue Germany to exhibiting her work across Europe, Lisa Marie Asubonteng's photography has drawn plaudits across the industry—including the Felix Schoeller Photo Award for Best Emerging Photographer. In this interview with MPB, Lisa Marie Asubonteng discusses her background, camera gear, and experiences as a Black woman in the photography industry today.

MPB: What inspired you to become a photographer? What kind of equipment do you use?

LMA: I grew up in Stuttgart, a city in the south of Germany. Photography has always been a passion of mine, thanks to my mother who introduced me to her love for cameras and photography. In my childhood, I was photographed many times by my mother, who enjoys capturing memories. After taking a photography course in high school in 2017, I developed a love for photography. After I graduated from high school, I moved to Berlin to study at the Berlin College of Applied Science. I realised I wanted to become a photographer in my second semester of communications design.

I shoot digital using my Canon EOS R. And sometimes, depending on the moment, I shoot on film.

MPB: How do you see the representation of Black female photographers in the industry currently?

LMA: To my knowledge, Black female photographers are not represented that well. It shows the lack of representation in the media of Black female photographers. I’m 100% sure that there are more beautiful Black women, however, there has to be a change in this industry.

MPB: Can you share a special project or series of photographs that you are particularly proud of and explain why?

LMA: For me, it is important to identify with my culture and to be able to tell relevant stories. As a Ghanaian-German photographer, I researched Ghanaian society for The Holy Women to understand why the issue of violence against women and girls in Ghana is kept quiet. This is a matter of decades-long cultural and religious principles that can be morally and humanitarianly condemned. As a photographer, I have the influence to draw attention to certain issues in society and thus create a certain impact.

This issue is not changed in the short term by a visit or a photographic work change. However, without the beginning of individuals, there can be no change and so my work can contribute a bit. I will continue to dedicate myself to this subject area in the future. Through this project, I have come to understand the depth and importance of the subject as never before, and what the actions of each individual can accomplish. As a second-generation woman living outside of Ghana, I want to do my part to help the country where my family and roots are located and make a positive difference.

MPB: How has your identity affected your experiences in the photography industry?

LMA: Not only the colour of my skin, but also my name has affected my experiences. There have been times when people mispronounced my name, or said it’s too long, and that I should consider changing it. My name is Lisa Marie Asubonteng and Asubonteng means ‘the raging river that feeds all the organisms in the world’. It is part of my identity, and I will not change my identity.

MPB: Can you share a particularly challenging experience you've had as a Black female photographer in Germany?

LMA: Even with all the digital and analogue access we have in this world creating a relevant or relatable story, and being seen as a Black photographer in Germany is hard. There are times when people love my work—but would pay me less than they would for a white or male photographer. Or not pay me at all. I have sent my portfolio to many photography agencies in Germany and I have been told my work is too fashionable, which does not really make sense when I was looking for an agency that is based on fashion and commercial work.

MPB: How do you approach photography? What does your creative process typically look like?

LMA: There is no formula for how to approach photography. I love the art of photography and I always get inspired by the world and light I see, and I try to view that in my work. It can be music or just a moment in life which gives me the energy to spark my creative process.

MPB: What role does intersectionality play in your experience as a Black female photographer?

LMA: Unfortunately, we still live in a world where the colour of my skin and being a woman intimidate the outside viewer. There have been times when I introduced myself as a photographer and people would recognize some of my works and they would tell me they thought it was shot by a man.

MPB: In your opinion, how can the photography industry work towards promoting diversity and inclusion for Black photographers and other underrepresented groups?

LMA: In my opinion, to promote Black photographers and other underrepresented groups, the industry has to be open and allow new creatives to present their stories, as well as highlighting and researching new creatives.

Read more interviews on the MPB content hub.