Industry Insights: Isy Townsend

By Resonate | March 19, 2021

Words by Abbie Humphries

Photos by Isy Townsend

London-based photographer, Isy Townsend, has built her brand from the ground up; experimenting with stylistic choices and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. At the age of 21, she has already collaborated with some incredible artists, worked at some of the largest music venues in the country, and learnt what it takes to be a music photographer in such a demanding industry. After longingly scrolling through Isy’s website and Instagram, I spoke to her about how some of her projects came to be, what inspires her each day and how the pandemic has helped her grow.

Growing up, have you always been interested in photography or was it something that came to you later on in life?

I: When I discovered photography as a teenager, I started collecting NME magazines and decided my goal was to get one of my photos on the cover. Growing up I was a fangirl for a few bands and artists, and seeing photographers and videographers working alongside them and being in the pits is what drove me to want to be a music photographer. Every year you can set yourself goals and work with so many amazing artists. There’s adrenaline you experience when working in the pits among such talented people.

I carry my camera with me everywhere. In London you never know who you’re gonna bump into. I’ve got a couple of photos of Loyle Carner and it looks like I’ve worked with him, but in reality, I just went to his signing, got a few portraits of him and gave him my business card. My polaroid series was literally made from photographing artists I bumped into while at festivals.

How did you discover your style and what dictates the creative choices you make such as outlining, film effects and typography?

I: That’s definitely been my biggest obstacle to date. Before lockdown, I didn’t have a style and compared my work to a lot of what I saw on Instagram. I’d try to make my work like other photographers but wouldn’t like it because that’s not who I am. I’ve learnt it’s from drawing inspiration and messing about in editing to see what works. It’s an experimental process. So many people are working with film now too which is a great stylistic route and they’re trying to recreate works from talents such as Rosie Matheson.

“It really Is about getting your foot In the door with everyone”

You’ve worked with some incredible people so early on in your career – how has that come to be at such a young age? It seems like you have already made such a name for yourself.

I: When I was at college, I got in contact with a music video director. We met up for coffee, really bonded and he taught me the ins and outs of the industry. He got me my first photo pass and helped me get opportunities to build my portfolio, such as doing the BTS (behind the scenes) for a Cher Lloyd music video. I also signed up to be a GigWise photographer and started getting photo passes from them which helped incredibly. When I got to university I attended a masterclass to get a photo pass for a festival, and in meeting him I managed to get an internship with Closer Artists. They let me photograph their whole roster. I got to photograph James Bay at the Palladium which was mental! After the internship, they started managing me as a photographer. It really is about getting your foot in the door with everyone.

What’s been your favourite shoot? 

I: In September James Bay performed for The Late Late Show on the London Eye. We were in the pod for an hour going round and round taking pictures and watching him perform. I was so emotional after that experience. Those photos gave me a lot of exposure and sent some cool jobs my way. Working for Lily Moore at the Royal Albert Hall was amazing too. Getting to take the group photo at the end was an unreal feeling.

Lockdown may have slowed the industry right down but it hasn’t stopped you from collaborating with so many amazing talents. How has that worked? 

I: I saw online that a photographer from L.A was doing facetime shoots with models but hadn’t seen anyone doing it here. I use the FaceTime shutter button while on a call with an artist and Apple corrects the image quality to high. It’s helped me develop my photoshop skills because with photography  limitations I have to think creatively in the edit. Normally the first 20 minutes is  us getting to know each other, and I can get an idea about how adventurous I can make the concept. If they’re not sure about an idea I’ll show them inspiration from a mood board I’ll create for each different shoot. With the Declan McKenna shoot, he was literally doing DIY – some artists are happy to do whatever. The only downside is you have to have perfect lighting.

How long does it take to design and put a FaceTime piece together? 

I: The shoot usually lasts an hour, and then it depends on the artist as to how long the edit can take. With Thomas Headon’s shoot, it took me a day to edit because he was out in the Australian sun which made for great light and I had a good idea of what creative concepts I could try. The Declan ones however were a bit more time consuming as I had to think of a few ideas, print, cut, stick and teabag the prints in order to make these photos the best they can be. It’s all been such a learning curve.

What’s the plan post-covid? Have you got any big ideas or talent you’re set to work with?

I: I’ve got no plans right now because of restrictions and things being a bit unsure. Once I finish uni I will be able to be more active and push my work to different people. I was meant to work at Annie Mac’s Lost & Found festival in 2020, so would love to be able to actually get to that this year if possible. My next mission is to fully develop my videography skills to be able to be a photographer and videographer in one and hopefully go on tour. I’ll likely continue with the Facetime shoots – I want it to be something I’m renowned for. They’re so much fun and I think it normalises the artist seeing them in their home, and gives me the opportunity to shoot people worldwide even when I can’t be physically with them.

Check out Isy’s website here.

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