Today we’d like to introduce you to Hrishi Shah
Hi Hrishi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Journey: From Sketches to Stories – A Passion for Storytelling Through Filmmaking, Fashion Photography, and Music
Since I was a child, I’ve always had an innate passion for storytelling through art. My early years were spent sketching—portraits, scenes, and anything that captured my imagination. There was something about putting pencil to paper that allowed me to express emotions and narratives that words could never quite reach.
Alongside my love for sketching, my interest in films, music, and fashion grew. Music, in particular, became a gateway to another world for me. Every time I listened to a song, vivid visual frames would run through my mind—scenes, colors, movements. It felt as though there was an entire story unfolding within me. But one thing always left me feeling incomplete: when I came across a song without visuals to accompany it, the story felt unfinished. It was then that I began to experiment with the idea of pairing images with music to bring the music to life in my own unique way.
I took those visual ideas and started crafting them, merging pictures with the flow of my favorite songs. What started as a simple pastime quickly evolved into something I couldn’t stop doing. The process of combining visuals with music was exhilarating—it was like breathing life into something intangible, turning abstract emotions into something people could see and feel. This experience not only ignited my passion for visual storytelling but also laid the foundation for what would become my drive to live each day with passion.
As my confidence grew, I took a leap of faith and decided to pick up a camera. I wasn’t formally trained, but I had watched countless films, music videos, and other forms of media that provided a kind of informal education. I wanted to learn and refine my craft, so I immersed myself in the world of filmmaking, capturing images and motion to create narratives.
Through self-learning and countless hours of experimentation, I found my true voice in film and photography. What started as an interest in visuals grew into a deeper mission: I wanted to tell stories that not only celebrated the art of visual storytelling but also championed the beauty and strength of women. My passion evolved into a desire to create content that empowered women, celebrated their crafts, and uplifted their spirits.
I found that fashion portrait films and music videos were the perfect mediums to express this vision. In every frame, I sought to capture the strength, grace, and power of women—stories that not only showcased their beauty but also their resilience, creativity, and passion. My goal is to elevate women, to give them the power they deserve, and to make sure their voices are heard and celebrated.
This journey, from the sketchbooks of my childhood to the camera lens today, has been about more than just creating images. It’s been about crafting stories—stories that speak to the heart, challenge perceptions, and make a lasting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Journey of Passion and Persistence: Navigating Challenges in the Creative World
Any artistic journey driven by passion is rarely easy or straightforward. For me, the connection with like-minded individuals and fellow creative souls came naturally, as I’ve always thrived in environments where creativity flourishes. I love learning from others and exchanging ideas—networking and collaborating with people who share the same drive has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.
However, the real challenge lay in balancing my passion for art with my daily responsibilities. My IT job, family life, and creative pursuits required constant juggling. During the day, I worked full-time in IT, and after finishing household chores and spending quality time with my family, I would dedicate late-night hours to conceptualizing, learning, and editing my work. Many nights, I found myself working until the early hours of the morning, driven by the desire to improve and create. Although this took a toll on my health, I gradually found a balance that allowed me to manage both my personal and professional life more effectively.
As time passed, I found myself spending increasingly more time doing what I loved—filming and photography. But another significant challenge emerged: changing people’s perceptions of my work, skills, and the value of my time. When I first started, my motivations were purely passion-driven; I never created content for money, only to pursue my love for films and visuals. However, as I continued to develop my craft, it became clear that these creative endeavors required not only significant time and effort but also a recognition of their value. I realized that to continue growing, it made sense to start charging for my time and expertise.
With a growing body of work and positive word-of-mouth, people began to appreciate my skills and creativity. Slowly but surely, I transitioned from collaborating on passion projects to taking on paid gigs and projects. Through this process, I had the privilege of working with a diverse range of artists from all walks of life, each contributing their unique perspective and energy to my journey.
This evolution—balancing passion, skill, time, and recognition—has been anything but easy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What Sets Me Apart: A Unique Blend of Artistry and Precision
My journey is one of duality—balancing the analytical precision of the IT world with the creativity and passion of film-making. By day, I thrive in the complexities of the IT industry, leveraging my technical expertise to solve problems and streamline systems. But it is in my spare time that my true passion comes to life. As a freelancer in the world of videography, I dedicate countless hours crafting visual stories that illuminate the human experience and celebrate the beauty of life.
This intersection of technology and artistry gives me a unique advantage: I approach every project with both a creative and technical mindset. The precision I bring from the IT field allows me to refine the artistic process, while my creative pursuits keep me grounded in the power of storytelling. Above all, my work carries a sense of purpose, as I strive to convey meaningful social messages through every frame.
Along my journey, I have experienced a series of proud moments—from performing small edits to collaborating with talented artists and capturing unforgettable events. But perhaps what I am most proud of is finding harmony between my professional IT career and my deep love for creative expression. This balance allows me to stay connected with music and a community of like-minded, passionate individuals who share my love for art and creativity.
What truly sets me apart is my unwavering passion for film-making. Every project I take on is more than just a job—it’s a labor of love, filled with emotion, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to creating something special. Whether it’s capturing the raw beauty of a landscape, the energy of a live event, or the intimate moments of a portrait or music video, I have a knack for capturing moments that resonate deeply with audiences.
My portfolio reflects the diversity of my work—showcasing my ability to adapt to various styles and subjects while maintaining a distinct artistic voice. Through my dedication to storytelling, I create visual narratives that engage and inspire, and I am proud to see my work resonate with audiences worldwide.
Hrishi’s work transcends borders, earning accolades and features in various competitions and festivals both domestically and internationally. His films have been showcased in multiple events, gaining recognition for their innovative approach and storytelling prowess. Each feature serves as a testament to Hrishi’s commitment to excellence and his ability to connect with audiences from different cultures and backgrounds. He has filmed numerous fashion shows, playing a key role in events like New York Fashion Week, Minnesota Swim Week, and Milan Fashion Week, where he was honored with the Best Photographer/Videographer award for NYFW Runway7 in September 2023. His talents extend to writing and filming a variety of projects, such as music videos, fashion portrait films, pre-wedding films, and short films.
His work often carries a powerful yet understated message for the community, serving a purpose that highlights and promotes awareness of societal issues such as Mental Health, LGBTQ rights, Women’s Education, Domestic Abuse, Responsible Driving, Peace, etc. He has collaborated with numerous Non-Profit organizations, including IAM – India Association of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN), SEWA (Minneapolis, MN), and Sahaas (Orange County, CA).
His forthcoming short film on Mental Health, titled “I am brOKen,” is a passion project that earned him a Creative Individual grant from the State of Minnesota.
What sets Hrishi apart from many is his unwavering passion for Film Making. Each project he undertakes is a labor of love, infused with emotion and authenticity. Whether he is filming a stunning landscape, a lively event, or an intimate portrait, Hrishi has a knack for capturing moments that speak to the heart.
His portfolio reflects an impressive array of work, showcasing his ability to adapt to different styles and subjects while maintaining a signature artistic touch. Hrishi’s commitment to storytelling through visual media enables him to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences around the world.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with creative, open-minded individuals. I thrive in environments where ideas flow freely and where everyone is encouraged to contribute their unique perspective. Throughout the creative process, I give my best effort, constantly striving to not only meet expectations but exceed them. I believe in making the journey enjoyable—fostering an atmosphere of learning, growth, and improvement each day. Ultimately, I aim to create content that resonates deeply, something that I can look back on with pride and that brings a smile to others. It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the shared experience of bringing something meaningful to life together.
I have been blessed to have been an integral part of Miss World America Pageant capturing the entire process, journey and crowning of all the contestants 2024. Also I was invited to capture the 4 days of Runway 7 New York Fashion Week winning an award for best photographer / videographer Sept 2023. Also have been a part of the MN Swim Week capturing. I feel so lucky to have worked many amazing artists like Abhijit Pohankar (Maestro of fusion Music), Mannara Chopra (Actor), Hidayat Hussain Khan (Maestro of Sitar), Pooja Goswami Pavan (Classical Sufi Singer), KaatWalk (Folk & Rock writer, singer & composer), Kalpana Gandharv ( Bollywood singer), Akanksha Grover (Ghazal-Sufi singer), Madhubanti Bagchi (Ghazal-sufi singer), Mahal Studio Music (Indian Fusion Music Creator), Simien Xavier (Singer & Composer Fuzon Band), Gorinka Music (Ghazal & Sufi Singer), Mira Babal (a prodigy singer) to name a few.
Looking toward the future, Hrishi Shah continues to aim higher. His ambition to evolve as a filmmaker drives him to explore new genres and techniques, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and self-improvement. He dreams of producing feature-length films that tell powerful stories and inspire change, using his platform to champion voices often unheard.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Hrishi remains focused on staying true to his artistic vision while embracing new technologies and trends in Film making. His journey is a reminder that when passion fuels our profession, we create not just for ourselves, but for a community that longs for connection and meaning.
Hrishi Shah is not just a Film Maker; he is a storyteller, a collaborator, and an innovator. His dual life as an IT professional and passionate artist is a testament to the power of following one’s passions. With his unique perspective and dedication to his craft, Hrishi continues to inspire those around him, reminding us all of the importance of pursuing what we love. As he captures life through his lens, he weaves a tapestry of stories that invite us to see the world in a new light—one frame at a time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartistic_soul/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/heARTisticSoulHrishiShah
