MPB Meets: Portrait Photographer Damola Akintunde

The art of photography is much more than pressing a button on a camera. Regardless of what they shoot, every photographer has a reason why they shoot — a motive that goes deeper than making money or simply passing the time. For Damola Akintunde, that purpose is deeply personal. Akintunde uses her camera to share her unique story as a Nigerian-American woman in North Carolina. As a woman of color living in a predominantly white region, Akintunde expresses herself through the visuals she creates while lending her work as a tool for others to fully embrace their own physical presentation.

Holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Medical Anthropology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Damola’s understanding of the human condition helps her connect with others on a deeper level. We spoke to Damola about her background, her work and her philosophy as a visual storyteller.

MPB: What sparked your interest in photography? Did anyone or anything in particular prompt you to pick up a camera?

DA: I began exploring photography as a teenager but took it more seriously during college. Most of my photography revolved around documenting my friends in casual settings, mainly for their blogs or social media. And anytime they would see the images I would take of them, they would mention how I was able to document their true essence effortlessly. This was significant to me considering I often photographed Black folks in my community. That feedback gave me the confidence to explore the world of visual storytelling, especially around Black womanhood.

MPB: How have other photographers and creatives of color inspired you to share your story?

DA: I have been mainly inspired by other Black women photographers like Carrie Mae Weems and Yagazie Emezi, who expanded my world of visual documentation to include self-portraiture. The Kitchen Table Series is a body of work that challenged me to explore placing myself in my work. Understanding the power of being the subject and the photographer has allowed me to reclaim autonomy over my physical presentation as a dark-skinned Black woman. Self-portraiture has also provided a practice of documentation as I continue to figure out my artistic journey.

MPB: How has your knowledge of the human condition influenced your work?

DA: I think I’ve always been drawn to our human desire for introspection and healing. And that desire allows me to find different ways to express that in my work for myself and for others.

MPB: How does photography help you express yourself and your heritage in ways that other creative outlets cannot?

DA: Photography has granted me the space to be autonomous over how I want to symbolically represent my identity and reflect on how I wish to be viewed by society. It also allows me to explore narratives that are often not highlighted or prioritized.

MPB: Is there a photo of yours that is most meaningful to you?

DA: I have a few but this image of my dear friend, Grace, from my photo project, “A Space in This Body.” It was a privilege to have the opportunity to document her and other friends in my community in their safe spaces. 

MPB: What camera and lens did you use to shoot that image? Is that your go-to camera setup?

DA: I used a Canon EOS 6D with a 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM EF but my current setup is the Sony A7C with a 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN FE or 45mm f/2.8 DG DN FE.

MPB: What piece of advice would you most like to share with other photographers?

DA: Find your voice and stay true to your purpose. There will always be people who value you and your point of view so don’t feel like you need to copy another artist to be successful.

MPB: How do you associate photography with vulnerability? Do you feel more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it?

DA: The act of being behind my camera is certainly a form of vulnerability. Being perceived in any way, especially on a visual platform, can be daunting. But I also feel empowered whenever I document myself because it gives me the opportunity to reflect on various points in my creative and personal journey. Ultimately, I’ve started to feel comfortable both behind and in front of the camera due to years of exploration but I know there’s always room for growth.