Damilola Elliott: Photographers Not Getting Accolades We Deserve

Fast-thriving photographer, Damilola Elliott has had the privilege of documenting events, including music concerts and festivals, and more so The Experience, which arguably is one of the world’s largest gospel events. The creative director and lead photographer at Damell Photography, takes Ferdinand  Ekechukwu through his journey into photography, his experience with The Experience since inception and many more…

Can you take us through your background and how you started?

My journey into photography started while I was studying Architecture at the University of Lagos. I had always been someone who is creative and artistically inclined. At that time, studying Architecture was how I felt I could express my innate artistic traits. While in school, one of my courses had to do with photographing street furniture. I purchased my first camera for this project; it was a Canon 2-megapixel camera. That camera and school project opened my eyes to the direction I needed to take my career – photography. It’s a few years down the line now, and this photography has taken me to several countries around the world, given me the opportunity to document interesting human and environmental stories, national assets and projects and also meet some of the most amazing humans ever.

What is unique about Damell Photography and how did you become Principal Photographer of The Experience?

Our attention to detail and putting the client first, is something that has been working for us since inception. I have a job, and it’s to tell stories through my lens in the most appropriate way possible. Getting to this point required a lot of diligence and focus. Being a part of the behind the scenes planning activities over the years and understanding The Experience brand as a whole, has helped me tell the story from a 360 degree point of view.

You have been part of The Experience since it started less than two decades ago, how big is this concert and the amount of preparations that goes into it?

Arguably, The Experience is the world’s largest gospel music event in documented history. I must say, I count it an incredible honour to have been right there, behind the scenes, from its inception in 2006. When Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock Church and The Convener of The Experience shared the idea of the very first The Experience, it was a bit strange to us, but we bought into the vision and gave it our all. Unless you’re a part of the planning workforce, you have no idea the magnitude of what goes on behind the scenes to put together the 10 hours plus all night event. Several months of strategising, going back and forth and a lot of prayers, certainly makes the dream work.  I celebrate the never give up and can-do spirit of excellence in Pastor Paul Adefarasin. The synergy between him, the volunteer workers team and contracted service providers over the years, is what has led to this global phenomenon, with tons and tons of testimonies flowing after.

The Experience 18 was a success. How was it for you as the principal photographer?

Like every The Experience event before this one, it requires a lot of “giving it your all”, especially since it’s an all-day/all-night event for us. My team and I went into it with the mindset of telling its story from as many perspectives as possible. After the event, we get saddled with the responsibility of sorting through thousands and thousands of photographs for archiving and press/social media consumption.

As the principal photographer, does it saddle you with much expectation to deliver considering the magnitude of The Experience?

An event like The Experience cannot be hidden….its story has to be told. As a Photographer, it’s my responsibility to tell that story from as many angles as possible. The perspective of the artiste on stage, the individual in the crowd, the refreshment vendor amongst others, all have to be considered. I remember back in 2006 while planning for the first edition, Pastor Paul called me and said, “Dami, you’ve got this”. That statement set my feet on fire. I did not have a team of photographers working with me at the time, so I would walk the length and breadth of the entire grounds of the Tafawa Balewa square, taking photos of practically every activity, including the cricket pitch for the overflow. I remember back then, before the advent of using drones in Nigeria, I would climb up the top of one of the two tall towers behind the TBS grounds, so that I could get aerial photos of the square. Back in 2008, we engaged the services of a helicopter company to get aerial footage of The Experience. Sitting in that helicopter gave me room to create aerial images of The Experience event and its environs like have never been seen before. Knowing Pastor Paul as one who doesn’t just expect excellence, but the exceptional, my team and I have always had that as the driving force that propel us to deliver on our task. This is done in collaboration with the e-Team volunteer workforce of photographers and social media content creators.

Are there other major events you have been part of?

I was the official photographer for The Legacy Live, A Tribute Concert for Nelson Mandela in Lagos. Also, the official photographer for the Lagos premiere of the following movies: SELMA, 93 Days and CAPTIVE, among others.

Do you think photographers and cinematographers are being appreciated and recognised in this part of the world as regards their relevance?

To be honest, I don’t think we are getting the accolades we truly deserve across board. I must celebrate the people and organisations that over the years, have been giving us the honour that’s truly due to us. Things are indeed getting better in the industry, as some of us have paved the way, swallowed the bitter pills and laid the foundation for others to build on. We are coming out with amazing creative contents that are getting global celebration and recognition. I’m glad the industry is headed in the right direction, as there are more victories to win.

Your colleagues like Bayo Omoboriowo and Tolani Alli have gone on to become Personal Photographers of ex-President Buhari and ex-VP Osinbajo respectively, what is your take on this and would you consider also accepting such assignments?

I am so excited to see what Bayo and Tolani have done with the opportunities they were given. I’d like to add Ademola Olaniran, personal Photographer to the current Governor of Lagos State to that list. These guys have shown that political stories can be told through the camera lens in very creative ways that positively engage your intellect and emotions. If given the opportunity, I’d weigh all the options involved and go for it, as long as it’s one that comes with a lot of adventure.

What has been the milestone for Damell Photography?

As a photographer, I see the accomplishment of every brief as the attainment of a milestone. Over the course of my career, I’ve been privileged to have my works published on the covers of several books, magazines, online publications and printed in private collections. I’m honoured to have some of the photos I’ve took at The Experience over the years; grace the walls of the Rock Cafe Restaurant at the Rock Cathedral Lagos.

What is the future of photography business in Nigeria?

The future of photography and the creative industry at large in Nigeria is extremely bright. The advent of Artificial Intelligence has opened new vistas with unlimited possibilities to tap into.

What motivates you as a creative?

Several things motivate me; one of which is the environment I find myself at any point in time. I take a lot of inspiration from the people, their culture and way of life. If I’m working on a client’s brief for a non-human project, say oil and gas assets profiling or Real estate, then the details of the brief spur my motivation to deliver as requested and then some.