Harmony of Lenses: How Music Shapes Jade’s work

Harmony of Lenses: How Music Shapes Jade’s work

‘ I like telling a story in the work that I make, showing the impact something has, and I think music brings people together to experience something that they have all found a connection in, and you can see it on their faces, and the artists faces.‘

-Music seems to feature a lot in your work, why is that?

Music has been a part of my life from being very young, it’s always been a way to connect with people. I didn’t realise until much later that cameras did something similar for me, I loved taking photos on my disposables and little digi cams as a kid, making scrapbooks and photo albums in the early 00s and I guess both of these things came together when I started taking photos at live music events. Initially it was just as a hobby, a bit of fun. Eventually it developed into me working with artists and local venues and now it’s a huge part of what I do and what has developed my practice in photography and videography.

-How has the music scene in the UK influenced your photography?

I think it’s safe to say it has everything to do with influencing my work. I studied Journalism which gave me some learnings in cameras and capturing images, but nothing too in depth, so I’d comfortably say that the UK music scene has heavily influenced my photography. It taught me most of what I know in using a camera, in framing a shot, understanding how to respond to light, and in capturing moments of pure emotion. I like telling a story in the work that I make, showing the impact something has, and I think music brings people together to experience something that they have all found a connection in, and you can see it on their faces, and the artists faces. You have to be in the right place at the right time and in tune with the music to capture the special moments and I love that, I think the UK music scene in particular is very interactive and responsive, and so it makes for really great photos of people in their element, with their feelings on display.

-What was the moment in your journey when it clicked that you wanted to experience and present life through lenses?

I wish I had one of those cool stories, a turning point, a singular clear moment where you realise that’s the thing you want to do, but I think I was just always a creative kid, I love visual arts and storytelling, I loved documentary styles and capturing real life in a magical sort of way, so I think that’s where it all started and cameras ended up being the tool I chose to do this. I will say however that from a young age I loved seeing old family photos, something about the fact it’s a moment from history staring right back at you comforts me.

I loved seeing my grandparents as young people, and the idea of being able to do that for future generations brings me joy. Equally I always wanted to do something that had an impact, that can change something, even if it’s a small change, and after studying documentary photography and filmmaking I realised that I could do that from behind a lens.

-How would you describe your journey so far?

I love the journey I’ve been on, that’s not to say it was easy or that I always knew this would work out but sitting here now and reflecting I love what it has brought me. No matter how turbulent life can be, I know that I can grab my camera and I enter a zone. It gives me a sense of purpose when I’m out in the world. Even when I don’t feel like going out, I always feel better for having been out there taking photos/film. It’s brought me some incredible experiences, friends and memories.

-How did growing up in the UK affect your vision as a photographer?

I grew up in a very working class household, to a single mum (who is a total hero) on a council estate just outside of Leeds, Yorkshire, UK. I think this had a huge impact on me as a person and an artist, it’s what made me want to tell stories and stand up for situations that don’t feel right, for people who don’t have a voice. I recognise now that I was very privileged even in this situation, being a white cis person who had a very loving and supportive family, none the less there were times I felt like I was misunderstood, underestimated, not heard or seen less than from a class perspective and I watched it happen around me. It’s given me a drive to get out there and tell stories, to give people a voice, it’s why I studied Journalism and Documentary so I could create platforms for people to express themselves and their situations. Music, I always saw as a place of relief and just loved being around it, it’s always been a form of expression that I have admired and wished I had the extroverted personality to do on stage. So being around it I suppose was always a way of living vicariously through the artist.

-Have you always been a visual person with a form of creative expression?

Very much so, drawing, painting, photos, hands on tactile things. I remember painting a whole mural in my bedroom when I was a kid.I’m so grateful to have had a parent, grandparents and teachers who supported and encouraged self expression through whatever means. I think that’s so important as a kid.

-Is there a purpose that drives your work?

As I mentioned earlier, a drive to give people a voice and to tell their stories is a huge purpose for me, but also just to capture moments, the real ones, the beautiful ones, the sad ones, having something in picture or film form gives it physical presence once it’s passed and I love that. I’m lucky enough now to do this as my job and sometimes these purposes can be overshadowed by a need to pay the bills, but I try to make sure I’m always working on something that fulfils that purpose and drive, whether thats a paid or passion project.

-What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?

When I feel like this, I usually try not to force it. I think this happens more when you do creative work, creativity isn’t something that just happens. I think it flows through us in some way and I think to do it day in day out can be draining, and that’s what a lot of creative jobs want. It was harder when I worked for a company, now I’m my own boss I have a bit more flexibility. I usually just take time to do things I know ground me and bring me back to myself, things that aren’t creating. Running, yoga, journalling, reading, cooking good food, and being outside in nature. Things that take me out of my head. To get inspiration I love looking at old photographers and filmmakers, and really being present with their work. I imagine them making it, and what they’re thinking and feeling in doing that. It makes me want to get out there and create like they did.

-Are there times where you know you have captured something special the moment you clicked the shutter? And do you ever feel connected to certain photographs before you take them?

For sure. It depends on the shoot and set up, if it’s a studio space I usually get a feel for it as soon as the lighting is right and the set is right and you start to get that buzz about what you’re about to shoot, whereas in live music situations, it’s much more volatile and not in your control. You really feel it the moment you’ve seen it through the view finder and hit that shutter button, and honestly it’s so exciting, in those moments I can’t wait to get back and edit them. I think that feeling is one of the big reasons I love shooting live music.

-Do you have a favourite photo that you’ve taken?

Wow this is hard. You’re obviously super critical of your own work but I do have a couple that stick with me and usually it’s because of the situation as well as the photo; Frank Carter @ Bearded Theory 2022, Film Photo from Washington DC 2022, The Wombats @ Rock City 2022, LUSAINT Music Video BTS 2024

Apparently 2022 was my year!

-Last but not least, if all the nations of the world got rid of borders, what do you think people would follow? Art, music or food? And where would they go

This is a tough question. I think all three of these things are connected. I think all 3 are a part of survival at their very core. We all need food to survive, and we all need a way to express ourselves, a place to voice our thoughts and opinions and visions, and a way to be creative. I think if borders and boundaries are eradicated (where everyone had access to all of these things in an ideal world) all three of these can be forms of communication and art in themselves.

Where they would go? I can’t speak for everyone, but I do have a strong belief that deep down everyone needs to be connected to nature and their own heritage. I think people would look to find a place that grounds them and routes them in their own stories, that’s where people find inspiration and purpose.

ManicWorld Magazine

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