Shana Leigh
My grandmother instilled photography in me at an early age. She was always documenting family memories with film photography at the same time my aunt was usually capturing home video footage. It's no surprise I took an interest in storytelling, pursuing film in college and then photojournalism. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in visual communications, focused in multimedia, I set off to pursue a multitude of interests before I settled into my photography. Music photography was something that I found in time, as I found myself.
The pursuit of music photography and working with artists led me to shooting festivals like Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Pilgrimage, Floydfest and Boonerang where I made lasting connections with friends and artists in the industry. From there I began writing for Americana Highways and shooting shows that I wanted to document and write about, like Billy Strings, Zach Bryan and Ray Lamontagne. Music photography quickly became the bulk of my photography interest as I craved connecting with the music, and the artists that make it. After receiving my first photo credit for Rolling Stone, for my shot of Morgan Wade at Floydfest in 2022, I knew I was on the right path.
I made the leap to Nashville, TN in January of 2023 and have been carving out my plan as I book artist portrait sessions, shoot backstage candid's and live performances around the city and beyond. I feel fortunate to tell the stories of the artists we admire. I'm creating a home here, with my two boys, two cats and Australian Shepherd. It's about balance and presence for me right now as I embrace this world of music and plant myself a part of it.