Mandy Okine, the founder of Mandy O Photography, embarked on her journey as a wedding photographer in Ghana, where she spent her university years. Now based in America, Mandy has honed her craft for 13 years, capturing weddings in six countries: Ghana, Nigeria, America, Jamaica, Mexico, and India.
Her photography career began unexpectedly during her time at the University of Ghana in 2011 when she sought good graduation pictures for herself. This endeavor evolved into a business idea as she offered her services to friends and classmates, kickstarting her path into photography.
Transitioning from graduation pictures to wedding photography in 2012, Mandy’s determination and passion led her to overcome challenges, including the loss of her first camera, a Nikon D 3000. She upgraded to a Canon 60D, solidifying her commitment to her craft.
Navigating a male-dominated industry, Mandy found that being a woman brought her respect and recognition, although she faced some skepticism in the early days when photography wasn’t widely seen as a profession. Despite this, Mandy’s skills and dedication earned her opportunities and respect, and she never let her gender hinder her progress.
Support from her family, especially her grandmother, played a pivotal role in her success. Her grandmother’s investment and generosity provided Mandy with her first studio space, a significant step in establishing Mandy O Photography.
Throughout her journey, Mandy looked up to mentors like Emmanuel Bobby, Wisdom of Momento, and Dotun Ayodeji, a renowned wedding photographer in the United States. Their guidance and expertise shaped her approach and skills, paving the way for her international success.
Looking ahead, Mandy envisions expanding Mandy O Photography globally, with plans to open studios in Ghana and America. Her goal is to be synonymous with wedding photography excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring future photographers.
