why i do what i do

A young man in a black suit with embroidered patterns stands on an orange carpeted floor, smiling at the camera, in front of an orange wall with the HBO Max logo.

Born in Maryland, Virginia, and raised across Lagos, Abuja, and the UK, my creative journey has always been shaped by change, rhythm, and culture. Growing up between continents gave me a global perspective — one that fuels the way I tell stories today. As a kid, I was quiet but deeply observant, often lost in the worlds of movies, cartoons, and daydreams. I’d fixate on every detail — the color of wallpaper, the rhythm of dialogue, the emotion in a scene — long before I ever picked up a camera.

In my teenage years, my curiosity expanded beyond visuals into technology. I was fascinated by the intersection of creativity and innovation — spending hours watching Apple keynotes and YouTube tech reviews. It was this blend of art and tech that led me to cinematography: a space where storytelling, design, and digital craft coexist.

Today, I’m a filmmaker, photographer, digital artist, and creative director whose work spans film, fashion, music, and digital art. My focus is on visual storytelling — crafting images and films that resonate emotionally while pushing creative and technical boundaries. Whether I’m directing a short film, shooting editorial fashion, or developing a digital campaign, my goal remains the same: to create work that feels both undeniable and infectious.

Young man in a green and white varsity jacket holding a professional camera, standing at an outdoor event during sunset with a crowd in the background.
A young boy with short hair wearing a yellow short-sleeved shirt over a red T-shirt and dark pants, standing against a dark textured background.

my creative influences draw from across mediums — the rhythm and energy of Afrobeats and hip-hop, the bold expression of African fashion, the minimalism of modern design, and the fluid imagination of animation. These elements shape how I approach every project, infusing my visuals with emotion, culture, and movement.

After studying cinematography and honing my technical foundation, I made a spontaneous move to Los Angeles — a leap that allowed me to redefine my voice and expand my creative reach. I’m constantly evolving, exploring new ways to merge film, music, and design into experiences that move people. For me, storytelling isn’t just about what you see — it’s about what you feel.

Resume

A professional resume for Damola Otegbola, a filmmaker, photographer, and creative director. It features a black-and-white portrait of Damola, contact information, education background, work experience, camera systems, skills, links to online profiles, and video editing systems.

click here to download

Alongside my personal projects, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with major brands and production teams across film, music, and advertising — contributing as a camera assistant, DIT, and production assistant on a range of high-profile shoots. These experiences have strengthened my technical foundation, refined my creative workflow, and deepened my appreciation for storytelling at scale.

I’ve worked on productions and campaigns for Apple, Belkin, People Magazine, Veuve Clicquot, HBO, YouTube, Kate Spade, and Madison Beer, among others. Highlights include:

  • Production Assistant on a video advertising production for Apple

  • Camera Assistant on a video production with Belkin

  • Camera Assistant for People Magazine and Season 8 of People Magazine Investigates

  • Camera Assistant at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic photo shoot (Summer 2024)

  • Camera Assistant at a photo activation for HBO’s Emmy After Party

  • Production Assistant on the Kate Spade Holiday Campaign featuring Madison Beer (2024)

  • Camera Assistant & DIT for YouTube’s VidCon video activations (2024 & 2025)

  • Event Videographer for Rolling Loud California (2024 & 2025)

Each of these projects has contributed to my growth as a visual storyteller — teaching me the balance between creativity and precision, collaboration and independence, and the importance of capturing energy and emotion in real time.