When I received the brief from my client to document their fleet of heavy-lifting machinery across Ghana, I knew this wouldn't be a standard commercial shoot. The project required a specialized approach to industrial photography, spanning two major economic hubs: the bustling Port of Tema and the industrial landscape of Takoradi.
My goal was to deliver a library of high-end assets that showcased the sheer scale of the equipment while maintaining the aesthetic standards required for modern digital marketing and SEO.

The Project Scope: Tema and Takoradi

The mission was clear: 8 days on the ground to capture Manitou forklifts, Konecranes (KC) lift trucks, and Grove mobile cranes in action. The logistics were handled seamlessly by the client, providing me with the necessary mobility to move between high-security port locations and private industrial yards.

Key locations included:

Tema: Focusing on the Cocobod site and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
Takoradi: Documenting the Mobicrane yard and specialized training facilities.
My Approach to High-End Industrial Photography
To ensure the photos stood out for both human viewers and search engine visibility, I focused on three technical pillars:

1. Mastering the "Golden Hour" and Backgrounds

The brief specifically requested "excellent quality" with a focus on backgrounds. I scheduled the most critical shots of the Konecranes Reach Stackers and Empty Container Handlers during the early morning and late afternoon. By utilizing the low sun and dramatic West African cloud formations, I was able to create high-contrast, professional imagery that elevated the machines from mere equipment to heroic subjects.

2. Specialized Angles and Aerial Views

At the GPHA, the scale of the operation is massive. To capture the "group photos" of multiple KC machines, I utilized elevated perspectives to get aerial-style views. These shots are essential for the client's website, providing a sense of scale and capability that standard eye-level shots simply cannot convey.

Overcoming Challenges on Site

Industrial environments are unpredictable. In Takoradi, I had to remain agile, photographing whatever was available in the Mobicrane yard—including their 80t RT and 200t GMK cranes. I also documented the human element of the brand, capturing "Practical Training" sessions where engineers and operators were in their element. This adds a layer of authenticity and trust to the brand's digital presence.

Machine Category:

Manitou Forklifts

Konecranes (KC)

Grove GMK Cranes

Training Sessions

Location:

Cocobod, Tema

GPHA, Tema

Mobicrane, Takoradi

Takoradi

Visual Focus:

Precision and maneuverability
Scale, power, and port integration
Heavy lifting and engineering detail
Professionalism and skill development

The Result: A Satisfied Client

The final delivery consisted of a comprehensive gallery of 75 "hero" shots, supported by hundreds of documentary-style images.  The client's feedback reinforced the value of bringing a professional photographic eye to industrial sectors. As they noted in their review:

"Hendrik-Louis completed a 10-day photoshoot for us in Tema and Takoradi, Ghana... The results are outstanding — the quality, creativity and consistency across all the images are extremely high, and we are genuinely impressed. Thank you for your professionalism, talent, and for really listening to what we needed while also bringing your own creative ideas and expertise to the shoot."

By focusing on high-quality visual storytelling, we didn't just document machines; we built a visual portfolio that positions my client as a leader in the African heavy-lifting industry.

View my industrial portfolio here...