#166 - Ani Akpanusoh - The Small Moments That Tell Big Stories

Ani Akpanusoh is a creative force in Edmonton whose world blends photography, directing, research, and a genuine love for sports. His approach to storytelling is grounded in emotion, observation, and lived experience, making his work feel both visually striking and deeply human. Whether he’s behind the lens, watching a game, or studying the world with a researcher’s curiosity, Ani brings a thoughtful, intentional perspective to everything he creates.

Ani’s passion for narrative-driven visuals comes from his belief that a single frame can communicate emotion more powerfully than words ever could. He approaches storytelling by paying close attention to colour, environment, message, and fashion, using aesthetic beauty as a gateway to deeper emotional truth. In his process, visuals become a bridge between what the audience sees and what they feel. He also embraces flexibility as shown in his University of Alberta basketball project, where a planned dual-perspective idea evolved into a tighter, more authentic player-focused narrative. That experience taught him that letting a story change can transform a good idea into a compelling one.

Ani’s love for sports and people comes from seeing how both worlds demand discipline, focus, and balance. He believes athletes and creatives share the same need for consistency and self-awareness, you always know when you’ve slipped, and that pushes you to improve. When he captures sports, he isn’t after the highlight reel; he’s after the human heartbeat underneath it. He looks for the quiet moments, the subtle interactions, and the energy that connects players, coaches, and fans. To him, sports reveal character, unity, and the raw emotion that inspires many of his visual stories. the parts of humanity that remind us why we show up for each other.

Ani’s creative process begins with small sparks from everyday life gestures, feelings, moments that linger. Music and film heavily influence his tone and rhythm, while mood boards and research help shape his direction. Over time, he’s grown from drawing inspiration primarily from art to drawing it from experiences and the way he moves through the world. He believes every creative should sharpen both technical and interpersonal skills: mastering light, camera work, and editing, while also learning to listen, collaborate, and communicate ideas clearly. His GB Cuts experiments taught him the value of documenting progress and creating with whatever tools you have. And when burnout hits, Ani grounds himself in rest, conversation, new experiences, and hobbies like ultimate frisbee and the gym, giving himself the space to return refreshed and inspired.

In conclusion, Ani Akpanusoh’s journey is shaped by emotion, curiosity, community, and a deep respect for the stories that unfold around us. His work proves that creativity thrives when you stay flexible, disciplined, and connected to the people and moments that move you. Through visuals, sports, and thoughtful processes, Ani continues to craft stories that make us feel something real and remind us why creativity matters.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!