Based in London, Shot by Nee is a dynamic south asian photographer specialising in capturing the essence of artists and celebrities. Known for her striking use of colour, her work stands out in the music industry, bringing vibrancy and depth to every frame.
Most recently, she has been on tour with Burna Boy as his official photographer, documenting electrifying moments on stage and behind the scenes. Beyond touring, Nee has an impressive portfolio of press photographs, EP and album covers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content for well-known artists.
Her inspiration lies in capturing moments and memories that can't necessarily be relieved but can be reminisced upon through photographs. With a keen eye for storytelling and a signature visual style, Nee continues to shape the way music and artists are seen through her lens, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Photo courtesy of Shot by Nee
Let me start by introducing myself- I am Shot By Nee, I’m a London-based music photographer, and over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of your favourite artists- from capturing BTS moments, shooting single covers and being on tour with Burna Boy. My work is rooted in storytelling but I am especially drawn to the energy, colour, and emotion that live music brings. Like many others, I started with no knowledge and no plan- just a desire to combine my love of music and photography.
1. Early days: the first steps
When I first picked up a camera and stepped into a music venue, I had no idea where it would take me. What I did know was that I loved music, I loved photography, and I wanted to find a way to combine the two. Getting started as a music photographer can feel overwhelming-especially when you're staring at empty inboxes, dealing with rejection and being booked for gigs that don’t pay. It can sometimes feel like you are getting nowhere, but every small step counts, and in this post, I want to share a few things that I have learned and have helped shape my journey.
Photo courtesy of Shot by Nee
2. Small gigs, big lessons
My first opportunities came through smaller gigs in small venues, unsigned artists and using connections I already had. It’s important to note that they were almost always unpaid. I was so determined to create that I would shoot on my iPhone 8 and edit on VSCO and then upload them to Instagram. There wasn’t a plan back then, but there was passion. These early moments were probably the hardest gigs I’ve had to shoot however they were invaluable for learning how to shoot in tricky lighting, move around a crowd (there either was no pit or I didn't have pit access), and anticipate the energy of the live performance.
3. How to get a photo pass
But what are the steps to getting a photo pass? Early on, I applied for photo passes through many forms-Instagram DM’s, emailing the venue directly or emailing the artist’s management. Although they weren’t paid opportunities, it was a way in and sometimes that’s all you need. Nowadays, I get booked by the artist directly and if I don’t and I want to shoot the show, I will apply through a publication or the promoter. It’s still not 100% guaranteed that you will get in as some artists don’t allow press or have a closed pit. Don’t be discouraged by rejections. Editors are flooded with requests, but persistence matters. Keep applying, keep shooting, and build a portfolio that proves you’re serious.
Photo courtesy of Shot by Nee
4. Learning when to say yes - and no
At the beginning, saying "yes" to everything felt natural and in many ways, it was the right thing to do. I shot unpaid gigs, festivals etc. not for the money, but for the experience. It gave me a chance to practice and hone in and refine my skills. It enabled me to build a portfolio which led me to get other gigs and also taught me the importance of networking.
That being said, it’s just as important to learn when to start saying no! Once you’ve built up a solid body of work, know your worth. You’ve probably heard the saying ‘Exposure doesn't pay bills’ and it rings very true. Your time, gear, and talent have value. You have to find a balance. Say yes when it’s a stepping stone or if it’s (an artist you really want to see), not when it’s a dead end.
As I mentioned, networking and relationships are so important to your growth as a music photographer. The music industry thrives on relationships. Some of my best opportunities have come from people I met early on- not necessarily the biggest names, but the ones who were growing, just like I was. They may not even come from just the managers etc., speak to everyone on sets/at shows and plug yourself. You never know which connection might open a door for you. Upload your images so that people can see your work, if you’re not posting whilst you’re still building connections, people will forget you. Tag artists in your posts and follow up with a message. Keep in mind that respect and consistency go a long way.
Photo courtesy of Shot by Nee
5. Create your own opportunities
One thing that helped me stand out early was creating my own opportunities. I reached out to artists directly and also directors/producers etc. I’d ask if they wanted new press shots, portraits, or behind-the-scenes content. These shoots helped me diversify my portfolio and gave me a chance to explore different avenues in the music photography industry. Even now, I still believe in self-initiated work. It keeps the creativity flowing and shows others that you’re proactive and invested in your craft. I still shoot some unpaid shows for press/publications to put on my portfolio in the hope that I might get an opportunity from it.
Instagram played a big role in getting my work seen. I treated my feed like a portfolio, curated with intention. Social media is a great tool to aid growth and opportunity. Engage with others in your field. Social media isn’t just about numbers; it’s about visibility and connection.
The truth is: this field takes time. You might shoot dozens of shows before anyone really notices. You might get ‘ghosted’ by publications or ignored by artists. But if you stay consistent, stay kind, and keep improving, the right people will take notice. Every gig is a chance to learn. Every photo is a step forward. Keep going, the momentum builds before you even realise it.
