Isha Shah is a music photographer, which means two things: one, she photographs musicians, and two, she can be criminally overlooked.
Shah’s portfolio is vibrant, extensive and instantly recognizable— and she’s photographed everyone from Post Malone to Taylor Swift. But as a music photographer, her role is to remain crouched between the barrier and stage or hidden in the wings, rarely taking the limelight herself. Yet interviewing Isha, it became clear she deserves more credit, not only for being an incredibly talented photographer, but also for being a passionate and outspoken activist for WOC in creative industries. In this personal and eye-opening Q&A for Sheesh Magazine, Isha shares how the pandemic has affected her work, experiences collaborating with PUMA, and her controversial love of social media.
How did you fall in love with photography?
ISHA SHAH: I always captured moments through photos so it was really just how I experience and enjoy the world around me!
Who/what are your key inspirations?
ISHA SHAH: My work is inspired by my experiences, my moods, my life; however I feel or whatever I see inspires my work. Down to how I take a photo, what I decide to edit and where I want to go. My biggest influence is just my surroundings, observing the little things we all miss in life by simply sitting back and observing. I (controversially) LOVE social media and find my time on it very positive and motivating so a lot of my motivations come from seeing others win, I want to be on their level too, so it just pushes me to work harder!
What does your editing process look like?
ISHA SHAH: As soon as I do a shoot I’m super eager to get home and edit it. I like editing with the vibes from the shoot, it really motivates me and makes for happy clients.
How does London influence your work?
ISHA SHAH: I feel like the city is just full of so many possibilities that it’s hard not to be inspired! It’s honestly THE best city in the world and we take it for granted. I feel a lot of photographers have a very London preset vibe which I love, but I always try to change it and keep it fresh. Living in such a competitive environment only pushes me to create the best I can! I’ve loved shooting at Sketch London, the V&A Museum, Holland Park, loads of secret mews!
What is your favourite shoot you’ve done so far?
ISHA SHAH: This is honestly such a hard one, but I think my recent work with PUMA and Jaz Karis was my favourite. It was all WOC teams and sets and I LOVED being able to showcase my creative style with creative people!
Can you tell us about Roots Creatives?
ISHA SHAH: I started Roots off a magazine a bunch of my mates and myself ran called “New Roots” during university. It ended but I wanted a platform to focus just on creatives. At the time (2017) there weren’t many creative platforms and I really wanted it to have not just one face but be representative of all! I hated going on YouTube and only seeing the same white men chatting a load of BS on photography tutorials, so I wanted to post more WOC in that limelight and hear their ways of doing things and their experiences. It’s just something to help those who need the platform and it will always be my DIY project. I love that it’s unpolished and raw, we don’t care about following and never will, so hopefully we can still remain a platform and stick to the true morals.
Where do you stand on the whole digital vs film debate?
ISHA SHAH: Digital all the way, no question! Film is not sustainable at all… people don’t like to think of these things and while digital is not that much better, in the long run it is. Now more camera brands are taking action and using recycled materials and planting trees with purchases so I have to side with the green side.
Studio or location?
ISHA SHAH: On location all day! I don’t have enough money to practice in a studio and understand it. A lot of the time studios really give me anxiety as I never know what I’m doing, always winging it! I also LOVE working with teams, I find it easier not only on myself, but to get the most experienced person doing the right job. I always love giving opportunities to other WOC!
Who is your favourite artist to work with and why?
ISHA SHAH: I loved working with Mr Eazi, Mahalia and Miguel because they treat their teams like actual people and legit LOVE what they do. All super determined people in the industry who are all around good vibes and NEVER told me to re-edit anything I created!
What is one thing you would change about the industry?
ISHA SHAH: We need to all change the way we view creatives. Better pay, more conversations between the client and creative on how much we SHOULD be getting paid. MORE OPEN COMMUNICATION!
How has the pandemic affected your work?
ISHA SHAH: Honestly it’s given me room to breathe and chill out. I’m still a workoholic but it’s taught me that work will always be there if you want it hard enough. I’m very blessed to say that I’ve been thriving and doing bigger and better things. It’s aligned with me to do jobs I feel are right and what I actually want to be doing!
What advice would you give to young photographers looking to get into music photography?
ISHA SHAH: Ask as many questions as you can! Reach out to people you admire, if they don’t reply then reach out to more! Don’t be afraid to promote yourself and put yourself out there. Your photos are honestly only 1/4 of the job, you need to work on networking and branding skills!
What’s one goal you would love to achieve in the next year?
ISHA SHAH: I want to focus on my side hustles and businesses more like Roots, Platform, Talkswithcreatives. I want them to grow and expand and hopefully get more people involved! Let’s make it international!
To see more of Isha’s photography, check out her online portfolio and Instagram. And don’t forget to give Roots Creative and Platform London a follow!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
