Meet Isabel Dowell | Music Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel Dowell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Going out of my comfort zone. I think taking this step has really transformed my photography and has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise. This manifests in sending late night emails, running up to an artist at a festival and asking to take their portait, or conducting interviews with musicians to get to know them better. I’ve decided that the worst that can happen is they say no, or just don’t answer, but other than that why not give it a shot? It’s taken me a lot of time and trial and error to make this happen and sometimes I still let my self-esteem get the best of me; but, I really try and push myself to go the extra step in order to get the perfect photo, connect with creatives, and accomplish what I set out to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography centers around music, film, and portraits. I have been working in the music scene for almost six years now, but have been doing photography for close to a decade. Right now my music photography is what I’m most proud of. I recently went on tour for the first time and just started my own music publication called Thirteen Magazine (@thirteenthemag on Instagram). I’ve been really trying to have fun with it lately and it’s exciting to see the opportunities present themselves. I’m not sure if this is a cop out answer, but I really couldn’t tell you exactly how I got to where I am. I’ve taken a lot of random chances, got turned down many times, made a lot of connections, and just tried and continue to try and do what makes me happy. My biggest advice is to always put your entire effort into every person you work with. For me, whether it’s AJR or Greta Van Fleet or a local Grand Rapids band, I treat them exactly the same and offer them the same services. It wasn’t easy and it never gets easier. I always struggle with rejections and comparing myself to others, but I try and hold onto my favorite images and remember the compliments I have gotten and the people who support me to the very end.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a little extra credit to a local Grand Rapids band I’ve been working with called Low Phase. We met just over a year ago and we all clicked immediately. I’ve photographed the cover of their single, “Smokescreen”, I went on tour with them, and we’ve just gotten to do a lot of cool things together than I’m super grateful for. They are always willing to put up with my craziest of ideas and I am eternally grateful for their kindness and support.

Website: isabelelise.com

Instagram: instagram.com/isabelelisephoto