Describing herself as an artist with a camera, photographer Dami-Lola Khadijah, gives an interview o
Describing herself as an artist with a camera, photographer Dami-Lola Khadijah, gives an interview on how she learnt to trust herself and her art, why she doesn’t have a favourite photographer and why believing in herself is the biggest highlight of her career. When did you know you wanted to go into photography? This is the thing, I don’t actually title myself as a ‘photographer’. I would say I am just an artist with a camera, another means for an expressionist to release particles of herself or rather her imagination through the release of a shutter. For me right now photography allows me to release work at a faster rate because I feel like I can spread apart of me in my own personal projects and endeavours as well as other peoples, the possibilities through collaborating are just that much more. So, to answer to your question is I didn’t know at a particular point in time that I wanted to be a photographer, it was just natural for me I guess and it just flowed into this when I just created.As a photographer, what is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?I try not to focus on external factors too much and focus on the challenges within. I think for me personally I am the most self-analytical person ever. I criticise my work to a T and it can be a good thing and migraine instigator all at the same time. However with time I have learnt to trust myself and trust my art, understanding that I can not always be perfect and there is pleasure in not being perfect too. I believe that imperfections breed lessons and tales of growth that can be built upon, like they say there is a blessing in every lesson. There is definitely beauty in imperfection sometimes it releases something that wasn’t even intentional intended but ends up being even more greater than what as actually initially envisioned. It is like a child, once you have raised the child in the way you know best and have moulded them with the right morals and values you know there comes a time whereby you must set them free into the world and see what becomes of them. And this is just how I view my creations.Additionally, another interesting point within the industry is when people approach you for work but expect you to do it for free. I think there needs to be some sort of regulatory body within this creative industry lol. You wouldn’t ever ask a nurse/doctor to operate for free in a private clinic would you?Who is your favourite photographer and why? Honestly, nobody. There are many great individuals out there but I honestly do not have a favourite one. I admire many creatives work out there but I am not loyal to any lol. I think at this current space I am in I draw inspirations from many places and not just photographers or artists or designers or writers. I generally admire creatives who are out there constantly creating through various avenues or means. For example Solange knowles and Vashtie Kola, between them they have a number of similar titles, - DJ, creative director, artist, song writer, label owner, designer and I am sure there is a number of other titles you can add.What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far? Believing in myself and taking the step forward to create what I have always wanted to. I am still in the preliminary stages and so there is still so much more to come from me. Travelling has been a big part of my creative output. Like when I visited Morocco alone intentionally to rediscover my form and myself, I literally booked that holiday the morning I was going. I have learnt that everything comes in stages and in good time. I believe in celebrating achievement even if it is small but I don’t dwell on it because I still believe there is so much more I want to achieve. For instance, when my images were on numerous occasions selected for the vsco grid, I was delighted. When people contact me whose work I admire to collaborate or get great feedback from respected individuals within the industry this is again a nice thing however, I must stress that again this does not validate me. Where do you look to for inspiration? Everywhere. I have various interests that are not necessary your usual like geography, technology, politics and history amongst others like art, artists, people, culture and social media. Social media is a great place but I try not to get stuck there because it can fixate your mind on this tumblr/IG culture, not allowing you to freely express yourself out the box. Travelling is a great way to get inspired because it takes you out of your comfort zone allowing you to see the world and people from various walks of life that are not necessarily like you.Finally, do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?Do you boo and I am very serious *while she types the letters* l-o-l. Do not watch nobody but you, don’t be intimidated by anyone else’s art and do not feel you have to conform to either be somebody you are not or create in a certain way. Great sociable skills are essential, build on this. It is all well and good that you produce divine work but you are in a corner of your bedroom and only you and your four corners view it day in day out, connecting with others and collaboration is great, there is power in numbers. Trust yourself and learn to invest so that your creations can have longevity. It’s like a writer; they have to experience things to create worthy content with depth and deep roots. Do not compare yourself with nobody else and trust in your journey. You may not know all the technical attributes or how to work a camera but with time and practice you will. Trust in the journey of discovery and remember you are always a learner even when you feel you’ve made it lol, a true artist never stops learning.Check out Dami’s site here, and her instagram too.Join the conversation #TWOOSIE. / SHOP HERE - TWOOSIE.CO.UK -- source link