Photography is the hardest mirror I’ve held up to myself. Your work is a reflection of your state of mind and reveals that to the world. That kind of honest self-observation takes a lot of courage. It takes a long time to peel back the layers of yourself and to show that to the world.

Lee-Ann Olwage is a visual storyteller and photographic artist from South Africa. Her work is all about identity, collaboration, and celebration. She is interested in using the medium of photography as a mode of co-creation and celebration. With her long-term projects, she aims to create a space where people she collaborates with can play an active part in the creation of images they feel tell their stories in a way that is affirming and celebratory.

2021

Bob & Diane Mentorship Grant

Winner of This Is Gender

Pride Photo Award

Sienna International Photography Awards

Royal Photographic Society Exhibition

PHmuseum Documentary Masterclass

Marilyn Stafford FotoAward Shortlist

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2020

World Press Photo Winner

Palm Photo Prize Nominee

Social Documentary Network AFRICA Spotlight

Marilyn Stafford FotoAward Shortlist

CAP Prize shortlist

International Photography Awards Honorable Mention

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2019

Blink Portfolio Review, New York

Native & IWMF Female Leadership Bootcamp Participant - Kenya

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2018

The Independent Photographer Portrait Finalist

2017
''Through My Eyes' Celebrating Female Photographers Winner
 

2021

Deichtorhallen Hamburg Family Affairs

Pride Photo Award Netherlands

Aspire X PLP African Photography Auction

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2020

World Press Photo

Athens Photo Festival

2019

Head On Photo Festival

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2018

Unstill Life

Photo Katmandu Nepal

2017
The Interrupters 

Amplify Studio, Cape Town

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2016

The Prison Freedom Project
Ongaro Studio, Cape Town

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2014

Silent Moments
Bello Studio, Cape Town

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