Meet Akanksha Shyam | Cinematographer

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

Hi Akanksha, how do you think about risk?
In my journey as a cinematographer, risk-taking has been an integral part of shaping both my career and my creative outlook. My move from Bangalore, India to LA in 2019 is the biggest risk I have ever taken – stepping away from the familiar territory of corporate filmmaking and dedicating myself to the art of narrative storytelling through cinematography. I was invited among 27 other cinematographers to earn an MFA in cinematography at the American Film Institute. This was a significant event in my career that has propelled me to a different level. I went from having shot just 3 narrative films in 2019 to a portfolio that now boasts over 15 narrative films, each a testament to the risks I’ve embraced in search of meaningful and boundary-pushing storytelling. My films have been screened at film festivals and won awards like “Best Cinematography” for Afloat (2022) at the New York Cinematography Awards 2022. My latest film “Infinity!” (2023) has screened at several film festivals across the country and will get a limited theatrical run at the Gardena Cinema in September.

In 2020, the BAFTA Newcomer Program recognized my endeavors on an international level. I am also an Associate Member of the Society of Camera Operators and a recipient of the JN Tata Scholarship. I truly believe none of these things would have been possible without calculated risk-taking and leveraging opportunities propelling my career trajectory. Every leap I’ve taken has led to valuable insights, creative breakthroughs, and recognition that I could have never achieved by playing it safe.

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.
To me, cinematography is the art of crafting images starting from the page. Endless ideas that can be distilled into a single tangible image. My focus is on helping the audience feel the emotion that exists on the page. I am interested in innovation, not just on the script level but also in every aspect of cinematography. I am excited about technological advancements that make image-making accessible and give outsiders a chance to showcase their perspectives and bring unique ideas to the table.

My interest in photography and writing as a teenager opened me up to the world of visual art. It was only after I worked on a couple of sets that I realized cinematography is where I felt I could find a voice. From there, film school, internships, and working with respected filmmakers have helped me hone my skills and work toward a career as a cinematographer. There are always challenges to an artistic career – financial instability, lack of infrastructure, finding the right connections, and strikes that shut the industry down. But it is important to have a support system and keep looking for ways to innovate to stay in the game.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely a trip down to the Venice Canals and Venice Beach. Santa Monica Pier for the tourist photos. Malibu beaches to relax. Griffith Park for a chill hike, Runyon Canyon for more intense ones. Din Tai Fung for a Xiao Long Bao dinner, All Day Baby for brunch. Happy Hour at Tabula Rasa. LACMA, Academy Museum, and the Getty for Art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to thank some people who’ve been incredible supports in the last couple of years – Sara Kinney, Andi Obarski, Jih-E Peng and Sandra Valde.

And of course, my family, without whom I would never be able to do any of this.

Website: akankshashyam.com

Instagram: @akankshashyam

Image Credits
Jared Hawkley Patrick Devaney Jazley Faith Melly Lee