Meet Devam Shah | Photographer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devam Shah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devam, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There was always an artist in me, surviving but not living to the fullest. Since i was very young i was into singing. I wanted to become a playback singer. But i think god wanted things to be different than what I envisioned at that time. As i passed middle school, my singing interests nearly faded for good as i got more into photography, after my mom made me meet her uncle, Dinesh Mehta, who is a renowned architect and an architectural photographer. I spent a lot of time with him, just grasping everything he showed and spoke. Soon I found myself gravitated to making a career in photography as i was fascinated by what my guru, Dinesh Mehta had taught me about this medium which is photography. My love for this medium and the knowing of the influence it creates into the world was more than enough to convince myself to pursue a creative career. Since then, there has been no looking back. It’s been 4 years since i moved to Los Angeles from India and all i can say is it is going to be a hell of a journey going ahead. It’s just gratitude, to my parents and guru who never stopped believing in me, my fellow collaborators who put their light and talent into the work and made it shine bright, you guys are the one.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a photographer based in Los Angeles. My forte lies in between portraiture and music. The way i photograph my subject is kind of personal in its way and intimate. I love to take my subjects on a journey while we create and try to capture it in a way which is storytelling. I believe that my work is both, kind and interpretable.

I am really excited about how my journey in music photography is taking off. I knew I wanted to be a music photographer after i got an opportunity to shoot a concert at ComplexCon starring Nigo, Teriyaki Boyz, Ski Mask The Slump God, Pusha T, Clipse, Kodak Black and Lil Uzi Vert.
I think it is amazing how you can contribute a little in this musical world by photographing the most pivotal and happening moments on and off the stage. It is great that you are actually a small part of this mega influence that an artist casts into the world which inspires and motivates so many people. I will always be the most proud about this one even if I’d click better concert photos in future. This was my very first concert photography gig and it will always be special.

I think it is very important to keep doing what you love and have consistency with it. But it is also equally important to be out there and network, meet people who are like you and talk about what you’ve been doing and why you are really standing in front of them with the kind of enthusiasm.
Most importantly be a kind soul and never stop believing in yourself no matter what.
I wouldn’t say it is easy to be out there and do what you love. I have been depressed and overwhelmed about my art and the world in general but there will be times when something inside of you will speak out and you will want to listen to it and keep going. If you really do believe in yourself and your art and if your intentions are pure, nothing will stop you.
All I would want the world to know is that it doesn’t matter where you come from. All it matters is how you perceive the world around you. The things that you see and words that you hear. Make it all be a purpose for greatness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely show Hollywood as it is first. Not because it is a big mess but to show that it is not just glamour and stars here. Living in Hollywood never grossed me out but instead made me humble by looking out and realising how fortunate we all are to have a life like this. Some people don’t have food to eat and home to live and you will see that in Hollywood quite a lot. I think it is the reality that everyone needs to see.
But after this i will take my best friend to Malibu creek state park for hiking.
There are some great Vegan restaurants around Malibu like Crossroads kitchen, some great wine tasting spots and more.
I would also take my best friend to Universal Studios and Warner Bros.
Also visit some great night clubs in West Hollywood and pick a spot and look at the city view from the hills.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That one person will definitely be my mother who always believed in me and cared for me but was also worried about me like what i would do in life as i was not even great in academics. Because that she cared so much and was worried about me i did not want to ever let her down and that is my love language for her.

Website: devamvshah.com

Instagram: @devamvshah

Image Credits
All images by Devam Shah