Behind the Lens with Women in Photography: Chalisa Singh
As a part of our mini Q & A series, we want to incorporate stories from across the South Asian diaspora and we aim to cover a variety of topics and industries. This edition of our series features Chalisa Singh, a talented photographer and creative director.
What are your inspirations when it comes to photography?
Honestly, I'd say life, human connection, and art itself inspire me a lot. Those things definitely get my creative juices flowing. I am always attracted to colors, lights/shadows, and movements that I see on a daily basis. I am a sucker for a great color palette. Aside from commissioned work I also document a lot for personal enjoyment and sometimes I will get ideas that I can bring into a project. I definitely pull inspiration from movies - I like to mood board with still images from films. I also love a good browse on Pinterest, Instagram, and other creatives' portfolios. People are so talented and sometimes their talent inspires me enough.
2. How did you discover your style?
“I am always discovering/reworking my style, but I'd say I have a very tasteful/cinematic, warm approach to my style.”
I am a HUGE film nerd and I think that influences my vision/output heavily. I draw a lot of inspiration from movies and short films. I prefer natural, film-like tones mixed with a little bit of grit when I am in the editing process. I also love capturing movement in still images. I've been told I have a very "indie" style if that makes sense.
3. What is the most important part of your photography process?
Aside from making sure that I am prepared for a project, the most important part of my process is definitely the connection I create with the crew and talent.
“It is very important to me that I create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and can be their most creative selves.”
It's all about collaboration at the end of the day, and I want it to feel like that on every and any set I work on. From a more technical standpoint - observing lighting is also very important to the process.
4. What are your dreams or goals for your career in the future?
I simply just love creating and creative-focused projects. I love the process of pulling ideas, putting a project together, collaborating, and seeing it come to life from beginning to end.
“When I was young I would create short films in my parent's basement, I would film my travels and put together an edit that I would then present to my family, and I would photograph my friends and local concerts to build my portfolio.”
I always say I wear many hats in this industry because as a creative you can be so many things. Aside from photography, I am also a creative director, producer, and editor. My hope for the future is to continue to be brought on to projects for my style, vision, the way I lead, and the way I execute a project. I hope that all the projects I am a part of are creatively fulfilling no matter how big or small. My goal is to continue making a name for myself and my business as a creative in this industry. I do have dreams of writing and directing my own film one day as well as being brought on to documentary projects. I'd also love to create a sort of coffee table book curated with favorite images of my personal work, my writings, and doodles.
5. How has your identity shaped your vision for work, and for your life?
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I'd say embracing the female gaze has definitely shaped my work.
“I have been in this space for a while now and to this day I'm usually still one of the only females in the room or on a set.”
Rather than being intimidated by it, I think it pushed me to be more confident in myself and my work. This is something I have worked hard for and really want, and I deserve to take up that space as well. That's sort of my mindset on all things I want to achieve in life.
