Abhishek Shukla is an accomplished photographer in the Indian scene, renowned for his distinct visual language in the music and culture industries. What began as a hobby evolved into a career defined by storytelling behind the lens, drawing inspiration from masters like Zakary Walters, Rudger Geerling, and Auditya Venkatesh. Shukla’s signature aesthetic is evident in his documentation of concerts, nightlife, and cultural moments.
His extensive portfolio includes collaborations with major entities like Apple, Porsche, Puma, and Adidas, and documentation of premier events such as Boiler Room, Vh1 Supersonic, and Magnetic Fields Festival. His published work has been featured in leading platforms, including Forbes India, Rolling Stone India, and Vogue India. He currently serves as the Head of Content for Echoes of Earth Festival. In a conversation with us, he tells us about his journey so far.
1) How did you get into photography/videography for music specifically?
Honestly, I always wanted to do something artistic as a kid and in 2011/12, I started shooting some club gigs and volunteer as a photographer for events. It slowly just started with me hanging around gigs and DJ friends. I loved the energy and process of shooting a gig. Slowly one thing led to another, from small club shows to festivals, I realized this is where I feel at home.
2) You’ve mentioned Zakary Walters, Rutger Geerling, and Auditya Venkatesh as inspirations. What specific aspects of their work influenced your own unique visual style?
During college, I always admired Auditya Venkatesh as a photographer and was very fascinated by his work, he was the first photographer that I religiously followed. Then came Rutger Geerling who was a pioneer of Electronic festival photography. Over the years I was fortunate enough to meet and get to know them, and ultimately get inspired by their work. Zakary Walters has been an inspiration on how he shoots bands and artists with fineness and emotion.
3) You’ve shot a wide range of festivals, from major events like Vh1 Supersonic and Sunburn Festival to more niche ones like Magnetic Fields Festival. How does your approach change depending on the size or genre of the festival?
For festivals like Sunburn or SuperSonic, it’s all about scale – wide crowd shots, lights, fireworks, just that “wow” factor. Smaller festivals like Magnetic Fields are more intimate, so I focus on the details – the people, the culture, the vibe of the space. Each aspect needs a different lens, literally and creatively.
4) Looking at your extensive list of collaborations, is there a particular brand, artist, or event that stands out as a personal highlight and why?
Oh there are many artists, brands and festivals that have been a personal highlight but I will never forget that time when I shot Skrillex at Humming Tree in 2015 and even got an opportunity to speak to him one on one.
5) What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned about the music industry by being a photographer?
It’s way more about people than it looks. The connections you make with artists, crew, even the attendees is what keeps things moving. Huge stages are cool, but it’s the community that makes the industry tick.
6) How do you balance your creative vision with the specific needs of a client, whether it’s a festival or a brand?
It’s like a collaboration. They have their goals, I have my style, and we find that sweet spot where both work together. That way the final product looks authentic but still does its job.
7) How important is social media in your work? Do you see it as a tool for marketing and networking, or as an artistic platform in its own right?
Both, honestly. It is a tool for marketing and networking but I have always been a person who believes in word of mouth to be a great medium as well. And social media is great to put together and a good medium of communication.
8) What are your thoughts on the role of a photographer in the digital age, where everyone has a camera in their pocket? How do you maintain a sense of value and uniqueness in your work?
I personally have a love/hate relationship with having a great camera in our pocket. I know it will take some time for phone cameras to be as advanced as professional camera, especially in events and nightlife space.
9) What’s a concert or festival you haven’t had a chance to shoot yet but would love to, and why?
I don’t have one answer to that! It can be Coachella Valley, Glastonbury or Lollapalooza Chicago. Top 3 hands down! Just for the culture and music.
10) Who are some of your favourite photographers/videographers in the Indian scene?
This is a tough one!! There are a bunch of talented people in the country. Not only photographer and videographers, it’s also video editors like Rithvik AR, Akash Oswal, Varspective, Bitupan, Paritosh, Dhruv Bhende, Dev, Shoiab, Ritvik, Gunjan Chari, Fardad, Kritin, Preet, the list goes on!!
11) What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring photographer who wants to make a career in the music industry?
Start small. Shoot every gig you can. Be consistent. Don’t chase the big festivals right away, build relationships and sharpen your craft. If you genuinely love it, opportunities will find you.
