Capturing the Beat of the Music Scene: Interview with Isha SHAH

Isha SHAH

I was inspired to create Behind The Lens, after seeing Isha help young creatives have access to shoot shows. During her time as photographer for Enter Shikari’s UK tour, Isha gave the opportunity to multiple people to get a photo pass and come and shoot the show. When I saw this on her Instagram account, I thought it was a great idea, and it inspired me to try and get to the position where I could do the same for other people. So obviously when I launched Behind The Lens, I had to get Isha on here somehow… So I asked her if she was open to answering a few questions, she said yes, and here we are.

First, let me introduce Isha to you if you don’t have the privilege of knowing her and her work. Isha is a dynamic force in live music photography and videography. A freelance creative based in London, Isha has carved out her own niche in the world of concert photography, capturing the raw energy of live performances while uplifting the creative community around her. From photographing global stars like Mahalia and Lewis Capaldi to mentoring emerging talent through her grassroots initiative, Roots Creatives, Isha is making her mark both behind the lens and beyond

Roots Creatives is a platform which aims to bring local creative communities together. Based in London, They are a self run and self funded collective that has hosted meetups from London to New York to Vancouver. Through Roots Creatives and Platform LDN, a Youth Creative Collective, Isha and other industry professionals, help young creatives from minorities to learn photography/ Videography. 

Mereba by Isha SHAH

What inspired you to start photography, particularly focusing on London's live music scene, and can you explain any early experiences or moments that solidified your passion for photography?

Honestly, my passion is just from my love of music and going to gigs as a kid. I was a little rock girl and would always be out with my small pocket camera taking photos and uploading them to Facebook, kind of what I do now but on a professional level. I always say the start of my career or passion for photography was when I got to photograph Jack Garatt from persisting on getting a photo pass which lead to him reaching out, meeting him and shooting my first AAA [AN: Access All Areas] show for the artist. This then lead to his label at the time reaching out and offering me work as a freelancer and this made me so much more confident what I was doing went noticed, but also I can make a living off taking photos.

How would you describe your unique view or style when capturing the sights and sounds of London? Can you explain how London’s culture influences your work and creativity?

 I'm not sure London's Culture has influenced my style to say but in terms of who and what I shoot, it's definitely determined what I shoot. I am so grateful that I live in one of the world's best cities, and we get the best music coming through, but also the local talent is insane. It's hard for UK artist to make it globally, but I've worked with so many cool and fun artists before they blow up, so there's a lot of proudness in being part of someone's journey at the start. I defo have that London hustle mindset, and I couldn't have started my career anywhere else!

What inspired you to set up Root Creatives, and what is its primary mission? 

I set up RC because there wasn't a sense of community that catered towards up and coming, new photographers in the UK currently. There was this app for the US called the H collective and I liked the sense of connecting all types of creatives together like photographers with models, with MUA's with stylists and artists rather than keeping communities apart. I really wanted it to be DIY and not put together to show creatives you don't have to just create polished art, it can be messy and for anyone. Its primary mission is to just help those that need it in the community, it's all self-funded and solely run by myself and just a passion project that I'd like to turn into a business someday. We want to create, connect and collaborate! 

Yungblud by Isha SHAH

Besides photography, you delve into radio, events, podcasting, videography, and social media. How do these different mediums influence your work, and how do you balance all of them? How do they all interact with one another ?

I think it's important to have other hobbies and talents you can explore to keep your creative juices alive. I think if I ONLY did photography, I would be bored. I get influenced a lot by my experiences and my life, so doing all these things really help motivate to do better in other aspects of life. I just have a passion to create, so they all go hand in hand. I get creatives on my radio show/podcasts and able to run social media for my two creative companies! It's super rewarding to be able to host events, pay people and then give them the spotlight for once!

Are there specific techniques or approaches you use to convey the energy and atmosphere of live music through your photos?

A LOT of trial and error and testing new ideas. There's not anything specific I do, it changes on a day-to-day shooting basis. Sometimes I use motion blur, prisms, effects, most of it is in post-production. It all depends on the vibe and the artist! 

Megan Thee Stallion by Isha SHAH

You've worked with notable clients such as Mahalia, Jax Jones, and Lewis Capaldi. Can you share one of your most memorable projects or collaborations? And what you think sets your work apart in these collaborations?

With all these jobs, I feel I was hired to bring something new to the table. Sometimes I even get told this which is cool because it means what I am doing pays off. I really enjoyed working with Jax Jones because he was one of the first big touring clients I got. We worked on so many cool projects like a UK weekender, top of the pops, his music video BTS and I got to be creative with a lot of the work. There was a lot of room to play with and he as a creative was up for anything. I find I work best with open clients who just love to play and have fun! No harsh expectations, we just try until it works and if it don't, it's still ok! I also look at their previous portfolio and try to follow that style but elevate it in my own way or what I predict what works for them in the new market. 

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers and creatives looking to make their mark in the industry?

If you want to make your mark, you NEED to learn the business side first. Arguably, you can be the most amazing creative and never get noticed because you're waiting to be found. While that rarely happens now you NEED to push yourself out there for these people to find you. Understanding that photography is like any other business is key, you will then learn how to market, deal with clients and carve a name for yourself that everyone will love and respect!

What future projects or goals do you have for your career?

I have a lot I am trying to make happen, a lot more to do with business than photography right now. I want to further my education and my career in that, someday open a creative school, creative café as I LOVE FOOD and maybe someday dominate the world with a global agency for POC and maybe even a clothing line?

I want to thank Isha for taking the time to answer my question and for being such an inspiration to young creatives, myself included, I can’t wait to see what she creates next.

You can find her Instagram and follow Roots Creatives and on YouTube.