There are no photography schools in The Gambia, but young Sarjo Baldeh didn’t let that stop her — as shown by her presence at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast, where she was one of just a handful of female photographers.
Receiving a Canon T6 camera as a 20th birthday present three years ago supported her ambitions to make a career out of photography. And without the option of formal training, she watched YouTube tutorials and asked established sports photographers for help.
She contacted a US-based photographer through Instagram.
“He taught me how to shoot, what to shoot, how to position my light, and how to position my camera,” Sarjo told The Guardian.
Sarjo started as a wedding photographer but then noticed the way sports photographers capture footballers’ moves.
“I started researching because there is not much information about sports photography in The Gambia,” she said.
Fast-forward to Sarjo’s biggest assignment to date: covering the Afcon campaign of her national team, nicknamed the Scorpions. Being well aware of the benefits of social media to showcase her work, Sarjo shared her Afcon photos far and wide.
That’s how she not only stood out pitchside in her bright outfit with a headscarf and giant lens, but Sarjo Baldeh’s images of the Scorpions in motion grabbed major attention during Afcon 2024.
“It’s not like male photographers are better than females. I want people to recognise me as a photographer who is as good as the males. I’d like to take my sports photography to the next level,” she said.
Sarjo is hoping to be selected as an official photographer for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the Americas.
“If I find sponsors, I will be the first Gambian to cover a World Cup as a sports photographer.”
Compiled by staff reporter
Pictured above: Sarjo Baldeh.
Image source: X
