Crafting Creative Magic with Naomi VDS

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer McCord (Massive fan girl moment for me). Jen is an internationally recognised photographer and director whose work is deeply rooted in emotion, intimacy, and authentic storytelling. Jennifer shares her journey from shooting local gigs to crafting images that tell profound human stories, balancing her creative life across London, Los Angeles, and New York. And all around amazing human and next level creative. Topics discussed: Jennifer discusses her distinct style, which focuses on intimacy and real emotion The transition from music photography to Editorial work Creative life and challenges while working internationally (London, LA, NY) Finding and maintaining genuine connections with subjects Her very exciting personal project: Bronc Girls - https://www.instagram.com/p/DAwBwxBtHTG/?hl=en&img_index=1 Jennifer’s advice for emerging photographers and visual storytellers A podcast about Jens' life/earlier years: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jennifer-mccord-on-capturing-the-power-of-intimacy-bonus/id1517299820?i=1000676189867 Artist mention : [ in order ] Annie Leibovitz : https://www.vogue.com/contributor/annie-leibovitz Adam Elmakia: https://elmakias.tumblr.com/post/40374085757 Connect with Jennifer McCord: https://www.instagram.com/jrcmccord/?hl=en www.jennifermccordphoto.com Contect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cydneebrook/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cydneebrook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cydneebrook #PhotographyPodcast #CreativeJourney #StorytellingThroughPhotography #JenniferMcCord #BehindTheLens #PhotographyCommunity #ArtistLife #CreativeConversations #EmotionalStorytelling #Testing123Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Isha Shah, a multi-talented creative who has immersed herself in the UK’s music and arts scene from an early age. From being an emo kid watching the Kerrang! Awards to touring with Enter Shikari and working at nearly every major UK festival, Isha’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We dive deep into how she “fell” into the industry (though, in hindsight, it all makes perfect sense), her passion for giving creatives a platform, and the formation of Roots Creatives—a networking hub connecting artists, photographers, musicians, and creatives across the UK. Isha also takes us behind the scenes of tour life, sharing what it’s like to be the only woman on the road for a week-long tour, the mental toll it can take, and the rewarding moments that make it all worth it. What We Cover in This Episode: 🎶 Isha’s journey from a teenage music fan to an established name in the creative industry 📸 The importance of documenting live music and how it shaped her career 🎤 How she carved her own path despite having little initial opportunity 🚐 Life on tour: the highs, the challenges, and what it’s really like behind the scenes 🌍 Why giving back to the creative community is so important to her 🛠️ The formation of Roots Creatives and how it’s helping UK artists connect and grow More About Isha Shah: A force in London’s creative scene, Isha is best known for capturing live music, culture, and events through her unique lens. But her talents go beyond photography—she’s also an expert in radio, events, podcasting, videography, and social media, making her a true creative powerhouse. Her impressive client list includes: 📸 Mahalia, Jax Jones, Mr Eazi, Lewis Capaldi, Maya Jama, Miguel, Oh Wonder 🏆 Interscope, Nike, Adidas, Apple Music, Durex In addition to her work with global brands, Isha founded Roots Creatives, a networking collective designed to bring creators together, encourage collaboration, and help artists grow their personal projects. Connect with Isha: 📸 Instagram: @ishashahphotography @rootscreatives @workwithisha @platformldn @talkswcreatives 📩 For collaborations, inquiries, or just to say hello, email: ✉️ [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by the multi-talented Naomi VDS, a creative powerhouse in videography, editing, and directing. Naomi shares how her passion for visual storytelling and her keen eye for detail have shaped her career. She dives into her love for fostering good vibes on set, the importance of clear communication, and how her self-sufficient approach—shooting and editing everything with her own gear—has made her work truly unique. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of thriving in the music and creative industries, and Naomi offers advice for aspiring creatives looking to turn their vision into reality. Check out Naomi’s stunning portfolio and connect with her: 🎥 Instagram: @naomi.videographer 📸 Instagram: @naomivds 📧 [email protected] Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creativity, collaboration, and building a career in the visual arts!

On this episode of Testing 1 2 3, our guest is Sophia Carey, a UK-based freelance photographer with a passion for working across multiple photography fields, especially music photography. With years of experience and a diverse portfolio of clients, Sophia brings a fresh perspective to the conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the freelance lifestyle. Join us as we explore her journey in the industry, her thoughts on photography trends, and how she stays active and engaged with her audience through social media. Sophia also shares her insights into managing different genres of photography, building client relationships, and navigating the fast-paced freelance world. Topics Covered: Sophia’s start in the world of music photography and her growth as a freelancer Finding your niche and style Tips for balancing creativity with business when working with diverse clients Social media as a tool for connection and growth in the creative space Advice for aspiring freelance photographers on managing work and staying inspired Follow Sophia Carey: Website: https://www.sophiacarey.co.uk/ Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiajcarey/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophiajcarey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sophiacarey Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-carey/ Whether you're just starting out in photography or looking for inspiration from a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights and advice you won't want to miss!

Welcome to Testing 1, 2, 3—the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the live music industry. Hosted by Me - Cydnee Brook a music photographer, this show gives you an insider’s view into the stories, struggles, and successes of the creatives who make it all happen. Whether you're aiming to break into the industry, curious about backstage life, or just love hearing from talented pros, each episode delivers inspiring conversations with photographers, producers, artists, and more. From grassroots venues to major festivals, we uncover the real stories of the music world. Subscribe for insightful interviews, insider tips, and plenty of passion—all in Testing 1, 2, 3.