Lee-Ann Olwage

Lee-Ann Olwage is a Cape Town-based documentary photographer whose practice is rooted in collaboration and social engagement. Lee-Ann initially studied film directing and spent nine years working as a set decorator in the film industry, an experience that profoundly shaped her eye for lighting and visual narrative. She transitioned to documentary photography, aiming to co-create images that celebrate her subjects and amplify marginalized voices, particularly around gender, education, and identity on the African continent.

Her highly acclaimed work includes the series "The Right to Play," which documents Kenyan girls who avoided FGM and child marriage by proudly pursuing their education (winner of the Sony World Photography Award, 2023), and #BlackDragMagic, which celebrates queer identity in South African townships. Lee-Ann's work has earned her global recognition, including wins at the World Press Photo Contest in 2020, 2023, and 2024. She is an advocate for a sustainable creative life and often speaks about the importance of finding joy and ethical balance in long-term documentary work.