In the heart of Accra, a vibrant new movement is taking shape. At the centre of this blossoming community is a unique camera shop that has become a haven for enthusiasts and professionals alike. This thriving hub not only offers a diverse range of cameras and accessories but also serves as a creative space where photographers gather to share their passion, learn from each other, and celebrate the timeless art of capturing moments. Welcome to the story of how Accra is being seen through a new lens, uniting people through the shared love of photography.
Founded by Ndoumbe-Dale Mederic, “Weak Photos Create Bad Situations” or “WEAK” is a community before anything else. This community for photographers recently announced its launch on 2nd May 2024. To achieve the goals and visions for his new community, Mederic started an online vintage camera and camera accessories store. This store caters to the selling and trading of “Y2K” cameras, film cameras, VHS camcorders, disposable film cameras and all kinds of accessories.
With the launch of the storefront, WEAK intends to build a community of camera and photography enthusiasts who will come together to share ideas and bond over their love for all things photography. After 4 weeks of operation, WEAK has sold close to 20 cameras and accessories to its customers which will enable the community to commence a number of its other projects.
Two of its major projects that Mederic will be spearheading in the coming weeks are; Campaigns to promote photography with the first one titled “Shot on Digicam” which aims at proving that you don’t need an out-of-budget camera to pursue your love for photography. “I want to motivate everyone with an interest in photography to chase that passion,” he says.
The second project expected to launch is editorial portraits with short pieces on WEAK’s magazine which will spotlight creatives with a heavy focus on photographers in the Ghanaian creative scene. It is quite evident that WEAK has huge ambitions and it doesn’t even stop there. Lastly, WEAK will be looking to create a photo book in celebration of its community and host pop-ups occasionally.
With its successful launch of the online storefront, WEAK appears as more than just a place to buy equipment, it is a growing community, a space to spotlight, nurture, support, and connect photographers of all levels. WEAK is capturing the essence of Accra in every frame and enriching the city’s cultural tapestry one photograph at a time.