The face of graduation photography is changing, and this year’s KNUST 59th Congregation offers a clear picture of how photographers are reinventing the experience. What used to be a simple snapshot in front of a building has now evolved into elaborate themed setups — complete with logos, handcrafted letters, artworks, and branded backdrops. For photographer Richard, the man behind “Richard Graphics,” these creative spaces are not just decorations. They are his way of bringing new life to a craft he believes is losing its spark.
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| Graduation Photo Setup |
With over a decade of experience, Richard has photographed graduates from different institutions, but he describes this year’s setup at KNUST as special. “I planned a special setup for you, for people to come and see the work that we are doing,” he explained, proudly gesturing to his custom-made KNUST-themed backdrop. To him, quality presentation is a message to the world — “we have good jobs for the whole world” — and graduation day is the perfect moment to showcase it.
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The visible transformation in graduation photography did not happen by chance. Richard says the inspiration behind these new environments comes from a desire to revive interest in the profession. “People are seeing that photography is going down,” he said. “I want to bring something up for people to see that if you put a focus on it, everything will be good for you.”
This shift from plain backgrounds to curated environments reflects a new understanding of what graduates want: something unique, something memorable, something worth sharing. The setups now function as experience zones — spaces where students can pause, pose, and create images that stand out from the usual campus scenery.
Richard’s process goes beyond aesthetics. He insists that clients are free to choose what they want. For those who prefer the natural campus backdrop for the sake of “identity,” he adapts easily. “When you want a location, we can send you there,” he said. The aim is simple: give customers the best experience, whether with an elaborate setup or a familiar campus scene.
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| Mr. Richard and his setup |
These setups also come with a business angle. Since Richard is not a KNUST student and does not belong to the internal networks where most customers can be found, he relies heavily on social media to attract clients. Bookings are done through TikTok, Facebook, and even Google Drive. The decision to modernize his presentation goes hand in hand with the need to remain visible and competitive.
The rise of these creative setups reflects a broader truth: graduation photography is no longer just about documenting the moment; it is about elevating it. Photographers like Richard are proving that innovation is necessary to keep the craft alive — and that a well-designed setup can turn an ordinary photo into a memorable experience.
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